Porch Swing Project Plan

If you’ve ever built an Adirondack chair or a picnic table, you’ve got the skills to make one of these comfortable two-person swings for your special outdoor getaway. If you don’t have a porch, a sturdy horizontal tree limb could offer another hanging option, or you could build a freestanding framework or arbor to install the swing practically anywhere in your yard or garden.

This downloadable article from the June 2017 issue of Woodworker's Journal Magazine provides the complete step-by-step instructions, Material List, technical drawings and photos to help you build the project.

You'll see that the plan does not include full-size templates for the shaped parts—the Seat Back, Seat Support, Arm and Cup Holder. However, the gridded drawings are easy to enlarge on a photocopier. Or you can create these templates by drawing 1-inch grids on your workpieces, plotting points for the shapes using our drawings as guides and connecting the dots. If you are unfamiliar with how this easy process works, here's a video tutorial that can help.

Template-routing is a common woodworking technique that uses a rigid template and flush-trim bit to duplicate parts with a freehand router or router table. You'll see template routing in use for this porch swing build. Rockler offers a variety of piloted flush trim router bits in different lengths and shank sizes. Make sure the flush-trim router bit you choose for this porch swing has a cutter that's at least 1" long.

If your porch is sheltered and dry, you can build this swing from almost any wood species you like! But for maximum durability—especially if the swing will be hung outside—it's a good idea to choose wood that will stand up well to UV exposure and moisture. We used African mahogany for the swing shown in the plan. Learn more about choosing wood for outdoor projects by watching this video.

In the same way that wood for outdoor projects needs to withstand the elements, so does the finish that protects it! The product should either encase the wood completely so it can't get wet (spar varnish or paint) or allow moisture to escape for quick dying. A deck preservative or exterior oil-based stain are great choices, because they don't form a film on the wood that traps water. They offer protection for several years, come in many colors and are easy to renew when the time comes without tedious sanding. To learn more about options for exterior woodworking finishes, watch this video.

Video Link Resources:

How to Enlarge Gridded Drawings

The Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

Choosing an Outdoor Finish