Porch swings call to mind simpler times and relaxed summer evenings with family and friends. This child-sized version is perfect for creating a place for any child to sit and read a book or to relax with a favorite stuffed animal. Because it is downsized, this porch swing will fit on even a tiny back porch or under the eaves of a house.

The template for the seat and back base of the swing can easily be roughed out on cardboard, traced onto the lumber and cut with a jigsaw. While the end result looks like it might be beyond the average woodworker's skills, the swing is surprisingly simple to assemble once all of the pieces are cut out.

Materials:

Two 2"x4"x8' cedar boards
Two 1"x10"x10' cedar boards
2" stainless steel wood screws
3 ½" stainless steel wood screws
25' heavy chain
Two ¼"x3" galvanized lag bolts
Six 2" chain connectors
Four 5/16"x6" eye bolt lag screws
Cardboard for templates

Note: All hardware and chain must be rated to support more than the estimated weight of the swing and occupants.

Tools:

Table saw
Miter saw w/ finish blade
Jig saw
Belt sander
Drill
7/8" wood boring bit
Pilot drill bit
Utility knife
Tape measure
Framing square
Pencil

Directions:

1. Review diagram and draw outline of seat support, backrest support, and armrest onto cardboard. Cut out shapes with sharp utility knife to create templates.

2. Outline three seat and backrest supports by copying template onto one 2"x4"x8". Cut out pieces with jig saw, sand, and attach one seat support to each backrest support using glue and 3" stainless steel screws. Trace armrests, cut out, and sand smooth.

3. Use table saw to rip 1"x10"x10' board into 1 ½" strips. Use miter saw to cut strips into sixteen 40" seat slats. Use remaining wood to cut three 39" slats.

4. User miter saw to cut 2"x4"x8' into two 39" bottom support rails.

5. Use table saw and miter saw to create two 1 ½"x2 5/8"x8 ¾" arm uprights.

6. Position the three seat and backrest supports on bottom support rails, one on each end and the third in center. From underside, pre-drill and countersink holes for screws. Secure with 2 ½" stainless steel screws.

7. Align arm upright with front bottom support rail on each side. The 2 5/8" face should be flat against support rail. Predrill, countersink, and secure with 2 ½" stainless steel screws.

8. Position armrests on uprights. Inside edge of armrest should be flush with inside face of upright arm support. Overhang front of armrest 1 ½" beyond front of upright. Predrill screw holes and countersink. Secure armrest to upright with 2" wood screws. To attach rear end of armrests to back supports, predrill hole through outermost back supports into edge of each armrest and secure with lag bolts

9. Attach seat slats, starting at the crook of seat and back. Predrill, countersink, and secure each slat to each support with screws. Slats will overhang end supports. Use three shorter slats at armrest uprights. Similarly, attach backrest slats.

10. Mark locations for chain holes through armrests. Position front hole 3" from front of armrest and ¾" from outside edge. Position rear hole 1 ½" from rear end of armrest and centered on armrest. Drill holes using 7/8" wood bit.

11. Mark location for eye bolt lag screws (for attaching chains) ¾" from bottom of front and rear bottom support rails, in line with holes through armrests. Predrill and attach eye bolt lag screws on both sides of swing.

12. Install hooks into ceiling joist or beam and attach chains between hooks and eye bolt lag screws, through holes in armrests. Adjust chain length until swing is balanced. Seat height should be comfortable for child to get onto and off of swing, yet high enough to keep feet from dragging.