How to Build a Porch Swing

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·2 min read

What we love most about summer is when that golden hour light lingers long past dinnertime and your porch becomes your own personal oasis. Or at least it would be if it were properly decorated. Turns out, all your outdoor space needs is a little sprucing up.

We teamed up with Ford to show you how to create a DIY porch swing with the 2021 Ford F-150, like the available Tailgate Work Surface and available Pro Power Onboard to power your tools for tackling this home project. See the full instructions below.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

  • (6) 2” x 4” x 8’ pine stud

  • (3) 1” x 6” x 8’ common boards

  • 1” x 4” x 8’ furring strip board

  • 1 pt. wood glue

  • 1 qt. of your favorite paint or stain

  • 2 1b. box of 1½” wood screws

  • 2 lb. box of 3” wood screws

  • Porch swing chain kit

  • (6) eye hooks

  • “S” hooks

  • Carabiners

  • Screw gun with drill bits and driver attachments

  • 1 pt. wood glue

  • Speed square

  • Measuring tape

  • Stain brush or paintbrush with tray

  • Eye and ear protection

  • T-shirt rags

  • Clamps

Step 2: Make Wood Cuts

Pro tip: Pre-stain boards. You can stain after building, but it can be difficult to have an even coat on joints and seams.

  • (2) 2” x 4” @ 48”

  • (4) 2” x 4” @ 18”

  • (4) 2” x 4” @ 19¾”

  • (1) 2” x 4” @ 48”

  • (2) 2” x 4” @ 11¼”

  • (2) 2” x 4” @ 22½”

  • (5) 1” x 6” @ 48”

  • (2) 1” x 4” @ 48”

Step 3: Assemble Frame for Bench Seat

Screw together through pocket holes. Be sure to glue. Use pocket holes to assemble seat back. Evenly space upright boards. Sheath seat with one 1” x 4” and three 1” x 6” slats. Sheath seat back with one 1” x 4” and two 1” x 6” slats. Screw seat back directly through uprights into rear of bench seat.

Step 4: Assemble Arms and Chains

Make L out of remaining 2” x 4”s. Attach to bench sides as arms. Install two eye hook bolts into each of the bench seat sides. Clip chains through eyes using carabiners. Hang securely on porch.