How to Build a Patio Swing

A simple patio swing can make for a relaxing, enjoyable time outdoors. You can build your own swing with some elementary woodworking skills. Follow these simple steps and you'll be sipping lemonade and swinging by the end of the day.

Things You'll Need:
•2x4 lumber
•1x4 lumber
•#12 galvanized wood screws
•5/16 inch, 4 inch long eye bolts and corresponding nuts and washers
•S hooks
•Electric drill
•Circular saw
•Miter saw
•Measuring tape
•Electric sander
•Paint brush
•Stain or paint

Instructions

Step1
Cut two pieces of 2x4 to 48 inches long and and two pieces 24 inches long. Drill two 3/16 pilot holes at the ends of the 48 inch pieces. Align these four pieces in a rectangle shape. The two 24 inch pieces should be inside the two 48 inch pieces.

Step2
Make the swing frame by fastening the pieces together. Screw the #12 galvanized wood screws through the pilot holes and into the 24 inch piece. Cut a piece of 2x4 to 21 inches to serve as a center brace. Lay it inside the frame parallel to the shorter sides. Place it halfway between them. Drill another two sets of pilot holes in the frame before attaching the frame to the brace. Screw from the outside of the frame to the edge of this center brace.

Step3
Make the seat back side rails: Cut two 2x4's to 24 inches. Make a 45 degree angle miter cut on one end of each board. Make the top rail of the seat back: Cut a 2x4 to a length of 45 inches. Line it up inside the side rails opposite the angle cut. This board will serve as the top rail of the seat back. Screw together with #12 wood screws driven through more pilot holes. Line up the seat back and the seat bottom. Drill more pilot holes up at a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the seat into the seat back side rails. Use longer wood screws to attach the two pieces together.

Step4
Make the slats for the swing by cutting 1x4 lumber to a length of 48 inches each. Space them out evenly on the seat bottom and seat back. Drill pilot holes and screw them to the frames.

Step5
Make the armrest supports by cutting two pieces of 2x4 to 12 inches. Make the armrests by cutting two pieces of 2x4 to 24 inches. Make a miter cut on one side of each of the armrests to 45 degrees. Align the angled side of the armrests to a point on the sides of the back frame 12 inches from the bottom. Set both the arm rest supports 5 inches from the front of the seat frame. Screw them to the frame from the bottom.

Step6
Sand the swing. Paint or stain in a color of your choosing. Let dry.

Step7
Drill holes 3 inches from the front edge of each armrest for the eyebolts. Insert 5/16 inch eye bolts with lock washers in the holes. Insert two more eye bolts 3 inches from the front edge of the side of the frame pointing outward. Do this again for the back of the seat frame. Attach S-hooks to all the eye bolts, and your swing is complete.


Reference : ehow.com