How to Build an Adirondack Porch Swing

Porch swings take us back to a way of life that was simpler and less complicated. Adirondack furniture create a sense of style in addition to comfort. An Adirondack porch swing will bring you hours of delight, and a particular sense of accomplishment if you build one yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 6 2x4s
• Wood screws
• Saw
• 36 1x4s
• 1 1x6
• Lag bolts
• Paint or stain
• Chain

Instructions

Create the Frame for the Seat and Sides

1. Cut 2 2x4s to a length of 17 inches long and cut two more to a length of 22 7/8 inches long.

2. Build the rectangular frames for the sides of the swing. Place one 17 inch piece on the outside of the two 22 7/8 inch pieces. Secure them with wood screws. Do the same on the next piece, but off set it by the thickness of a 1x4. Build a second identical section for the other arm frame.

3. Cut 2 2x4s to a length of 52 3/8 inches. Create the traditional reclining feel of Adirondack furniture by ripping the face of one board to an 80 degree angle.

4. Set the two side frame sections on a work surface with the offset facing toward each other.

5. Attach the front support for the seat in place by screwing it to each side frame, inside of the offset portion of the two side frames.

6. Secure the angled 2x4 to the top back of the frame, leaving a gap the width of a 1x4. Make sure the board is situated so the angled portion faces forward with the thickest part at the bottom.

7. Build the third support board into the frame by attaching it to the side frames four inches inside from the back. This provides adequate support for adults to use your porch swing.

Build the Back

1. Cut 12 1x4s to a length of 15 1/2 inches long for the sides of the Adirondack porch swing. Create the seat slats by cutting 12 1x4s to a length of 24 inches. Cut an additional 12 to a length of 27 inches for the back. If you want a rounded cut for the rear boards, cut those into the arch of your personal taste.

2. Build the fascia board that will act as a trim piece for the front of your swing. Take a 1x6 and cut it to length. It should be a length of 46 3/4 inches, but measure to make sure.

3. Trim the fascia board by measuring up one inch from the bottom. Starting 1 1/2 inches from each end, cut a half circle up to the 1 inch mark and continue to the other side, creating a decorative cut out to the bottom of the fascia board.

4. Set a section of the seat boards into place as a guide and place the fascia board in place so it's flush with the top of the seat boards. Measure down from the top of the fascia board to the two inch mark and make five or six evenly spaced marks to attach the fascia to the frame. Take out the seat boards and attach the fascia with wood screws.

5. Build stops by ripping a one inch length from the last 1x4. Cut two pieces to fit inside the angled frame of the back support and the offsets on the side frames. These will be the stops that the sideboards will be attached to.

Complete the Swing

1. Complete the side frame by placing 2 15 1/2 inch boards flush with the frame. Leave a gap of 3/8 inch in between remaining boards. Secure with wood screws. Repeat to finish the other side frame.

2. Set the seat boards into place, leaving a gap of 3/8 inch. Mark the center of the supports so you know where to drill. Attach them with wood screws.

3. Cut another 1x4 1 inch shorter than the width of the back of the swing. This will provide extra support for the back seat of the swing. Attach the back boards leaving gaps that match the gaps on the seat using wood screws and add the extra support for the back to those boards.

4. Take a piece of 1x6 and cut 2 lengths 30 inches each. These will be the arm rests. If you want to do so, you can angle cut those to customize the fit and present a more polished finish. Do this by marking a spot at the front of the board that is 3 1/2 inches in from the edge. Cut a straight line from the back corner to that mark and router all edges to make them smooth and finished.

5. Attach lag bolts in the front and back of each arm rest. These will be used to attach the chain that allows the swing to function.

6. Stain or paint according to your preference. Seal with a coat of polyurethane to protect your furniture from weather.