Easy Porch Swing
Drop into a breezy ceiling-hung bench seat, set it in motion, and feel your blood pressure start to fall. This sleek, squared-off version, created by bloggers Kim and Scott Vargo, comes together fast using 2×4 and 1×6 lumber. Another plus: If you’ve got the tools on hand, you can build it for under a hundred bucks. Here’s an overview of how the couple made this 5-foot swing; see how they adapted ana-white.com’s plans for a large modern porch swing, and find their full materials and cut list at Yellow Brick Home.
Step 1: Build the Base; Attach the Back Supports
Cut all the pieces to length with a miter saw. Glue and screw evenly spaced 2x4s between the front and back aprons to form the base. Use a combo countersink bit to drill pilot holes and drive the 2 ½-inch deck screws. Fasten the four back supports the same way.
For the back supports, cut parallel 30-degree angles on the ends of each piece using your miter saw. Slide each support into position so that its bottom is flush with the underside of the base’s outer stringer. Clamp it in place before driving screws through the support and into the crosspiece to lock it securely.
Step 2: Add the Upper Back Slat and Arms
Glue and nail a 1×6 slat even with the tops of the back supports. Attach the arm supports in front, then add the armrests so they’re snug against the lower edge of the back slat. Check them for square.
Technique Detail: Before fastening the armrests, use a torpedo level to ensure each arm is level. Place the level on top of the arm, then raise or lower it until it reads true. Mark the arm’s position on the edge of the back support before drilling pilot holes and driving screws. This prevents a lopsided swing that looks—and feels—off.
Step 3: Complete the Back and Seat
Glue and nail the second back slat, snugging it up against the armrests. Add three evenly spaced seat slats. Fill screw and nail holes, sand, and paint (or stain), as desired. Attach hanging hardware.
Assembly Tip: When fitting seat-back slats into mortises, work each slat into the bottom rail a little at a time. To help push them in all the way, gradually tighten a bar clamp or two positioned on the rails. This ensures tight, even joints without splitting the wood.
Tip: Joists not located exactly where you want to put the swing hardware? Hang sturdy 4x4s. Or, if there’s no porch ceiling, fit doubled-up 2x blocking between rafters.
