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How To Make a Porch Swing for Some Next-Level Relaxation

From Popular Mechanics

POP Projects is a collection of new and classic projects from more than a century of Popular Mechanics. Master skills, get tool recommendations, and, most importantly, build something of your very own.


A lot of porch swings involve elaborate woodworking with dado joints, half-laps, and the like. But not this one. We tried to make it as simple as possible. Just cut the pieces, and assemble as shown. The only tools you'll need are a circular saw and a drill.

First, The Tools...

Second, A Quick (Safety) How-To...

Now, The Plans...

Photo credit: Jon Grant
Photo credit: Jon Grant

Finally, The Process...

Step 1: Crosscut supports for the seat back and seat. Bore holes for bolts and screws as shown above. Spread glue at connection points between the supports, then bolt together to form the frame. Apply stain.

Step 2: Crosscut slats, arms, arm supports, front rail, and bottom support. Apply stain on all surfaces.

Step 3: Fasten seat slats, arm supports, arms, and bottom support as shown above.

Step 4: Mount the ceiling supports on rafters or floor joists above your swing. Depending on the amount of weight you want your swing to support, you can use lag screws and swing swivels screwed vertically into the joists. But for optimal safety, we recommend through-bolting to 2x6 blocking. Over time, a lag screw can loosen—a through-bolted connection never will.

Step 5: Install swing hangers and mounting hardware on the swing. To estimate your chain length, test-hang the swing using rope.

Step 6: Take the swing down, cut the chain to length, and install.

Step 7: Get swinging.

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