This step by step woodworking project is about free porch swing plans. A wooden swing offers comfort when you want to relax after a day of hard work. Taking into account is an easy project, you should consider making one for the loved ones. Your friends and family will enjoy this space, as it has a beautiful appearance and adds value to your property. This spring project can be done in just an weekend, using common tools and materials. Don’t forget to take a look over my list of woodworking projects, as you might get more awesome ideas for your home. This project should only be the beginning of your DIY experience. After you design the wooden swing, you have to buy the materials required for the project, from your local diy store. Cedar, redwood or pine are good choices as they are resistant to rot and have an exquisite look. Work with good judgement and with attention, making sure you measure the components several times, before performing the cuts. Secure all the joints with wood screws or bolts, making sure you also increase their rigidity will wood glue.
Sand the wooden surfaces with sandpaper of different granulation. A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 20” long, one end cut at 15º SEAT SUPPORT B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 23” long, one end cut at 15º BACK SUPPORT C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber 55 1/2” long BRACES D – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber 11”, 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber 10 1/4”, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber 19” ARM RESTS E – 10 pieces of 2 1/2” galvanized wood screws EYE SCREWS F – 24 pieces of 1×2 lumber 60” long SLATS 3 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8′ 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8′ 23 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′ 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws 50 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses Building a wooden swing for your porch is a straight forward project if you use the right plans for your needs, as well as proper tools and carpentry techniques.
In order to get the job done properly, you should follow teh step by step instructions and take accurate measurements. Top Tip: Align all the component at both ends, before locking them with screws. Use a spirit level to level the seat and to plumb the sides of the porch swing. Make sure the corners of the seat frame are right-angled. First of all you need to build the seat supports, out of 2×3 or 2×4 lumber. As you can see in the image you could make a curved seat and cut it out with a jigsaw, using the pattern in the image. On the other hand, if you want to get the job done quickly, you could just cut one end of the support at 15º and round the opposite end. Smart Tip: Round the exposed edges with a router or a sand-block. Afterwards, you build the back support from 2×3 or 2×4 lumber, making sure you round one end and cut the opposite at 15º. Afterwards, notch the components, in order to lock together easily. Use a circular saw to make multiple cuts and clean teh recess with a chisel.
Add glue to enhance the bond of the joints, drill pilot holes and insert the carriage bolts. Countersink the head of the bolts, in order to obtain a neat look. Assemble the frame of the wooden swing. Therefore, cut three braces out of 2×3 or 2×4 lumber at the right size. Place the braces between the side components and align them thoroughly. Make sure teh corners are right-angled, using a carpentry square. Drill pilot holes trough the side components and insert the 3” wood screws in the braces. Work on a level surface, in order to get consistent results. After assembling the frame of the porch swing, you should build the armrests and install them into place. As you should notice in the image, you have to build several components and secure them to the seat and back supports. Build the frame of the armrests from 1×2 lumber and secure them to the supports. Drill pilot holes and insert the 3” wood screws. Add glue to enhance the bond of the joints. Build the slats from 1×2 lumber and install them into place.
Drill pilot holes and countersink them, before inserting the decking screws (2 1/2” screws). Align the slats making sure they overhang about 3/4” on both sides of the frame. Notch the slats to fit around the armrest supports. Work with great care, making sure you place a nail between the slats. In this manner, you would get consistent gaps between the slats. Continue the project by installing the slats to the backrest, in the same manner described above. Cut the 1×2 slats to the right size and fit them into place. Notch the slats to fit around the armrest, as you should notice in the plans. Top Tip: Round the exposed edges of the slats using a router and a 1/4” bit, if you want to enhance the look of your wooden swing. Don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws. One of the last steps of the project is install the eye screws to the frame of the armrest and to the backrest support. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side of the swing. Use thick rope or chain to hang the swing to the porch ceiling.
Leave about 16″ off the ground to the seat. The swing should be secured properly to support the weight of the swing as well as the people that would occupy it. The last step of this project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood filler and let the compound dry out for several hours. Sand the wooden components with medium-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a vacuum. I recommend these hangers for securing the swing to your porch ceiling. Top Tip: In order to protect the wood from rot, apply several coats of stain, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the swing is level and secured properly, before using it. Make sure you take a look over the matching swing stand project, if you want more flexibility, so you can move it anywhere in your garden. This woodworking project was about free porch swing plans. 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.