Backyard Swing

Easy enough for a beginner, comfortable enough for a long perch.

- Gary Wentz

A seat like this is usually called a “porch swing,” and a porch certainly is a good location for it. But a hanging seat can go just about anywhere; unlike a chair, it doesn’t require a firm, flat surface beneath it. If you don’t have a suitable ceiling or tree to support a swing, go to familyhandyman.com and search for “arbor” to see other options.

Tools and materials

This swing design is especially forgiving. If your cuts are slightly inaccurate or not quite straight, the swing will still turn out just fine. So, although a table saw, miter saw and band saw are best for this project, you could do it all with only a jigsaw.

The swing shown here is made from cedar, but you could use treated lumber instead. Either material will contain some large knots, which can look bad and create weak spots. Avoid them when cutting parts (Photo 1). The Materials List includes 1 x2s, but if you have a table saw, you'll get better material by ripping 1 x2s from wider boards. Some stores carry cedar that's 7/8 in. thick instead of 3/4 in. If you use 7/8-in. stock, make the stretcher (E) 23-3/4 in. long instead of 24 in.

We chose heavy 5/16-in. yellow zinc-coated chain, but any chain rated for 250 lbs. or more will work. Some stores will cut the chain to length for you. Two Quick Link connectors or S-hooks join the front and back chains to the upper chains-they make adjustments and removing the swing easy.

THINK AHEAD WHEN WORKING WITH CEDAR

Cedar lumber usually has one smooth side and one rough side. So, when you’re making pairs of parts, it’s easy to end up with a mismatch: one part with the smooth side visible, the other with the rough.

Don’t sweat the curves