DIY

How to Build a Porch Swing Bed

In this article, I’m going to show you how to build a super simple, yet beautiful porch swing bed by using material you can pick up at your local Lowe’s Home Improvement Store. This type of swing is one of my favorite things to build for a couple of reasons. First, a porch swing bed is an absolute show stopper, which makes me look smarter and more talented than I really am. And secondly, they are extremely awesome for taking naps. Anything that enables more nap time has to be good!

I’ve built a few, and so far none of them have been the same. One of my favorite parts of the process is coming up with new designs. So before you get started, take a look at these plans for a different design and here is another plan for a modern porch swing bed.

If you’re going to build this swing, I recommend that you grab our printable plans to make the build much easier. It also includes the full SketchUp 3D model!

For this one, I wanted it to have very clean lines and I wanted it to be very easy to build, even for beginners. I also wanted it to be affordable. I was able to build this one for around $200. Of course, that price can vary based on what wood you choose to use and where you get your wood. Again, I picked most of my wood up at my local Lowe’s.

Let’s get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wood

  • 3 pieces of 1″ x 8″ x 8′ clear pine
  • 12 pieces of 1″ x 3″ x 8′ clear pine
  • 1 piece of 1″ x 4″ x 8′ clear pine
  • 2 pieces of 2″ x 3″ x 8′ framing lumber
  • 1 piece of 2″ x 4″ x 8′ framing lumber
  • 4 pieces of 1″ x 6″ x 8′ knotty pine

I tried to keep everything as simple as possible. So all joints in this build are butt joints. And in case I forget to mention it anywhere in this tutorial, assume that everywhere there is a joint or two pieces of wood meet, apply some wood glue.

Step 1: Build the Porch Swing Bed Frame

For this porch swing bed, I started off by building the main bed frame out of the 1×8’s. You can find the measurements in the illustration. On these joints, I used 2″ finish nails.

Then I added an inner frame for support and something to nail the bed slats to. On the sides, I used 2×4’s for some extra bulk since this is where the eye screws will go through. I made sure the bottom of the 2×4’s were flush with the bottom of the frame. Then I nailed and glued them onto the inside of the frame using 2″ nails. For the front and back, I used 2×3’s making sure the top was even with the top of the 2×4’s.

For the slats, I cut 8 39″ long pieces of the 1×6 knotty pine and spaced them out 4 1/2″ evenly along the inside of the bed frame as seen below and nailed them in place. This will be the support for the mattress.

Step 2: Build the Posts

Then I constructed 4 posts out of the 1×3 clear pine, one for each corner.

Each post is made from two pieces. I applied a bead of glue down one edge.

I placed the other piece on top of the glued edge to form an “L” shape and made sure the edges were perfectly lined up. Then I nailed the two pieces together with 2″ nails.

Then I attached each post to the corners with glue and 1 1/4″ nails.

Step 3: Add the Rails

After all four posts were in place, I cut all of the rails. These are the horizontal pieces that connect all of the posts. I attached all of the back rails first. Then the side rails. Refer to the illustration below for lengths and spacing.

As I mentioned earlier, I really wanted to design this swing to be super simple to build with only straight cuts that could be done with the miter saw, but then I got to the armrest pieces which required a little extra cutting. I first cut each arm piece to length from a piece of 1×3. Then I had to use a jigsaw to cut out a notch for it to fit around the back post as you can see below.

After I finished these cuts, I glued and nailed them in place as shown in the illustration. Then I added 1×3 trim around the bottom of the swing on all four sides using glue and 1 1/4″ nails.

The final step in the building process was adding the top to the back and a middle rail support. For the top piece, I used 1×4 and for the middle support, I used 1×3.

Step 4: Fill Holes and Stain

I filled all holes with wood putty and to round off the corners a bit and get rid of any splinters I sanded the swing with fine sandpaper. I then applied a coat of stain and three coats of polyurethane. Even though the swing won’t be in direct weather, I wanted to give it a little extra protection.

Step 5: Add the Eye Screws

Once everything was dry. It was time to add the eye screws. The rope will run through these and hold up the swing. I measured 1″ from the edge of the post, and 1 1/4″ up from the bottom, which put me in the middle of the bottom trim piece. Then I drilled my hole for the eye screw and screwed it in.

And that’s it. When you hang your swing, you’ll use the same eye screws in the ceiling. You just need to make sure that you are screwing into ceiling joists. For the cushion, any twin mattress should work, and you can order a custom mattress cover here. Then you can finish it off with some pillows.

Once you’re finished with your swing, you can follow my instructions on how to hang a porch swing.

I hope you found this tutorial useful, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

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229 Comments

  • Reply Tatiane

    Great job Henry! I love the way you explain,very easy to follow along. It turned out beautifully. Our porch for our new home is small and our deck is not cover. Do you think we can just add legs and use as a kind of floor sofa/swing for the deck? Thank you so much for sharing.

    October 1, 2018 at 12:09 pm
    • Reply Kaeleigh

      Hi – this is beautiful! I’m also curious about adding legs to make it a sofa instead of a swing? Have you done this or any recommendations? I’m halfway through building the sofa (modified to a 32 x 64 inch version) based on your instructions (was going to figure out legs/bottoms once I saw it – sigh. I know not the best planning). It’s *very* heavy. Do you think just using some 4x4x8’s cut down to leg height and screwing them in would work? Should I add another support or any other suggestions?

      March 11, 2019 at 4:37 pm
    • Reply Kathleen

      These directions were awesome! It only took 2 days and I am so proud of what I made

      April 2, 2020 at 10:56 pm
    • Reply Sharon

      What size/type bedding/mattress did you use?

      April 15, 2020 at 4:08 pm
      • Reply Jamey

        Sharon, it fits a twin perfectly. 🙂

        June 8, 2020 at 2:55 pm
        • Reply Andrea Dillon

          Do you think legs are an option? I’ve built this piece and it’s beautiful but unfortunately I don’t think my porch shiplac ceilings will accommodate!

          August 3, 2020 at 12:42 pm
          • Phil

            There are joist the shiplap are attached to. Those are what will support it

            April 22, 2022 at 7:05 pm
        • Reply Ashten

          What colour stain did you use!? Great plans I’ll definitely be giving you a shout out on Instagram 😊

          January 8, 2021 at 3:09 pm
      • Reply Deborah

        Great directions! I want to make one like this for a Queen size Mattress.

        July 18, 2020 at 1:59 am
    • Reply Kim B.

      Could I use a jig saw for all cuts instead of both miter and jig saws?

      April 19, 2020 at 2:40 am
    • Reply Josh

      Henry What size eye screws did you use?

      April 23, 2020 at 1:25 am
    • Reply Jennifer A Watt

      Do you have an idea of the weight limit?

      March 14, 2021 at 1:53 am
  • Reply Henry

    Thanks! Glad you like it. Yes, you could definitely do that, but I would recommend using a wood that is more weather resistant, like cedar, cypress, or treated wood.

    October 1, 2018 at 12:20 pm
    • Reply Cilek

      Beautiful. I have a rooftop deck so no roof over it to attach to. Do you think if I build a stand it could support a swing bed like this?

      June 22, 2019 at 7:12 pm
      • Reply Jon

        Made one for me wife for Mother’s Day! All four kiddos played a role. Would love to send you a pic. Great plans! Used pine and just used outdoor spar poly over the natural wood. Love the way pine turns to gold.

        May 25, 2020 at 12:16 am
    • Reply Chad S

      What size eye bolts did you use? And also what rope?

      June 30, 2020 at 10:51 pm
      • Reply Chad S

        So the eye screws I used bent. They were rated 250lb each, and we’re not that heavy!! Any input on the eye screws would be great!!

        July 24, 2020 at 2:32 am
        • Reply Mike

          Eye screws are not meant to have the load pulling at an angle. So if you’re going that route you need to beef them way up. Also you should never account for just the weight of the people planning to sit. Account for worst case.. 4 people and someone else jumping on top while it’s slightly swinging

          March 5, 2022 at 4:09 am
      • Reply Julie Crow

        Kid you happen to remember what size depth of twin mattress you used?

        November 1, 2020 at 11:45 pm
    • Reply Kelley

      What color stain did you use!? Inhave a hard time picking something that does not pull red or orange?

      October 12, 2022 at 11:46 pm
  • Reply Frayne

    Love this! What color stain did you use?

    October 3, 2018 at 5:52 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks! Whoops. I guess I should have mentioned that in the article. I used Minwax Polyshades Mission Oak.

      October 3, 2018 at 6:57 pm
      • Reply Nancy

        We built one too and can’t wait to get it hung at our lakehouse here in TX. Curious though, how many coats of stain did you cover it with for protection? Also, I want to thank you for taking the time to post the plans of this beautiful swing.

        June 6, 2019 at 3:35 am
        • Reply Henry

          Awesome, and you’re very welcome! I put one coat of stain on it, and then a couple of coats of polyurethane.

          June 6, 2019 at 1:52 pm
          • shahar tamir

            hi Hemrey, just finish to build it, thank you, can you tell what kind of polyurethane you used ?

            thanks,shahar

            May 22, 2020 at 1:31 pm
      • Reply Hayley Wise

        Hi! I know this post is over a year old, but hopefully you’ll still see my question. The Minwax Polyshade in mission oak looks so much darker than the color of your swing. Did you dilute the color before applying?
        Thank you, in advance!

        August 28, 2019 at 8:55 pm
    • Reply Jana

      My husband made this swing for me in a short afternoon! I covered the mattress and made the pillows and that took much longer. But it’s really quite spectacular and turned out dull backporch into an inviting area! Now if the weather cooperate so that we could actually sit out there at night! Thanks for the plans and inspiration!

      September 16, 2019 at 3:50 pm
      • Reply Hazel

        Jana, did you use sunbrella fabric to cover the mattress and pillows?

        July 27, 2020 at 8:02 pm
    • Reply Jim

      Are the 1 x 3’s finished at 2 1/2” wide. Love the plan. Planning to make the arms a little wider.

      May 17, 2020 at 1:22 am
  • Reply Rhonda

    Nice work – Thanks for sharing! How did you do the inner support with the 2×4 to get the over lap bulk look – like in the picture of you with the drill.

    October 4, 2018 at 4:32 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi there Rhonda. Thanks and you’re welcome. 🙂 I think you might be referring to the 1×3 trim pieces that are nailed to the outside of the frame. Check out the step right after the picture of me with the jigsaw.

      October 4, 2018 at 5:01 pm
      • Reply Alex c

        Hi! We just built one and ordered the burlap world market cover. Trying to find a mattress that will fill the 13in thick cover, but they are all about 8in thick. I noticed you said yours was about 8in thick – was there any sag since the cover is about 5in thicker? Should I order two mattresses or do you think one 6in mattress is fine for the cover? Thank you!

        April 26, 2020 at 6:18 pm
    • Reply Theresa

      How can you only use 3-1x8x8 when you have to get 2–77” and 2-39”

      July 19, 2020 at 4:56 pm
      • Reply Henry

        You can get the 2 39″ pieces out of one 1×8″x8′. There are 96″ in a 1x8x8′. 96″ divided by 2 is 48″.

        July 22, 2020 at 1:35 am
        • Reply Hazel

          What material did you use to cover the mattress and pillows? Do you have mold and mildew?

          July 27, 2020 at 8:08 pm
  • Reply Tammy

    Love the design. Where did you get the cushion for the swing?

    October 8, 2018 at 10:27 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Tammy. Awesome! Glad you like it. It’s a standard twin bed mattress. I think we got this one at BigLots.

      October 9, 2018 at 1:24 am
      • Reply Ajidulce

        How far away from the wall do you recommend installing this?

        May 17, 2020 at 12:40 pm
      • Reply Katy

        I’m having a tough time finding the best way to cut all the 1x3x8 to only need 11 pieces of this dimension? I’ve mapped it out a few times but it doesn’t seem like only 11 will be enough unless I’m missing something or not using the right cut for each step? Thanks for the help

        June 25, 2020 at 6:35 pm
        • Reply Alex

          I just followed these plans and wound up 4 boards short. I definitely think some boards are missing in the materials list.

          July 12, 2020 at 11:04 pm
          • Jessica Lee

            Yes, I just finished the 1×8 box and have moved on to the 2×4 support for the slats. The plan called for 1-2×4, but I need 3 bc I need 2-72 1/2” and 2-39“. I’m having fun tho… I have to go back to the store anyway. Is there any other boards I should grab while I’m there that we’re left off the list?

            September 24, 2020 at 7:32 pm
      • Reply Renee

        The mattress cover dimensions you ordered are not comparable to a twin size mattress that I can see. Can you provide the mattress dimensions you have? Thanks.

        August 26, 2020 at 2:38 pm
  • Reply Beth Dodd

    Where did you get the twin cushion?

    October 13, 2018 at 2:47 pm
    • Reply Henry

      It’s a standard twin bed mattress. I think we got this one at BigLots. We didn’t want to spend much on it since it’s outside.

      October 14, 2018 at 2:23 am
  • Reply Brenda Estrada

    Hi, how do you hang the swing bed to the ceiling ?

    October 20, 2018 at 4:09 am
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Brenda. I screwed eye screws into the ceiling joists in the porch ceiling. Then ran a rope through them and through each eye screw on the bottom of the swing, and tied knots as you can see in the pictures.

      October 22, 2018 at 12:14 pm
  • Reply Mike Sawtelle

    Do you guys actually use it for sitting? We have a traditional porch swing and use it all the time. I love the look of these but wonder how they are for functionality.

    November 25, 2018 at 11:45 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Mike! Yes, we actually use the swing bed lots! We use it for sitting and taking naps on…lol. The location of our swing doesn’t allow it to swing very high, but that’s not really what we wanted it for. If you were to hang in a location that had a little more room, Im sure it would be just fine. Henry made one for my mother and she the placement of it is perfect for swinging and the grandkids use it tons for that!

      November 27, 2018 at 4:04 pm
  • Reply Lisa

    I was wondering what you used for the cushion and where to find materials. Thanks.

    December 29, 2018 at 7:13 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Lisa. We used a standard twin bed mattress, and the cover is from World Market. You can find the link in the link in the second to last paragraph.

      December 31, 2018 at 2:42 pm
      • Reply Katlin

        Awesome project! Is the mattress cover waterproof? Mine will be out in the elements.

        August 30, 2019 at 9:19 pm
      • Reply Kim

        We were wondering why you put the top cap on the back? Does it get in the way when you sit back on the swing?

        June 14, 2020 at 3:43 pm
  • Reply Rachael

    What kind of windows are those? I love the black 🖤Can’t decide on a brand/series.

    December 30, 2018 at 2:42 am
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Rachel. They are PlyGem double hung.

      December 31, 2018 at 2:43 pm
    • Reply Liz

      How much weight does it hold? Will it hold two adults at the same time?

      February 3, 2020 at 4:41 am
  • Reply Danielle Bartran

    This is on my New Year’s To Do list!! Thanks for the plans they seem very straightforward and easy to follow!

    January 4, 2019 at 7:48 pm
    • Reply Henry

      You’re very welcome!

      January 23, 2019 at 6:35 pm
  • Reply John

    What diameter rope did you use?

    January 20, 2019 at 2:27 pm
    • Reply Henry

      This rope is 1/2″. I wanted 3/4″, but they were all out at Home Depot.

      January 23, 2019 at 6:36 pm
  • Reply Ellen

    Hello, this plan looks awesome! Did you do any pilot holes before nailing?

    January 23, 2019 at 1:29 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks! I used pilot holes for the screw eyes that the rope runs through.

      January 23, 2019 at 6:38 pm
      • Reply Ellen

        Thank you! Do you think it would be possible to use screws everywhere instead of nails? I already have a drill, but I do not have a finish nailer.

        February 1, 2019 at 3:58 pm
        • Reply Henry

          Yes, you could do that. But for that you would need to frill pilot holes.

          February 5, 2019 at 3:04 pm
  • Reply courtney

    Can you share a link for that ceiling fan?

    January 31, 2019 at 2:01 pm
  • Reply Patrick

    Henry, Do you have a rough estimate for the final costs including the mattress? Thanks. Great job! Thinking of trying to surprise the wife with it. Hopefully comes out as good as you did.

    February 7, 2019 at 3:58 am
    • Reply Henry

      Hey Patrick. I didn’t keep track of the exact price of everything, but I would say it was no more than $300 including the mattress, but you could probably find a cheaper mattress option to keep the expense down.

      Good luck! I’m sure your wife will love it!!

      February 11, 2019 at 1:48 pm
  • Reply Zoe

    Any idea about a weight limit?

    February 11, 2019 at 9:36 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      We really aren’t sure, but at times have had at least 350-400 pounds on it at one time.

      February 12, 2019 at 8:08 pm
  • Reply Morgan

    I’m dying to make a porch swing bed for our new house in Waco, TX. I’m hoping to make a full size bed so that my 6’5″ husband can fit on it with me and the baby. Do you have the measurements for a full instead of a twin? Your swing is BEAUTIFUL btw! I’m curious, how has a regular mattress stood up to weather? Does it ever get wet? Thanks!

    February 15, 2019 at 8:55 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks and sorry for not replying sooner. Just now saw your comment. A full mattress is 54” X 75” vs a twin which is 38 x 75. So you would just need add the additional width onto the pieces of wood on the side frame and rails. Our mattress has done very well, although it is completely shielded from the weather. The only time it gets wet is when wet kids coming out of the pool hop on it. Good luck with yours!

      March 3, 2019 at 10:57 pm
  • Reply Peter Lorms

    I believe you may be short 3 maybe 4 1x3x8’s on your material list.

    February 19, 2019 at 5:27 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks for catching that. I’ve updated the material list.

      February 21, 2019 at 10:56 pm
  • Reply Jai

    The swing is beautiful… can you please tell me what is the space between two eye screws in ceiling…? It seems close, I have two joist running 24 inches apart.. Would that work..? And also how far is this two screws from the other two..? Should it be longer/ same / or shorther than the length of swing? Thanks for the nice easy plan

    February 23, 2019 at 12:56 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thank you! I had to place them like that to keep the rope away from the fans. It was poor planning on my part. We should have went with three fans. 24 inches would definitely work, or if you could go wider, that would be good to. And the two sets of screws should be the length of the swing apart from each other, or close to it. Hope that helps!

      March 3, 2019 at 10:46 pm
  • Reply Kelly

    We’re wanting to do this under our pergola that would be open to the elements. I’ve hestitated because of the mattress. How would you suggest doing this if the swing were not covered?

    March 1, 2019 at 8:15 pm
    • Reply Henry

      If its going to be out in the weather, I would use a different wood, maybe a cedar or some type of treated wood. As for the mattress, maybe do a google search for some kind of outdoor cushion. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

      March 3, 2019 at 10:59 pm
      • Reply Bob Dolomite

        Many people have used air mattresses for the outdoors. You can also use a foam mattress with waterproof mattress covers then add your fabric cover – even double up on the waterproof covers.

        June 20, 2019 at 10:00 pm
      • Reply Chris Mays

        Hi Henry

        Love the swing. I plan to build this swing this week and wondering about how long it took you to frame this all out before staining.

        December 28, 2019 at 5:45 am
        • Reply Chris Mays

          My son and I built this swing and it took less then 3 hours and I have very little wood working experience. GREAT job on the instructions. I did end up changing the 1×3’s out using 1×4’s for the arms. I also used a jog saw and rounded the front of the arms. Turned out really nice

          December 30, 2019 at 10:50 pm
    • Reply Jeremy

      What size eye screws did you use?

      October 13, 2019 at 5:49 pm
  • Reply Michelle Kember

    Love this guys. My husband is making it for mother’s day. WhAt stain exactly did u use.
    Thanks so much

    March 2, 2019 at 6:14 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks! That is awesome. I’m sure you all will enjoy it. It is Minwax Mission Oak.

      March 3, 2019 at 10:47 pm
  • Reply Joe

    Where did you get your wood fromm

    March 3, 2019 at 7:44 pm
    • Reply Henry

      I got the wood from Home Depot.

      March 3, 2019 at 10:47 pm
  • Reply Brooke

    Do you have a suggestion on what screws to use if utilizing a drill over a nailer? Would deck screws be ok?

    March 5, 2019 at 5:03 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Yes. Deck screws should work just fine. Just make sure they are not too long. Probably 1 1/4″ would work best. Also make sure to drill pilot holes. The downside to using screws is that it will take longer to build and the screw heads will be showing in a lot of places.

      March 6, 2019 at 2:42 pm
  • Reply Patrick Gaydos

    Hey Henry, I was planning on using a crib mattress. I know a lot of measurements will change. But most changes would be with steps 1 thru 3 correct? The others I would have to do accordingly. Do you have plans for a crib mattress by any means, or is that something you can adjust simply on your end? The dimensions of that mattress are 28″ w x 52″ L.

    March 6, 2019 at 1:10 am
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Patrick. That’s correct. The main measurements to change would be 1-3, and then all other measurements on the x and y axis. I’m afraid I don’t have all of those adjusted measurements, but all you would need to do is calculate the width and length different between a twin mattress and crib mattress. Then subtract those values from the current measurements.

      March 6, 2019 at 2:39 pm
  • Reply April

    Do you have a supply list for a swing that would fit a crib mattress by chance? My mom and I are building and need it as idiot proof as possible haha. If not I understand but wanted to ask!!

    March 12, 2019 at 9:54 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi April. It should be a fun project for you and your mom! I’m afraid I don’t already have plans for a crib mattress version, but it should be pretty simple to make the adjustments. You’ll just need to determine the difference between a standard twin mattress and the size of the crib mattress you’re using. Then subtract that from the measurements in this plan. Hope that helps.

      March 18, 2019 at 7:26 pm
  • Reply Donna Huynh

    thank you for the easy plans !! My 1st project and though it took me much longer to make. It looks great !!

    March 16, 2019 at 8:15 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Donna. That is so awesome! I’m happy I could help.

      March 18, 2019 at 7:27 pm
  • Reply Justin

    Hello! How high off of the floor is the bottom of the frame? Thank you!

    March 24, 2019 at 5:47 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Justin. Ours is about 1.5 feet off the floor. But something to keep in mind is that the rope with stretch some over time. So you may want to hang it a bit higher than where you want it to be.

      March 25, 2019 at 12:33 pm
  • Reply Elise

    What’s the stain of your porch! LOVE it!

    April 7, 2019 at 2:59 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Elise! So happy you like the look of the porch. The stain is Cabot Gold that we purchased from Lowes. I do love the look and it is so easy to clean. The biggest negative I have with it is it can get very slippery while wet.

      April 8, 2019 at 12:35 pm
      • Reply Hazel

        I would think that burlap would be a rough surface. Just exactly what kinds of material did you use for your pillows and other accessories. Sunbrealla is so expensive.

        July 27, 2020 at 8:21 pm
  • Reply Thad

    What is the thickness of the mattress. Looked at burlap cover and some reviews said it did not fit the thickness of their mattress well.

    April 14, 2019 at 7:55 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Our mattress is about 9″ thick and our cover fits very well. Hope that helps.

      April 19, 2019 at 1:06 pm
  • Reply Ashley

    LOVE THIS, I am going to attempt this at my new house – first project! Can I ask how much this cost for material, not including the power tools?

    April 19, 2019 at 2:37 am
    • Reply Henry

      Awesome! I’m sure it will turn out great! The cost was around $200 – much cheaper than buying one. 🙂

      April 19, 2019 at 1:07 pm
  • Reply Kayla

    Great tutorial – can’t wait to build mine? What length of rope did you end up using to hang the swing?

    April 19, 2019 at 4:17 am
    • Reply Henry

      I’m sure yours will turn out great! Our ceilings are 10′. So I got 27′ rope to make sure I had enough, but also take into consideration how far apart your ceiling eye screws end up being.

      April 19, 2019 at 1:10 pm
  • Reply Lilli palumbo

    Do you know the approximate weight? I want to make this and wonder if I could hang it off of 1 joist?

    April 29, 2019 at 1:33 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hey Lilli! Im not sure what the exact weight is on the swing, but I would recommend hanging on at least two joists. I feel like it is a little too heavy for just one.

      April 29, 2019 at 5:17 pm
  • Reply Tony schroeder

    Hi, the porch swing looks great, and I’m attempting to build it too. For the finish nails, is it important to use 16ga, or would 18ga Brad nails be strong enough for the twin bed load too? Thanks!

    May 1, 2019 at 6:58 pm
    • Reply Henry

      I would recommend using the 16ga if you can.

      June 6, 2019 at 1:50 pm
  • Reply Patrick

    This looks great and I plan on building it this week. Did you put a cover on your mattress? If so can you share what it is?

    May 2, 2019 at 5:53 pm
    • Reply Patrick

      never mind, I read the post and found the info… just being a true guy that can’t find stuff right in front of him :). Thanks again for sharing.

      May 3, 2019 at 3:34 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hi Patrick. Sorry for the slow response. Glad you found your answer.

      May 3, 2019 at 1:36 pm
  • Reply Erika

    So, do you guys have any plans for a frame that, when I make this swing, I could hang it from that instead? I don’t have a front or back porch, so I need a place to hang it from.

    May 4, 2019 at 8:47 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Hi Erika. I’m afraid we’ve not created a plan for a frame for the swing. Sorry about that.

      May 6, 2019 at 1:36 am
  • Reply Dylan Finkenaur

    Hello! Building this for my first wood project ever! What length eye screws did you use for this?

    June 6, 2019 at 12:25 am
    • Reply Brooke

      They are 2″. Good luck building your swing!

      June 6, 2019 at 1:43 pm
  • Reply Amanda

    This is so great! Thank you for the fantastic instructions. I’d like to make this but with wider armrests, so you could set a book or drink on them. Do you think that would interfere with the rope/swing action too much?

    June 7, 2019 at 12:42 pm
    • Reply Henry

      You’re welcome. I don’t think the wider arms would interfere with the rope as the extra width would be toward the inside of the swing instead of the outside. But do be aware of the movement of the swing. Might be hard to keep drinks for falling off. 🙂

      June 25, 2019 at 1:29 pm
  • Reply Christina

    I’m assuming the finish nails and glue are strong enough for all the weight based on your plans and level of experience (my experience is very limited!). I just wonder if pocket holes might be good for at least the base? Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks so much!!

    June 8, 2019 at 4:54 pm
    • Reply Henry

      You’re welcome. Yes, they are strong enough. Keep in mind that the corners have 3 layers of wood that are overlapping, glued and nailed through each other. The first swing I made using this same technique is about 7 years old and is still going strong. You could use pocket screws on the corners of the 2x’s, or you could also use 90 degree metal brackets. You can find these at Lowe’s.

      June 25, 2019 at 1:37 pm
  • Reply Blakely

    What gauge nails did you use? Thanks!

    June 23, 2019 at 3:42 pm
    • Reply Henry

      They are 16ga.

      June 25, 2019 at 1:38 pm
  • Reply Nicole Harris

    I just built this and love it! But my husband is going on and on about finish nails and glue not being enough to support any significant weight once hung. Has it held up pretty well for you? Is there anything additional I could do to reinforce it?

    June 24, 2019 at 1:38 am
    • Reply Henry

      Awesome! Congratulations. I understand his concern, but keep in mind that the corners have 3 layers of wood that are overlapping, glued and nailed through each other. The first swing I made using this same technique is about 7 years old and is still going strong. For added support, you could use 90 degree metal brackets in the inside corners of the 2x’s. You can find them at Lowe’s.

      June 25, 2019 at 1:40 pm
  • Reply Kay

    So, I’m almost done building this. Very quick thanks to your awesome tutorial. Now that I’m almost done, I’m wondering if I put the cart before the horse. We have a patio cover with beams that are roughly 5.5″ high and 3.5″ wide. Will that be enough support. We don’t have any roof overhead, so it’s all patio cover. Thanks!

    June 28, 2019 at 1:18 am
  • Reply Robert M.

    Great stuff Henry and super helpful. Going to build this for outdoor use hanging from two 6×6 posts plus beam in our yard. Thoughts on other wood options than pine? Can use PT pine for that 2 by innner piece.
    But thinking of something naturally weather resistant since it’ll be out in the elements here on the east coast. Cedar 1 by (unless perhaps it’s a true 1 by – 5/4) seems like it wouldn’t be strong enough?

    June 28, 2019 at 1:30 am
  • Reply michael b.

    Hello. I was wondering how you make sure the bed is balanced and doesn’t tilt forward or back once it’s hanging. Great plans and thank you.

    July 16, 2019 at 1:05 pm
  • Reply Jay

    Great work! Thanks for sharing! We made something similar with a crib mattress. It’s location we’re hanging won’t allow it to swing so it’ll be used to sitting. Is 3/8” rope to thin would you say? I can’t find 3/4 or 1/2 anywhere near me!

    July 25, 2019 at 6:50 pm
  • Reply Heather

    Hello, We love this plan. Do you know of anyone who has hung this from a screened in porch that has a deck above? Our deck sits on top of our screened in porch so there are not “ceiling joists” per say rather the 1 x ?? that support the floor deck boards.

    July 28, 2019 at 2:16 am
    • Reply Brooke

      Hello Heather! Sorry for the delay on getting back to you. I would really prefer having those ceiling joists for as much weight as it is.

      September 25, 2019 at 4:01 pm
  • Reply Randy Wells

    On the swing did you use eye bolt or eye screw. What size were they.

    August 7, 2019 at 4:39 pm