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17 Free DIY Porch Swing Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
The onset of spring and summer is the perfect time to learn how to build a porch swing. As the days get longer and warmer, we all want to spend more time outside. Making your outdoor living space comfortable and functional is an excellent way to do just that.
Porch swings are practically synonymous with relaxation and ease… and with these straightforward plans, making your own can be as well. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite free porch swing plans you can DIY today to help you get started!
Chic and simple, this large modern porch swing by Ana White is sure to please any decorator. We love the comfort of the wide bench and pop of color it can add to a home.
A great budget build, this swinging pallet bed by the Merry Thought is comfy and stylish. Novice builders will be thrilled with the low tool requirements… and the luxurious naps.
Materials: Pallets, 2×4 (3×8), Durable rope, Mattress or cushion to fit, 2-3 weather proof mattress covers (optional)
Tools Needed: Drill, Tape measure, Saw
3. Crib Mattress Porch Swing from Sawdust 2 Stitches
Declutter your house by using old mattresses to make your porch swing. Sawdust 2 Stitches has it all laid out with clear and easy to follow instructions. Some of the tools are specific, so this project may be more suited to those with a woodshop.
Kids will love snuggling up in this soft hammock chair by A Beautiful Mess. And parents will appreciate the strength & safety of the thick oak dowel they recommend. as well as the clean look. Sewing skills are a requirement for this project, but it’s easy breezy after that!
Materials: 1¼″ x 3′ oak dowel, ⅜″ x 16′ braided polypropylene rope, 2 yards canvas, 80mm steel spring snap link, 3/16″ steel quick link
April Wilkerson knows that true comfort comes with cupholders. Follow her step by step instructions and you’ll have the swing of your dreams. Note that access to a woodshop is essential.
Materials: Lumber, Carriage bolts, Small S hooks, Large S hooks, Exterior screws, washers and nuts, Chain
Tools Needed: Sander, Pencil, Bandsaw or jigsaw, Router, Drill press or hand drill, Hammer, Table saw (optional)
7. Small Bamboo DIY Porch Swing from Instructibles
For those interested in a unique look, check out this bamboo swing on Instructibles. We love the lightweight materials, simple construction, and super cute design!
Homesteaders and builders alike will love this porch swing from old doors by Lindy and Tony. It requires only an intermediate level of tool skill and gets top scores for thrift and style.
Materials: 2 doors, Eye hooks, Carabiner clips, (3) 4” nails, L brackets and screws, 9” chair legs (optional), Eye hooks, Chain, Cushions (optional), Paint and sealant (if desired)
Tools Needed: Tape measure, Chalk line or pencil, Circular saw, Sander, Drill or screwdriver, Paint brush (if desired)
9. Park Bench Style DIY Porch Swing from My Outdoor Plans
We can’t help but imagine a lush garden and sunny skies when looking at this swing by Sunset. Its happy color and diamond embellishments are sure to brighten your outdoor living space.
Spruce up your home and finally use up the last of your deck stain! Simply Designing shows us how to create an effortlessly stylish porch. Includes informative photos, tips, and diagrams.
Skilled woodworkers should check out Jaime Costiglio’s cedar bench design. It’s classic, functional, and family-friendly. Thoughtful touches include screws set into “pockets,” preventing scrapes for kids.
Construct 101’s swing plans are straightforward. Clearly laid out. Well diagramed. So much so that we’re confident that anyone can succeed with them – regardless of skill level. All you need is dedication and supplies!
Materials: Lumber, Carriage bolts, nuts and washers, Deck screws, Eye bolts, nuts and washers
Tools Needed: Pencil, Jigsaw, Drill
14. Sturdy High Backed DIY Porch Swing from Family Handyman
For those looking for a sturdier porch swing, the Family Handyman has you covered. Steel piping added to the frame makes it both long-lasting and safer for children. The high backs also provide extra comfort for loungers.
Materials: Lumber, Deck screws, ½” steel pipe, Quick link eyes
Want a little more swing in your sit? Check out this wooden swing on Instructibles. The different types of wood in these plans require more woodworking skills, but the gorgeous payoff is sweet.
Made almost entirely out of 2x4s, this budget swing design will save you time and money! And the simple design of Jay’s Custom Creations will compliment nearly any decoration scheme.
Don’t let expensive brand names or complicated diagrams scare you away from the porch swing of your dreams. Every one of the plans on our list is free and with a little patience, can show you how to build a porch swing you’ll love for years to come. And we picked them for comfort and style, of course, but also for clear instruction and good information.
So, bring on those breezy, sunny days. Because with all these great ideas at your fingertips, a DIY porch swing has never been easier!
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
