How to Build a Gliding Porch Swing

Frame Construction

• 1

  Cut all the pieces of two-by-four lumber for the frame: This project requires two 10-inch pieces, eight 17-inch pieces, six 22-inch pieces, two 24-inch pieces, four 27-inch pieces and two 52-inch pieces.

• 2

  Lay one 22-inch piece out flat, with the wide side facing up, then stand a 27-inch length of two-by-four at each end and nail into place.

• 3

  Nail one of the 22-inch pieces in place between the two standing pieces of wood, located 8 inches from the top of the base board. The 4-inch sides of the 22-inch piece face out.

• 4

  Nail a 22-inch piece between the tops of the two standing boards; the top of this 22-inch piece is level with the tops of the standing boards. When you are finished, you should have a wooden rectangle.

• 5

  Nail the 17-inch sections of two-by-four between the top and middle 22-inch pieces to add a decorative element to the frame. Use a hammer to tap the boards into place because there should be a tight fit.

• 6

  Nail a 24-inch piece on top of the structure to create the armrest; the 4-inch side faces up. Drive at least one nail in each of the 27-inch standing pieces of the structure.

• 7

  Build a second, matching piece for the other end of the gliding porch swing.

• 8

  Nail one 10-inch section of two-by-four to the inside of the center 22-inch piece on each side of the frame.

• 9

  Line up a 52-inch piece of two-by-four on either side of the 10-inch piece with the wide side facing out, then nail in place. Line up the second side of the base and nail the opposite ends of the 52-inch pieces, and nail in place. Have a second person hold the arm base pieces in place while you nail the 52-inch boards in place.

Bench Seat Construction

• 10

  Cut all the two-by-four lumber pieces for the bench: Cut three 21-inch pieces, three 20 1/2-inch pieces and one 49 1/2-inch piece.

• 11

  Cut all the 1-by-2-inch lumber pieces for the bench: Cut 12 pieces to a length of 49 1/2-inches.

• 12

  Form an L-shape with one 21-inch two-by-four and one 20 1/2-inch two-by-four, with the ends overlapping at the joint; recline the 21-inch piece as desired until a comfortable sitting position is achieved. Use a C-clamp to hold the two pieces together.

• 13

  Drill a pilot hole 3/8 inch in diameter through the top piece and 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches in diameter through the second piece. Join the two pieces with a 1/2-inch-in-diameter, 6-inch lag bolt inserted through the pilot holes and tighten with a ratchet. Remove the C-clamp.

• 14

  Repeat these steps to create two more L-shape pieces for the bench frame. Line the pieces up with the first L-shape piece to ensure that the reclining positions are identical.

• 15

  Set the three L-shape pieces on your work surface, spaced apart 23 inches on center. The 20 1/2-inch seat pieces run horizontally and the 21-inch pieces run vertically to create the backrest.

• 16

  Line up the 49 1/2-inch two-by-four with the front of the seat pieces and nail in place to join the L-shape pieces together. The wide side of the board faces out and conceals the ends of the seat pieces.

• 17

  Nail six of the 1-by-2 pieces in place on the seat and six pieces on the backrest of the bench, leaving a 1-inch gap between each piece. This completes the gliding swing seat.

Assembly

• 18

  Drill a 1/2-inch pilot hole on the outside of each corner of the glider seat. Install 3/4-inch open eye bolts in the pilot holes with the open end of the hook facing down.

• 19

  Drill 1/2-inch pilot holes at the front and back of each armrest; the hole goes through the bottom of the armrest so the hardware is concealed. Measure carefully to ensure the pilot holes in the armrest line up with the open eye bolts on the seat. Secure 3/4-inch open eye bolts into the pilot holes.

• 20

  Hang one 12-inch length of 2/0 double-loop chain from each eye bolt on the arm rests.

• 21

  Set the glider seat in place within the frame and attach the opposite end of each chain to the corresponding open eye bolt on the seat. Remove extra chain links, if applicable, to adjust the seat so it is level.