Step 9: Apply Finish

Apply Finish to build your own porch swing
Photo: Jim Franco
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Hand-sand the entire swing with 120-grit paper, paying particular attention to the curved top rail and the arms. In time, teak will weather to a silvery gray. To keep a rich, natural wood look, wipe a teak oil with UV protection (and without linseed oil) onto every surface, wait 15 minutes for it to soak in, then wipe again with a clean rag to remove any buildup. Repeat at the beginning and end of each porch-swing season. Teak can also be painted, but then you run the risk of chips, scrapes, and peeling.
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      3-foot bar clamps
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      Rawhide mallet
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    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