Step 1: Apply Glue to the Tenons

apply glue to the end of a tenon to build your own porch swing
Photo: Jim Franco
«»
This project relies almost exclusively on mortise-and-tenon joinery, one of the oldest and strongest methods for joining wood. The tenon (the tongue) fits into the mortise (the slot). There are 15 such joints on this swing, and each one follows the same three-step procedure:

1. Apply glue to the end of a tenon.

A waterproof polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue is recommended; we used Titebond III. Also swab glue on the inside of the mortise.
Next

Related Content

Ask TOH users about Porch
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    More in House Exterior

    Tools List

    Close
    • drill
      Drill/driver
    • bar clamp
      3-foot bar clamps
    • rawhide mallet
      Rawhide mallet
    • Phillips screwdriver
      Screwdriver

    Shopping List

    Close
    Swing kit. Similar to shown: Chandler 5' Swing from:
    Arthur Lauer

    Waterproof polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue

    Thread-locking glue, such as Loctite

    80-grit sandpaper

    120-grit sandpaper

    Teak oilSteel chain or nylon rope to hang the swing. Make sure it's rated to hold the weight of the swing plus 600 pounds. Get enough to reach from the porch ceiling to the swing arms times 4, plus extra for knots.

    ½-inch galvanized eyebolt, 8 inches long, with locknut (for porches without a ceiling) Get two.

    ½-inch by 5½ inch galvanized eyescrew with a shoulder (for porches with a ceiling). Get two.

    S hooks to hang from the eyebolts and prevent squeaking