20 Porch Swing DIY Ideas

By Ed

June 21, 2023

100

A porch swing is a great entry-level building project for people with beginner to intermediate experience. You can save yourself money and reduce waste when you build a swing for yourself using inexpensive materials or old furniture.

Important Details to Consider When Building a Porch Swing

Before you throw yourself headlong into any build, planning is essential and some important details need to be considered when building your porch swing.

From deciding the size of your porch swing to choosing the best wood — here are a few of the many things you need to consider beforehand.

Porch Swing Size and Capacity

So how big should your porch swing be? Generally, swing seats and frames are 4 to 5 feet long. Porch swings of this size can support two or more people. However, they can vary widely and range anywhere from 18 to 36 inches.

So, it’s safe to say there will be some flexibility when it comes to choosing the dimensions of your porch swing. Ultimately, your style preference and the size of the space available for your build will be the determining factors.

Types of Materials to Use

No two DIY porch swing plans will be the same, however, there always are some essential materials (such as slats) that most porch swing plans will use. Below are the essential materials that you need to get started on your own porch swing.

Finish Nailer
Tape Measure
Wood Glue
Wood Stain
Sand Paper
Drill
Jig Saw
Miter Saw
2-inch Finish Nails
4 Eye Screws
1¼-inch Finish Nails
Wood Filler
Slats

The Best Wood to Use When Building a Porch Swing

Porch swings can be made from various types of wood. However, the most commonly seen lumber choices are cedar, cypress, alder, and pine. Out of all these options, cedar reigns supreme for porch swings because it naturally resists rot, looks beautiful, and it repels insects.

Porch Swing Location and Climate

For the porch swing to function properly without any potential for danger, you’ll want to be mindful of where you place it. Other structures shouldn’t be too close to the swing.

First, allow 4 feet of room in front and behind the swing to achieve an adequate swinging motion. Next, locate the ceiling joists above the area of the swing. Finally, be sure to install your swing into a structural beam for safety.

Although cedar is strong wood that’s resistant to many potential threats, there are still some steps you can take to help protect it. Seal the wood to fortify it in the winter months. Then, you can purchase a porch swing cover which will cover your swing and block it from unforgiving weather conditions.

Porch Swing Cost

Building a porch swing costs around $150 on average. However, if you are a little more resourceful and are able to cut costs using repurposed furniture or old lumber, you could complete your swing for as little as $30 or $40.

Building a heavy-duty porch swing is still relatively inexpensive compared to buying a fully assembled porch swing. If you’re building a porch swing out of quality wood you can expect to spend about $250.

Porch Swing DIY Ideas

1. Porch Swing in a Tree

This DIY porch swing plan is perfect for those who don’t have a porch. You can easily hang your swing in a nearby tree instead. If you have a tree with a large and sturdy horizontal limb, that’s the perfect location for a swinging tree.

2. Porch Swing Bed

This plan is the perfect option for those who love to lounge around outdoors. This elegant porch swing bed is wider than a typical swing, and it features thick ropes that hang in suspension to give you that relaxing, “vacation getaway” feel.

3. Lumber Porch Swing Plans

The lumber porch swing not only saves you money by using minimal materials, it takes only 5 hours to complete. An excellent option for beginners who want to add something fun and relaxing to their home. It looks beautiful left natural or with a stain added.

4. Farmhouse Porch Swing

Out of all the porch swing plans, this one is popular because it requires very little effort. This farmhouse version of a porch swing takes $40 of lumber (and a little patience) to create a super cool, rustic swing that adds value to your home.

It’s easy to build, and while reclaimed wood is used in the example, store-bought pine or cedar would work just as well. Although the plans don’t include a frame, one could additionally be made with the right know-how and materials.

The farmhouse porch swing plans include lists of needed tools and supplies. A pocket hole jig is used for construction; this is an affordable, inexpensive tool that makes a great addition to the DIY tool box.

5. Porch Swing and Pergola Combo

Functionality and beauty come together to make this lovely porch swing that looks great and offers shade on sunny days. It works perfectly as a reading nook that’s tucked on the side of the porch.

It is marked as being for advanced users, though the competent DIYer shouldn’t find it particularly challenging.

6. White Porch Swing Plans

This porch swing has a classic look that can be decorated to add character. Bright throw blankets and decorative pillows can make your porch look festive and inviting.

7. Single-Seat Porch Swing Plans

Room for just one? A custom swing made for one person is a unique add-on to your porch or yard. These plans include a helpful video to show you how to construct a single-seated porch swing from start to finish.

8. Rustic Porch Swing Plans

This DIY plan will give you a customized rustic porch swing. It’s a bit on the advanced side, and will show you how to build a frame as well.

You’ll be able to make it the exact length you want, determine the bench size, design the seat, and learn how to cut lumber and assemble everything.

9. Outdoor Pallet Swing Plans

This simple and comfy version of a porch swing takes about $30 to construct. The swing can hang from either a nearby branch or your porch. Cover the seat with thick cushions to make them great for lounging and hanging with friends, or for taking an afternoon nap.

10. Repurposed Porch Swing Plans

This porch swing is a unique idea because it’s made entirely from an old bed. Why throw away your furniture when you can reuse it for a cute addition to your porch? Find out how you can turn an old bed into a comfortable porch swing.

11. Simple Bench Swing

For our first choice we have a classic design, this one with a subtle contour to the seat boards for added comfort. This outdoor bench swing offers quality and durability while being easy to make.

Store-bought dimensioned lumber is used throughout, plus hardware that is widely available. A jigsaw is the best way to cut the curve on the seat support boards, but many DIYers already own these versatile tools. Pocket-hole joinery also is featured in the instructions.

12. Hanging Daybed

If a porch swing simply isn’t big enough for full-on relaxation, then this swinging bed could be the answer. While the visual impact is certain to impress, swing beds like this can still be built with average DIY skills.

The plans include two removable headboards for support, both of which can be fitted on either side. Plans are available for standard, queen, or king-size daybeds, with each designed to fit ordinary futon mattresses available in retail stores.

13. Adjustable Bench Swing and Frame

Here’s an attractive porch swing for two that includes instructions for a sturdy frame, so it can be hung in the yard rather than on the porch, if preferred. What further sets these plans apart is that the angle of the seat back can be adjusted for personal comfort preference once built.

The swing can be constructed from store-bought softwood like pine or cedar, which is easy to stain or paint. Hardwood could also be used for a more natural and traditional feel. These porch swing plans come in both customary and metric measurements.

14. Arbor Swing

Although this

arbor swing
may look like a major construction project at first glance, there isn’t anything to it that would give most DIY enthusiasts serious difficulty.

Of course, it does take time and patience to build, but the project uses widely available materials and hardware and requires no special skills.

15. 2×4 Bench Swing and Frame

There are likely fewer easier ways to bring porch swing plans to life than this, as it’s built entirely from 2×4 lumber available in any store that sells lumber.

The construction is inherently stable, as the designer claims it will support more than 500 pounds. The swing is also easy to stain or paint to boot.

Once again, a pocket hole jig is recommended to be used during assembly. While not strictly necessary, it helps ensure strong connections. It also hides screw heads from view for a more professional finish.

16. Porch Daybed

Daybeds are understandably popular where there is sufficient space.

This porch daybed plan takes the traditional porch swing idea and extends it. While there’s plenty of space to lie down, there is also back support for those who want to sit up.

17. Classic Porch Swing and Frame

This classic slat-backed garden swing bench can be hung from a porch or from the strong and simple frame that can be built from the plans.

Concreting it into place makes it secure and very durable, and the extended top beam provides the perfect spot for hanging baskets or other outdoor decoration.

The lightweight construction can use store-bought softwood and hardware, so building costs can be kept to a minimum. This simple but effective swing couch is intended for the DIY beginner, but—with a little ingenuity—additions like side tables could also be added.

18. Ray Porch Swing

This porch swing plan takes the rustic appeal of the seller’s farmhouse swing plan and adds a subtle design twist that elevates it above the ordinary.

Like the farmhouse model above, this porch swing can be made from new or reclaimed lumber and stained or painted to suit its surroundings. Once again it uses simple but effective pocket- hole joinery for both strength and a neat, professional result.

19. Freestanding Daybed and Frame

Here is a contemporary daybed plan that would make a sleek and stylish addition to most any modern yard. The sturdy freestanding frame just needs level ground. However, it would also make a fabulous addition to a large deck or patio.

The plans are thoroughly detailed and include lists of materials and suggested tools. Constructing this swing bed to a high standard will take time.

While it isn’t especially difficult, we would recommend buyers have gained some experience building simpler structures before moving on to this one.

20. Crib Mattress Swing

If there’s not enough room on your porch for one of the larger daybeds we’ve featured, you can still lounge comfortably on a smaller scale.

These porch swing plans will show you how to build a swing that is just 61 inches wide and 29.5 inches deep, and uses a crib mattress as its cushion.

The instant-download files come with instructions, 3D illustrations, and a cut list. DIYers whose little ones have outgrown their cribs can repurpose the mattress for this project—and save a good chunk of the materials cost.