Â
This step by step diy woodworking project is about a simple 5 ft porch swing plans. I have designed this super simple porch swing, as an alternative to my already popular porch swing plans, which you can see here. This porch doesn’t have a center console, as I wanted to keep things simple. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Â
Â
Projects made from these plans
Â
Â
It’s that simple to build a porch swing!
Â
Â
Simple 5 ft Porch Swing Plans
Â
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 23 1/2″ long SEAT SUPPORTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21 1/2″ long BACK SUPPORTS
- C – 22 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 60″, 2 pieces – 57″ long SLATS
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10″ long, 2 pieces – 10 1/4″ long SUPPORTS
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long ARMRESTS
- 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 12 piece of 1×2 lumber – 10′
- 2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
- hanging kit
- chain kit
- cupholder
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
Related
Â
Â
How to build a porch swing
The first step of the project is to build the supports for the seats. As you can easily see in the diagram, you first need to make the curved cuts to the 2×4 slats using a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Continue the project by cutting the backrest supports from 2×4 lumber. Use a circular saw to make the cuts to the supports, as shown in the diagram.
Next, you need to assemble the frames for the porch swing. Clamp the components together after aligning the edges as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through both components and insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts.
Lay the frames on a level surface and align the edges, as shown above.
Next, fit the 1×2 slats to the seat of the porch swing. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly. You can leave space between the slats or you could just place them one next to the other. In the plans I have set a space of 1/4″ between the slats.
Fit the 1×2 slats to the backrest of the porch swing. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make some cuts to the two blue slats, so you can fit the armrests into place. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure them to the supports.
Use 2×4 lumber for the armrest supports. Mark the cut lines on the supports and then use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Next, you need to build the armrests. Mark the cut lines on the 2×4 slats and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and then drill the hole for the chain.
Fit the supports to the sides of the swing bench, as shown in the plans. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.
Next, attach the armrests to the supports. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
Insert the eye bolts for the chain. In addition, fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry for a few hours. Smooth the surface with sandpaper and apply a few coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the swing bench.
Attach the chain to the porch swing, as well as the hanging kit.
This porch swing is super easy to build and you can adjust its dimensions to suit your needs.
Make sure you take a look over the rest of my swing plans, as there are several alternatives if this is not what you are looking for.
If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project (slightly different design with re-engineered structure), in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.
Â
Â
This woodworking project was about simple 5 ft porch swing plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
Â
5 comments
Thanks
can’t figure out how to get the plans
Hello Phillip,
The plans are a part of the steps that are shown in this article. I know that they aren’t the plans that you’re probably thinking of but they’re still plans. You just have got to pay attention to each piece that has to have angles cut, the cuts used with a jig saw or band saw or even a scroll saw. Good luck with your future projects.
How can I print this article?
There is a START HERE button in the menu. You have there the instructions