Hanging Porch Swing

You know how all those beautiful porch swings in the magazines cost hundreds of dollars and seem so impossible to afford? Well, this swing is made entirely of 2x4s and 2x2s and comes in around 40.00! Add in the hardware and finishing supplies and your porch swing still comes in under 100.00 easily. This is no small swing either! It is 32" deep and 64" wide! Using some bulk foam from the hardware store you can create some comfy custom cushions, and just imagine taking a nap on this swing every Sunday afternoon!

Materials:

- (10) 2x4x8

- (7) 2x2x8 or (3) 2x2s and rip the excess 2x4s for the remaining 2x2s

- (4) Eye Bolt Screws for the swing

- (4) Eye Bolt Screws for hanging from the joists

- Chain for hanging (amount will vary according to the height you hang the swing)

- 2 1/2" Pocket Hole Screws

- 2 1/2" Wood Screws

- Wood Glue

- Wood Filler

- Sand Paper

- Paint or Stain (finish appropriate for location)

Tools:

- Measuring Tape

- Pencil

- Square

- Miter Saw or Table Saw

- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

- Drill with appropriate sized drill bits for your eye bolt screws

- Sander

- Safety Equipment

The first step is to build the 2 arms of the swing. Piece together the 2x4s and 2x2s with wood glue and 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws. The holes can be filled in later, but do your best to place them in areas that will be hidden later. You can also choose to toe nail 2" brad nails to fasten the 2x2 railing pieces as those are not structural and the glue should hold them nice and tight once dry.

Add the front 2x4 with pocket holes and wood glue making sure it is very square.

Build the back panel by connecting the 2x4s and 2x2s just as you did for the arms. To attach the back panel to the arms drill 1 1/2" pocket holes into the 2x4 arm pieces (on the inside) and attach the back to the arms with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue. Alternatively, you can use 2 1/2" wood screws through the back 2x4s into the arm 2x4s.

The next step is to add the 2x2 supports for the seat slats. These are just screwed into place with 2 1/2" wood screws (you will want to pre-drill holes for the screws so the 2x2s don't split). Place the 2x2s 1 1/2" from the top of the seat so that your slats won't stick up above the front 2x4.

Add the seat slats leaving a space between each slat for drainage. Space them as evenly as possible and attach with 2 1/2" wood screws into the 2x2 supports.

Attach the 2x4 arm rests to the top with wood glue and 2 1/2" wood screws. You could also choose to use metal 90 degree brackets under the arms if you would prefer not to have screws showing on the tops of the arm rests. But I find that the screws really don't stick out enough to warrant the extra money on brackets.

Finally, sand and finish your swing making sure to use a finish appropriate for the great outdoors! Screw in the eye bolt screws (you will want to pre-drill holes slightly smaller than the eye screws) and hang securely from ceiling joists.