How to Build a Swinging Outdoor Bed

Wear safety gear before you cut. Measure out, using a measuring tape, and cut two 76 1/2-inch lengths of 2-by-6-inch lumber using a circular saw. These are the long sides of the frame. Cut two short sides measuring 37 1/2-inches long. Arrange the four sides to form a rectangle with the long sides over the ends of the short sides. Glue the rectangle and screw it together using a power drill and 2 1/2-inch wood screws at each corner.

Cut two 2-by-4-inch board to measure 73 1/2-inches long. These are the inside boards that will hold up the mattress slats. Position the first inside board inside the rectangle, on its side against one long side. Glue then screw the board in place. Repeat this process on the opposite side with the remaining inside board.

Cut twelve 1-by-2-inch boards to measure 37 1/2-inches long. These are the slats for the mattress. Place all of the slats on the rectangle across the two inside boards. The ends of the boards should be resting on the inside boards. Slide the slats apart until there is a 4-inch space between each one. Screw the slats to the inside boards to secure them in place.

Drill a hole about halfway through the board on each end of the two long boards of the rectangle. Screw an eye bolt in each hole. Tightly secure each bolt.

Decide where you will be hanging the bed. The bed needs to hang from an exceptionally sturdy ceiling or beams. Measure a 3-by-6-foot rectangle on the ceiling where you will hang the bed. Mark each corner of the rectangle measured out. Drill a hole in the corners and tightly screw an eye bolt into each one. Hang an "S" hook from each of the ceiling bolts.

Position two saw horses under the ceiling bolts. Place the bed frame on top of the saw horses in a position so the corner bolts are directly under the ceiling bolts. Hook an "S" hook to each corner bolt then hook a chain to "S" hooks. Hook the other end of the chain to the ceiling "S" hooks. Adjust the length of the chain to reach the desired height. Remove the saw horses from under the bed frame.

Place a twin mattress on top of the bed frame. Adjust the mattress to fit perfectly on top of the slats. Wrap the mattress in outdoor fabric to protect it. Add decorative outdoor pillows on top of the bed.