Today’s project

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm evening spent on a gently swaying porch swing listening to the crickets chirp in the yard. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s easy to recreate this relaxing scene with our classic porch swing project.

Made from standard dimensional lumber (pine as pictured, but other woods will work), the project is perfect for the porch or patio, or even a free-standing frame. Suspended on standard chain, the swing is fully adjustable and can be raised, lowered or tilted as desired.

What you need

Easy enough for woodworkers of all skill levels, the project uses full-size patterns for all of the curved pieces. The slats are straight cuts of standard lumber.

What you do

To build, simply trace the patterns onto wood and cut everything out. Next, sand and assemble the pieces using carriage bolts, machine screws and nails. To finish, apply paint or stain, attach the chain, hang in a shady spot and pour the lemonade.

The porch swing measures 40 inches long by 24 inches high by 24 inches deep.

The Porch Swing plan, No. 288, is $9.95 and includes full-size traceable patterns, step-by-step directions with photos, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

How to order the plan

A package of swing and glider plans, No. C119, is $25.95 and includes plans for this project plus a hanging loveseat and two gliders. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.

To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.