Use 1×4’s to create a frame. Cut 2 pieces to 26 1/2 inches and 2 pieces to 52 inches. Place the shorter pieces inside the longer pieces to create the box. I used two pocket holes with screws and wood glue on both ends of the shorter pieces to create a very strong base. If you don’t have a kreg jig. wood glue and finish nails are ok!
STEP 2:
Use 1×2’s to create supports. Cut 2 pieces to 26 1/2 inches. Use wood glue and brad nails to attach the pieces inside of the frame with 3/4 of an inch gap to the top of the outside frame pieces.
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
Use 1×6’s to create a base. Cut 4 1×6’s to 50 1/2 inches and attach them to the frame using wood glue and brad nails. Space the boards evenly apart with the first and last boards flush to the frame.
Use 1×3’s to create L shaped back posts. Exactly the same as the last step but cut 4 pieces to 26 inches. Create the L shaped posts first with wood glue and then attach them to the back corners with wood glue and brad nails. The short side of the L along the back and long side along the side of the frame.
STEP 7:
Use 1×3’s to create the sides of the swing. Cut two pieces to 28 inches, attach them to the inside of the front (20 inch) posts using wood glue and brad nails. Use a level to level the piece and then attach the other end to the inside of the back post (26 inch) using wood glue and brad nails. Repeat on the other side.
STEP 8:
Use 1×3 to create the back. Cut one piece to 52 inches and attach to the inside of the back posts using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 9:
STEP 10:
Use 1×3’s and 1×4’s to create the back slats. Cut 3 pieces of 1×3 to 52” and 1 to 50 1/2 inches. Cut 1 piece of 1×4 to 52 inches. Attach the 1×3 pieces to the inside of the back L posts using wood glue and brad nails 1 1/8 inches apart from each other. The 50 1/2 inch 1×3 will be attached where the side arms hit the back posts.
The 1×4 piece is attached at the bottom as low as it will sit before hitting the cross pieces.
STEP 11:
Create a back support piece using 1×3’s. Cut one piece to 26 inches and attach it to the back slats using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 12:
Creat armrests using 1×3’s. Cut 2 pieces 26 1/4 inches long and attach them along the top of the sides using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 13:
Add trim pieces with 1×3’s. Cut two pieces to 5 1/4 inches and attach them to the face of the back trim using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 14:
Add top finish pieces using 1×3’s. Cut two pieces to 4 inches and attach them to the top of the posts using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP:15
Add finish pieces using 1×2’s. Cut one piece to 58 1/16 inches. Us your measuring tape to check your space before cutting. Attach with wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 16:
Create finish trim using 1×2’s. Cut 2 pieces to 23 inches and 2 pieces to 48 1/2 inches. Attach them to the base front and sides using wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 17:
Add Trim pieces to the back using 1×2’s. Based on how you centered the back support the measurements will change. So, measure the distance between the supports and posts, cut 2 pieces, and attach with wood glue and brad nails.
STEP 18:
Add 2×3 Studs for hanging supports. Cut 2 pieces to 59 1/2 inches. Attach them to the bottom of the front and back of the base using wood glue and 3-inch screws. Drill pilot screws using a countersink bit before screwing in the 3-inch screws.
STEP 19:
Add holes to the studs for hanging. Using a 3/4 inch drill bit to drill 4 holes in the center of the overhanging stud ends.
STEP 20:
Paint/Stain
If you’re painting your swing I recommend the extreme bond primer first from Sherwin Williams. And then follow with two coats of their Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
If you’re staining I would recommend a good outdoor wood stain like this one.
STEP 21:
HANG
We set the porch swing on two upside-down 5-gallon buckets (It’s the perfect height!). The trickiest part of hanging the swing is finding the support studs in the ceiling, especially if you have metal ceilings like us. We pushed around on the ceilings and you could easily feel the studs.
Once you find it, use the 1/4 inch drill bit and make a pilot hole into the center of the stud. Make sure wood shavings come out when you drill. Then screw in the eye screws into the pilot holes- use a long screwdriver through the hole and turn it until tight. We recommend you reinforce the stud beams to be safe!
Then run the rope through the eye screw and down through the hanging holes on the side of the swing. Tie knots in the rope right beneath the stud/hole.
And TA-DA!!! A Beautiful, functional and fun porch swing!!
Please tag me on Instagram @huntersofhappiness if you complete it!! And follow me there to see how I decorate this beauty!!
