Woodworking Projects: How to Make a Swing Sofa

Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber to measure 72-inches long, and five pieces to measure 21-inches long. Arrange the two long boards and two of the shorter boards on a flat surface to form a rectangle, with the long boards over the ends of the short boards. Screw the rectangle together with two 2 1/2-inch wood screws at each joint. Arrange the remaining three short boards inside the rectangle as supports, spaced about 18 inches apart. Screw the supports in place.

Cut four more 2-by-4-inch boards to measure 18-inches long. These are the back supports. Place each of these supports upright against the back of the seat board, in line with each of the short boards. Screw the back supports in place.

Cut two 12-inch long armrest supports from 2-by-4-inch lumber. Position one across the front of the seat frame and in line with the end board on the left. Screw the armrest in place. Repeat on the right side of the frame.

Cut two armrests from 2-by-4-inch lumber, measuring 25 1/2-inches long. Position the first armrest from the top of the left side armrest support to the side of the left back support and screw in place. Repeat on the right side.

Cut two back slats from 1-by-6-inch lumber to measure 72-inches long. Position the first slat across the tops of the back supports so it rests on the armrest. Nail the slat securely in place, using 2-inch finishing nails. Repeat to install the second slat directly below the armrest.

Cut four more slats for the seat from 1-by-6-inch lumber, measuring 72-inches long. Put them evenly across the seat. Nail them in place.

Sand the swing with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the swing using a tacky cloth, and apply wood primer. Paint the swing in your desired color. Allow the swing to dry before hanging.

Drill a hole in each of the four corners on the seat of the swing. Screw an eyelet hook into each hole. Select a location to hang the swing. Place the swing up on a pair of sawhorses under the area you wish to hang it. Drill holes in the ceiling directly above the eyelet screws in the swing. Screw eyelet hooks into each ceiling hole. Hook an "S" hook to each ceiling hook, and hook a chain to each "S" hook. Hook the other end of the chains to the swing eye hooks with "S" hooks. Remove the sawhorses from under the swing.