Want to spend a relaxing time with your family? Get ready to build a do it yourself porch swing. When it’s warm outside, sitting on a porch swing feels good and satisfying, especially with your loved ones. It is a cozy place to gather some beautiful memories.
With easy and simple steps, you can build a porch swing without any worries. Not even requiring a considerable amount to be spent during the making process in two to three days at an affordable cost.
Let’s get started.
Some Tips Before You Start:
Planning for a do it yourself porch swing feels so good because of the easy and budget-friendly procedure. You can also add things if you want, but the simple guide steps are mentioned below to help you out. Well, to make sure you get the best results, here are some valuable tips before you start.
- You all know a porch swing will never be empty. Someone will always be on it, so it should be durable enough. The durability and reliability depend on the appropriate screwing and gluing. But don’t forget, only good quality water-resistant wood glue will work efficiently. So, buy type 2 or type 3 water-resistant and weatherproof wood glue.
- The use of a template makes it easier for you to cut proper curved parts. You can download the do it yourself porch swing full-size templates to glue the printouts on the parts you are cutting. This is to ensure you are working correctly. You will not make a mistake this way. Once you are done with the templates, peel the templates off to get a cleaner look. Also, remove any glue residue from the wood by sanding it.
How To Build A Porch Swing?
Don’t know how to do it yourself, porch swing? No worries, this easy step-by-step guide will help you in this journey. Work efficiently and look at what you get at the end.
Step 1: Cutting
Begin your process of making a do it yourself porch swing by cutting the frame. First, you need to select a suitable wood type to work with. Wood types like cedar, soft pine, redwood will not be a durable choice for such swings. Whereas choosing a harder wood like white oak and maple will result in difficult working, especially as a newbie.
Start cutting the parts according to the dimensions. For curved details, you will need templates. Draw the required measurements on the hardboard and use them to cut the curved pieces of the swing. Cut them with a jigsaw, and don’t forget to sand the curves properly. Use 100 grit sandpaper to get the desired smoothness.
Step 2: Drilling
It’s time to drill. Use a sharp spade to drill seventh-eighth diameter holes into the curved parts. Using an inner frame for added support for the outer frameworks well. Glue each part from inside so that they don’t move while screwing.
Now screw them together. Screw all the sides with each other for sturdy assembly. The support parts assure the durability of the porch swing. When you are done with the frame and support parts, go for the horizontal top and back braces. A circular saw will be suitable for this task.
Step 3: Joining
Cut the back and top part from 1×4. Now to make two slats from a single piece, use a diagonal taper and mark properly. Take your jigsaw and cut along the line. With the help of a block plane, smooth the edges.
Now place plywood on the large workspace. The foot stringer should be glued with the front arm braces. Once you have glued them, screw them. Directly attach this assembly to the seat braces and the rear stringer to form a complete seat assembly. Glue and screw the side seat brace, then drill the front arm braces. They are for the front pipe support.
Step 4: Assembling
If you are done with the assembly of arm braces, seat braces, and stringers, go with the curved front arm supports curved to the front arm braces’ sides. Now, assemble the back. For consistent spacing, cut one-quarter-inch plywood pieces.
Begin with the center and end up with the sides. When you reach the fourth slat, measure the gap and adjust accordingly as you have to match the tapered slat and lower back brace end.
Step 5: Design the curves
Don’t you think it is the best time to start with the curves? For curved cuts, you will need a beam compass which you can easily make from wood scrap. To get the cuts, flip the backrest and use the compass to mark the curved cuts with a jigsaw cut along the line to get perfect curves. Parallel to the bottom edge, draw two and a half inches.
Step 6: Seat frame
The seat frame assembly you made earlier is needed in this step. Finesse that assembly on the backrest assembly to the two and a half inches mark for aligning the rear seat frame stringer. This step will assemble the rest of the areas.
Your thing will be appropriately fitted in this step. Now drill seventh, eighth inches holes on the horizontal arm supports. Glue them to the front arm braces.
Once you have glued them, screw them to the front arm and center back braces appropriately on the seat braces, glue seat slats. With a space of three-sixteenth between each slat, place all of them.
Glue and screw them firmly. For front stringer overhanging of about one and a half inch, trim the last slat. The transition piece should be placed on the seat curve.
Step 7: Joining the ends
Time to work with the pipes. An oversize chain with a thick nature and wielded links will add durability and enhance the look. Don’t forget to buy one-quarter-inch eye bolts with thread locking compound so that no nuts are loosened.
These quick link eye bolts will help you attach the chain within no time. Without a threaded end, cut the black pipe you have bought from the hardware store and cut it to the exact length. Once you are done with the basics, check the do it yourself porch swing by attaching the swing’s chain.
During this, you get a chance to notice the differences and mistakes, if any. It will save you from future mishaps. Slide the pipes on both sides equally. Marking the hole locations will help you lock the pipe for the sheet metal lock screw and eye bolts screws, drill three-sixteenth holes.
Step 8: Paint
Place the eye bolts correctly at the angle to prevent breakage of the lock screws and minimize the pipe’s torque. When you are done with all this metalwork, begin the painting. But before that, you have to remove the chin first.
You can choose any paint colors according to your choices. Sand all the wooden parts and pipes with 100 grit sandpaper to smoothen all the surfaces. Spray paints the pipes and swings with the primer first. Don’t forget to clean the parts before applying primer to get rid of the dust.
Use a smaller brush from corners and sides. Polyurethane exterior paint is the best choice for such tasks. Use thread locking compound on the bolts in the end and look for the possible final touches if needed. Well, you are done with the making, now relax on your handmade porch swing for the rest of the day.
What Is the Best Wood for A Porch Swing?
There are different types of wood for a porch swing based on styles and your preference. The most common ones include pine, cedar, Alder, and cypress.
Cedar is considered one of the desirable wood types for a doing-it-yourself porch swing. This natural, beautiful wood is resistant to rotting. Plus its insect proof. When this wood is new, it’s red, and then it turns brown and then turns silvery-grey once it ages. This wood type is lightweight.
Cypress is another wood type used for porch swings. It is naturally resistant against decay plus insects due to the oils present in it. This wood type is highly durable and available in pale honey color, but this wood turns grey once it ages.
Pine is another popular option for porch swings. It is a cost-friendly wood type that is rot-resistant and is lightweight. This wood type is highly durable and requires regular staining for long life.
Lastly, Alder is a durable, strong, and inexpensive wood type that is highly practical. This wood type does not feature any attractive patterns due to which it is painted.
How Much Weight Can Your Porch Swing Hold?
Most manufacturers suggest that the porch swings generally can hold around 1000 pounds of weight. However, this amount usually varies from one model to another and brands. It depends on the quality of material used for the porch swing and the strength of the mounting hardware used to build the porch swing.
If you make a porch swing and it ends up with less weighing capacity, you can upgrade the mounting hardware used for the porch swing, enhancing the weight limit.
How Far Do You Hang A Porch Swing from The Wall?
When you do it yourself, porch swing, you need to adjust your porch swing’s hangers’ location. The optimal distance for swinging and comfort should be around 3 feet, preferably. Position the hangers of the swing around 2.5 to 3 feet, ideally behind the wall.
How To Stop Porch Swing From Hitting The Wall?
To stop the porch swing from hitting your wall, you need a clearance of around 26-36 inches from the wall plus the guard rails. Plus, there should be approximately 14 inches of clearance over the sides, which avoids the small side swings hitting the rail or the wall over the sides of your porch swing. Keep your porch swing 18-20 inches above the floor to indulge in a comfortable swinging experience.
Follow these simple steps to stop the porch swing from hitting the wall:
- Make sure to measure the width, length, and height of the porch.
- Determine the width, length, plus height of the porch swing you plan on installing.
- Make sure to identify the clearance you need from the porch swing to your wall, which is around 3 feet behind the swing.
- Install your porch swing on its position, making sure to leave room for clearance.
- The smaller the swing you’ll install, the greater clearance from the wall you’ll need.
FAQ
How Much Will It Cost To Build A Porch Swing?
The cost of building a porch swing is around $150-$200. This allows you to compensate for the cost of building a porch swing.
Can My Porch Support A Swing?
Porch roofs and the patio usually come with horizontal joists which support your ceiling. If these joists are not big enough, or if there is a problem with their location. You can consider installing 4×4’s which support the swing. Make sure to cut dual 4×4 beams.
Can I Hang A Swing From My Ceiling?
You can hang your porch swing with the ceiling joists, but you need to ensure that they are solid and present at your chosen location. If the beams are not stable, then it’s risky to attach the swing.
What Is The Standard Size Of A Porch Swing?
For most swings, the seats measure around 4 to 5 feet long, and they are either flat or contoured. The seat depth of the porch swing varies from 18-36 inches.
How Much Weight Can A Ceiling Joist Hold?
Typically ceiling joists can hold around 50lbs/sq ft.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Your house needs an addition where you and your family can sit back and relax.
Follow the guide steps and look at what creativity and skills you have. You can also go for the slight changes if you want according to your creativity and preferences.
