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Porch Swing: Project 16258EZ

This document provides plans and instructions to build a porch swing. It includes a list of materials, schematics showing the design and assembly, and 49 step-by-step instructions. The swing is made of 2x4 lumber, measures 5 feet long but can be varied, and is designed to be built in a few hours for use on a porch. Detailed diagrams and instructions guide the reader through cutting parts to size, notching, drilling holes, assembling the frame, and adding slats and chains to complete the project.

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288 views

Porch Swing: Project 16258EZ

This document provides plans and instructions to build a porch swing. It includes a list of materials, schematics showing the design and assembly, and 49 step-by-step instructions. The swing is made of 2x4 lumber, measures 5 feet long but can be varied, and is designed to be built in a few hours for use on a porch. Detailed diagrams and instructions guide the reader through cutting parts to size, notching, drilling holes, assembling the frame, and adding slats and chains to complete the project.

Uploaded by

BSulli
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Project 16258EZ:

Porch Swing
This rugged swing can be built in just a few hours, either out of redwood, or if you
plan to paint it, out of regular construction lumber. The one shown was finished
with an exterior semitransparent gray stain. It measures five feet overall, but the
length can certainly vary depending upon available space.

Porch Swing Materials List


Part Description Size No. Req’d
A Swing Support 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 60" 1
B Center Seat Support 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 16" 1
C End Seat Support 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 21" 2
D End Back Support 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 21-1/2" 2
E Arm Rest Support 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 13-1/2" 2
F Support Strut 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 20" 2
G Arm Rest 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 21-1/2" 2
H Slat 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 52" 2
J Slat 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 51" 3
K Slat 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 48" 2
L Hex Head Bolt 3/8" x 4" 4
M Hex Head Bolt 3/8" x 5-1/2" 2
N Eyebolt 3/8" x 2" 4
O Washers 3/8" 16
P Hex Nut 3/8" 10
“S” Hook 4
Chain
Porch Swing Complete Schematic
Porch Swing Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut all the 2" x 4" stock to the proper length.
2. Nip off all the corners to soften the exposed ends and take away any rough
edges.
3. Make notches in seat supports (B) and (C) 3" back from the front end to
accept the 2" x 4" swing support (A).
4. Use a 30/60 degree draftsman’s triangle to mark the locations of the notches
as shown on the ends of support struts (F).
5. Use the saber saw to cut out the notches.
6. Check for fit over part A.
7. Make a 30-degree angle cut on one end of both arm rest supports (E).
8. Lay the back support down over seat support (C) in the position of the seat.
9. Drill a 3/8" hole through both pieces.
10. Fasten the pieces together with a 3/8" x 4" bolt (L), washers (0) and hex nut
(P).
11. Tighten the pieces down so that they form an “L” shape at about 10 degrees
from a right angle.
12. Take parts E and F and lay them down in the proper position over the pieces
just assembled so that the notches line up with each other and the upper end
of part E is parallel with the seat support (C).
13. Drill a 3/8" hole through all three 2" x 4"s in the lower end where shown.
14. Insert a 3/8" x 5-1/2" bolt (M) and washer.
15. Secure them with another washer and hex nut.
16. Drill through Parts F and D in the position shown.
17. Fasten together with a 3/8" x 4" bolt (L) with washers and hex nut.
18. Follow the same procedure for the other end except do it in the opposite
direction so that, when set up for assembly, all bolt heads will face outward.
19. Drill a 3/8"hole 1-1/2" from the top of back supports (D) to accept the 3/8"x
2" eyebolts (N).
20. Do the same to the swing support (A) and secure those two eyebolts with
nuts and washers.
21. Finish the two brace assemblies.
22. Cut the arm rests (G) to size out of 1" x 8" stock.
23. Nip off three corners of the arm rests as shown.
24. Cut a 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" notch on the remaining corners.
25. Fit this notch into the back support (D), resting it on the rearward end of the
support strut (F).
26. Position the arm rest support (E) so that the arm rest (G) sits squarely upon
its 30 degree angle.
27. Drive three 6d coated box nails through the arm rest and into part E as
shown.
28. Toenail two more nails into the back support (D), then follow this same
procedure with the other end.
29. Drop the two end brace assemblies down over swing support (A) into the
notches you cut earlier so that the outermost edges of support struts (F) are
3" in from the ends of the swing support.
30. Drive a 10d common nail through the brace assembly and into swing sup-
port to be sure they stay in place.
31. Position the center seat support (B) exactly in the middle and do the same to
that.
32. Take your remaining 1" x 8" stock and rip all of it in half.
33. Cut the pieces to the lengths required. NOTE: Notice that these lengths
vary depending upon where they go.
34. Round off or bevel all exposed square edges slightly for appearance and
comfort.
35. Lay the four seat slats down, making sure to space them apart evenly (ap-
proximately 3/4").
36. Overhang the front slat about 3/4".
37. Secure all four seat slats with 6d coated box nails.
38. Flip the seat onto its back.
39. Place the last three slats into position (one below the arm rest, two above).
40. Secure these in the same manner.
41. Set all nail heads.
42. Position hooks in your ceiling at least 12" further apart than the length of
your swing so that the chain doesn’t rub against the armrests.
43. Make sure that your hooks hit something good and solid to prevent any
painful surprises.
44. Cut your chain into two equal lengths.
45. Secure a link to the ceiling hooks approximately 15" off center. NOTE: The
shorter length goes to the back, the longer to the seat.
46. Lift your swing into place and fasten with “S” hooks.
47. Adjust the swing until it hangs level and swings properly.
48. Make it more comfortable by hanging the seat so it tilts back slightly.
49. Snip off any excess links and test it for weight to complete.

These plans were originally published in Volume 7, Issue 2 of The Woodworker’s


Journal (Mar./Apr. 1983, pages 32-33).

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