How to Easily Build the Porch Swing
Materials List
Qty 1 - 6 ft 4x6 Doug Fir Lumber
The "4x6" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 6.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 4 - 8 ft 4x4 Doug Fir Lumber
Have the hardware store cut these to 90" lengths. The "4x4" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 3 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 4.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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1 Quart Exterior Stain
This swing was stained with Behr Premium "Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer" in Chestnut color.
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4" Paint Roller with Tray for Same
Can get from hardware store.
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Copper Green Wood Preservative
Can get from hardware store. Get 1 quart "Brown" color version. If you cant find this brand, any brand will do.
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Pair of A-Frame Steel Brackets
From room2zoom store, here.
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"B.C. Porch Swing Acacia Wood"
"Best Choice Products 48 Inch Porch Swing Acacia Wood" From Amazon. Here is the Link. Also available in white. Here is the Link.
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"Stainless Steel Swing Hangers"
"Besthouse Stainless Steel Swing Hangers 2000 LB." From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 4 1/2"
Common Zinc Bolts.
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Qty 2 - 1/2" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 2 - 3/8" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 2 - 3/8" Lock Nut
Anywhere.
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Qty 32 - 1/4" x 1 1/2" Pan Head
1/4" x 1 1/2" pan head screws. Anywhere.
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3" Painting Brush
Dollar Tree
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8" Square Plastic Container
Dollar Tree. Used to hold and soak the 4x4 lumber feet with Copper wood preservative.
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Spray Paint
Anywhere. (The pan head screws were painted brown.)
Tools List
Ladder
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Cordless Drill and/or Driver
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Tape Measure
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9/16" Wrench and/or Socket
3/8" Drill Bit
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Wood File - Sometimes Needed
Steps
1. Plan - Measure Your Space
The Porch Swing frame built here is made with a 6-foot 4x6 beam and 4 - 90" long 4x4 legs. With these sizes the frame will measure 82" high to the top of the beam, and the footprint will be 100" deep and 86" wide. You can adjust these sizes as needed, and just have the hardware store do these straight cuts so that you do not need to do any cutting yourself.
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2. Purchase Materials
Order the A-Frame Brackets first, they will take 2 to 7 days to arrive. Most of the parts from Amazon will arrive in 2 days. And many things can be sourced locally--See the Materials List above.
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3. Stain & Soak Lumber
Stain the Lumber. Do not stain the last two inches of one end of the 4x4 lumber. Then after stain dries, stand the 4x4 lumber upright in a plastic container and soak the unstained ends for 3 to 12 hours in a wood preservative.
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4. Attach A-Frame Brackets
First attach brackets to 4x6 beam. Then attach all legs to brackets while frame structure still lying on its side on he ground.
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5. Attach Swing Hangers to Beam
Predrill holes where swing hanger lag screws will be installed with a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the lag screws. Attach swing hangers with lag screws.
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6. Attach Porch Swing
Attach porch swing.
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