There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a handcrafted porch swing after a long day. Whether it’s hanging from a front porch, pergola, arbor, or backyard patio structure, a wooden porch swing adds both comfort and character to any outdoor space. The best part is that you can build one yourself using basic woodworking tools, affordable lumber, and a straightforward set of woodworking plans.

In this DIY porch swing tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a durable and comfortable swing bench step by step. This project features a curved seat for added comfort, angled back supports for better seating posture, and a strong frame designed for everyday outdoor use. The build is beginner-friendly while still offering enough detail and craftsmanship for experienced woodworkers who want a clean, professional-looking result.

If you’re looking for an easy DIY woodworking project that combines function and style, this porch swing is a great weekend build. The design can also be customized with different wood types, finishes, paint colors, ropes, or hanging chains to match your porch or outdoor living space.

Download the Printable PDF Plans

For easier building, be sure to download the printable PDF woodworking plans. The plans include detailed measurements, material lists, cut diagrams, and step-by-step illustrations to help simplify the entire build process and save time in the workshop.

Having the plans nearby while building makes it much easier to follow each step, especially when cutting angles, laying out the seat supports, and assembling the swing frame.

What You’ll Learn in This DIY Porch Swing Tutorial

In the step-by-step tutorial below, you’ll learn how to:

• Build the curved seat supports
• Assemble the porch swing frame
• Install the backrest and seat slats
• Build and attach the armrests
• Install the hanging hardware safely
• Prepare the swing for mounting on a porch, pergola, or arbor

Gather your tools, lumber, and hardware, and let’s start building this DIY wooden porch swing.

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Time to Complete	Total Cost	Skill Level
6 hours	$120	Beginner

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Download Printable Plans in PDF

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Note: Lumber dimensions are listed as nominal size.  See lumber sizes for actual dimensions vs nominal.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page, as well as links in “tools for this project” and “material list” sections, are affiliate links.

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Dimensions

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Step 1 – Build the Porch Swing Seat Support Pieces

Start by building the bottom seat support pieces for the DIY porch swing bench. Take a 2×4 board and cut four pieces to 22 ¾” long. On one end of each board, make a 15-degree miter cut. This angled cut will match the slope of the back support and help create the proper porch swing seat angle.

Next, create the curved seat profile to make the swing more comfortable to sit on. On the side with the 15-degree miter cut, measure 4 ⅜” from the angled edge and mark it with a pencil. From the opposite end of the board, measure 1 ⅜” and make another mark.

Find the center point between those two marks, then measure down ⅞” to 1” from the edge of the board. This mark will become the lowest point of the curve. Using those three reference points, draw a smooth arch with a pencil. Refer to the image for guidance on the curve layout.

Use a jigsaw to carefully cut along the pencil line. Once the first curved seat support is complete and you are satisfied with the shape, use it as a template to trace the remaining pieces. Cut the same curve on all four seat support boards so the porch swing seat remains consistent and comfortable.

If you do not have a jigsaw or prefer a simpler build, you can leave the boards flat instead of cutting the curve. However, the curved seat design provides a more comfortable seating surface for the finished porch swing.

Step 2 – Cut the Porch Swing Back Support Pieces

Now cut the back support pieces for the porch swing frame. Take a 2×4 board and cut four pieces to 23” long.

On each board, make a 15-degree miter cut on one end. This will be the bottom of the back support where it connects to the seat support. Then make a 30-degree miter cut on the opposite end of the board. This will be the top of the back support.

Be sure all four boards are cut identically so the backrest angle stays consistent across the entire porch swing bench.

Step 3 – Assemble the Seat and Back Supports

Lay one seat support piece flat on your work surface with the curved side facing up. Position one back support board against the angled end of the seat support, making sure the miter cuts align correctly.

Attach the two pieces together using 2 ½” wood screws. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended to help prevent the wood from splitting and to keep the assembly aligned during installation.

You will need to build two left-hand assemblies and two right-hand assemblies. This mirrored layout keeps the spacing and alignment of the porch swing frame consistent during assembly.

Step 4 – Cut the Porch Swing Back Slats and Front Rail

Next, cut the boards for the porch swing backrest and front seat rail. Using a 1×4 board, cut five back slat pieces to 75” long. These boards will create the backrest of the porch swing bench.

Then cut one front rail piece to 72” long from the same 1×4 material. This board will connect the front of the seat support assemblies and help strengthen the overall frame.

Before moving to assembly, make sure all boards are straight and the ends are cut square for a clean fit during installation.

Step 5 – Attach the Front Rail and Back Slats

Start by attaching the 72” front rail board to the front edge of the seat support assemblies using 1 ½” wood screws. Position the seat support assembly pieces so they are spaced 22” apart from each other. Check the reference image to confirm the correct layout and spacing before fastening everything together.

Once the front rail is secured, begin installing the 75” back slats onto the back support assemblies. Position the first slat at the bottom of the backrest, then continue working upward toward the top.

Space each slat approximately ½” apart to create an even and consistent appearance across the back of the porch swing. Using a spacer block can help maintain equal spacing between the boards during installation.

Make sure the slats stay aligned as you work to keep the finished porch swing looking clean and professional.

Step 6 – Cut the Porch Swing Seat Slats

Now cut the bottom seat slats for the porch swing. Using a 1×3 board, cut seven pieces to 72” long.

The seat slats are made from 1×3 boards instead of 1×4 boards because the narrower width fits the curved seat supports better. This allows the slats to follow the contour of the seat more naturally and creates a more comfortable sitting surface on the finished DIY porch swing.

Step 7 – Install the Porch Swing Seat Slats

Before attaching the seat slats, lay all seven 72” seat slats across the bottom seat supports to check the spacing and overall fit. Adjust the boards until the spacing between each slat is even. The gap between the slats should be approximately ¼”.

Once all the slats are properly aligned, attach them to the seat support boards using 1 ½” wood screws. Start at one end and work your way across the seat, checking the spacing as you go to keep everything uniform.

For the best results, pre-drill the screw holes and use a spacer block to maintain consistent gaps between the slats. Proper spacing helps improve the appearance of the porch swing while also allowing water and debris to pass through the seat more easily.

Step 8 – Build and Attach the Front Porch Swing Legs

Take a 2×4 board and cut two front leg pieces to 10 ¾” long.

Position one leg on the left side of the porch swing bench and the other on the right side. Attach the legs securely to the frame using 2 ½” wood screws.

Make sure both legs are installed square and flush with the frame so the porch swing remains level and properly supported during use.

Step 9 – Cut and Prepare the Porch Swing Armrests

Now build the armrests for the porch swing. Take a 2×4 board and cut two armrest pieces to 27 ⅜” long.

At the front end of each armrest, chamfer the edges as shown in the reference image. This helps soften the appearance of the armrests and gives the porch swing a cleaner finished look.

Next, cut a notch at the back of each armrest measuring 4 ¼” x 2 ¼”. This notch allows the armrest to fit around the back slats and back support pieces during assembly.

Finally, drill a hole through each armrest approximately 7 ¾” from the front edge. The diameter of the hole will depend on the type and size of the rope or chain you plan to use for hanging the porch swing. If you are using heavier chain hardware, you may need to drill a larger opening to allow proper clearance.

Step 10 – Install the Porch Swing Armrests

Position the armrests on both sides of the porch swing bench and align them with the front legs and back supports. Make sure the notched section at the back of each armrest fits properly around the back slats and support boards.

Once everything is aligned correctly, attach the armrests using 2 ½” wood screws. Secure the armrests firmly to the frame so they remain solid and stable during use.

Check that both armrests are level and evenly positioned before fully tightening the screws.

Step 11 – Install the Hanging Hardware and Hang the Porch Swing

Install a screw eye directly below the hole drilled through each armrest. The hanging chain or rope will pass through the armrest opening and connect to the screw eye underneath.

Next, install another screw eye into the side of the back support board as shown in the reference image. These mounting points will support the hanging system for the porch swing.

Attach the chains or ropes securely to the screw eyes, making sure all hardware is properly tightened and rated to support the weight of the swing and its occupants.

Once the hardware is installed, hang the DIY porch swing from a strong overhead structure such as a porch beam, pergola, arbor, or another properly supported frame.

Your DIY porch swing is now complete and ready to enjoy.