Simple Porch Swing

Assemble the basic rectangle: front and back 48" rails with the 18" ends and two interior supports between them. Pocket screws if you have the jig, otherwise 2-1/2" screws through the rails into the crosspieces, pilot-drilled.

Everything on this swing hangs from this frame. Square it, and don't skimp a screw.

Screw the four back supports to the seat frame, then tie their tops together with the 48" top rail.

No jig? Use the plan's alternative: back supports cut 3-1/2" longer, no top rail — the back slats themselves tie the tops together instead.

Screw the two short arm supports vertically to the front corners of the seat frame — pilot-drill, these are near board ends.

Set each arm on its front support and screw it there and into the back support. Check the two arms are level with each other — on a swing your eye catches an arm mismatch instantly, because the horizon is right behind it.

Screw the 1x6 seat slats across the frame with the 1-1/2" screws, small even gaps for drainage. Round the front slat's edge generously — it's the one behind everyone's knees.

Attach the remaining 1x6s and the two 1x4s to the back supports, even gaps. The mixed widths give the back a subtle rhythm — lay them out and look before you screw.

Sand thoroughly and finish every face — including the underside, which is at eye level to everyone walking up your porch steps.

Hang with a rated kit or rated eye bolts: THROUGH-BOLT the hardware to the seat frame (front and back rail at each end, four points total), and fasten overhead only into joists or a structural beam. Test-load it with more weight than it will ever carry before a person swings on it. Chain angle slightly outward at the arms keeps it from twisting.