Relax, Enjoy Summer In Your New Swing

This easy lawn swing project uses inexpensive, heavy-duty schedule 40 PVC pipe (usually used in plumbing), features a removable canopy and seats two adults comfortably.

Here’s all you need to build it: a total of about 100 feet of PVC pipe, four yards of canvaslike fabric, 18 feet of standard chain, four cushions, adhesive and assorted hardware. The only tools required are a hacksaw, drill, screwdriver and wrench, along with sandpaper, a tape measure, pencil, square and straight edge. A sewing machine (or needle and thread) is optional.

This project should take about a day to finish, even for amateurs. It’s mostly a matter of fitting the pieces of pipe together. First, saw the pipe to length and assemble the pieces into the three basic units: base, seat and cover. Drill holes in the seat structure, attach the fabric with sheet metal screws and hang the seat with chain. Cut the cover material to size (add trim if you like) and fit it over the cover frame. Then add standard seat cushions of your choice.

The PVC pipe can be painted to match the cushions with an acrylic-resin paint. The finished swing measures 4-plus feet by 6 feet at the base and stands 6 feet high.

The PVC Lawn Swing plan, No. 678, is $6.50 and includes complete step-by-step directions with 21 photos, detailed diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

A package of four plans for easy-to-build PVC-pipe projects, No. C25, is available for $14 and includes this lawn swing, plus a chaise lounge, a hammock frame and an outdoor dining set. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $3.95. Prices include sales tax, postage and handling (for first-class mail, add $1 per item).

MEMO: To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Please specify plan numbers.