How to Make the Base for a Porch Glider

Cut the required pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber: this requires two 10-inch pieces, eight 17-1/2-inch pieces, six 22-inch pieces, two 24-inch pieces, four 27-inch pieces and two 50-inch pieces.

Lay one 22-inch piece on its wide side and nail a 27-inch piece of 2-by-4 standing up into each end. This creates a U-shape with the piece that touches the porch and the two pieces that extend to meet the armrest.

Measure 7 1/2 inches up from the base board and nail one of the 22-inch pieces in place between the two standing pieces of wood. The 22-inch piece should be nailed with the 4-inch sides facing out.

Nail another 22-inch piece between the two standing boards, positioned so the top of the board is flush with the tops of the standing boards. You should now have a complete square that also includes one additional 22-inch piece of wood.

Tap the 17 ½-inch pieces of 2-by-4 between the top and middle 22-inch pieces and nail in place. These form decorative pieces that are not critical to the structure.

Place one of the 24-inch pieces on top of the structure and nail into place with the 4-inch side facing up to create an armrest. The armrest can be rounded to create a more comfortable shape, if desired.

Repeat these steps to create a second, identical structure for the opposite side of the glider.

Nail a 10-inch piece of 2-by-4 to the inside of each structure; nail the board directly into the center 22-inch piece.

Nail a 50-inch piece of 2-by-4 to each side of the 10-inch piece; line up the second side of the base and nail the opposite ends of the 50-inch pieces to the 10-inch piece on this frame. The base is now complete and ready to accommodate a bench or swing seat.