I want to build a simple porch swing. Where can I find a good DIY kit?

Absolutely. For a simple beginner porch swing, I’d avoid a complicated furniture kit and instead get a straightforward set of plans plus a hanging-hardware kit. That lets you buy inexpensive cedar or treated lumber locally.

Good options

• Porch Swing Wood Project Plan - $13.45 (The Winfield Collection)

• Porch Swing Hanging Kit - $49.29 (Walmart - Top Rated Seller.)

• Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)

• Pylex Wood Swing Hardware Kit - $79.72 (Walmart - The Factory Depot)

• Best overall DIY approach: The Winfield Collection's porch-swing plan gives you a full-size pattern and assembly instructions; you supply the lumber and hardware.

• Simplest hardware-only approach: The National Hardware Porch Swing Kit includes hangers, spring snaps, lag screws and washers, with a stated 1,000-lb safe working load.

• Budget route: Use free plans from Construct101 and buy your own lumber and hanging hardware. Their plan includes a shopping list, cutting list and drawings.

• Really beginner-friendly: This Old House has a simple 5-foot design using ordinary 2×4 and 1×6 lumber; they estimate under $100 if you already have the tools.

My pick: Go with a 4–5 ft cedar swing, a simple plan, and a quality hanging kit. Cedar is a nice choice outdoors, and the design can be built with basic cuts rather than complicated joinery.

One important point: the porch structure matters as much as the swing. The hanging hardware needs to be attached to adequately sized structural framing/joists—not just porch ceiling boards or trim. This Old House specifically recommends reinforcing the framing when a joist isn't positioned where the swing needs to hang.

If you tell me your approximate budget and whether you have a miter saw/drill, I can narrow this down to a specific kit + lumber list for a simple 2-person swing.

When looking for a DIY porch swing kit, your options generally fall into two categories: all-in-one wood kits (where the lumber is pre-cut and pre-sanded for you) and hardware/bracket kits (where you buy the standard lumber locally and use the kit for structural joints and hanging mechanisms).

Depending on how much of the cutting and building you want to do yourself, several reliable options and sources stand out:

• Pre-Cut Wood Kits (No Cutting Required):
  • [Easy Breezy Porch Swings Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://easybreezyporchswings.com/products/do-it-yourself-swing-bed-kit?currency=USD&country=US&variant=43573338275926&stkn=68e176783f31&srsltid=AfmBOooGgy3tmlKAr10x9O1p0EwZIOMjlB6-VusIjFWufYiSz3Rd9A2thds) offers the PorchCraft Do-It-Yourself Swing Bed Kit , which includes pre-cut, pre-sanded knot-free yellow pine, hanging ropes, hooks, and step-by-step instructions for a quick build.
  • Outdoor Furniture Plus carries pre-drilled, pre-cut cedar and pine swing kits (such as *All Things Cedar Go to product viewer dialog for this item. * kits) that come ready to assemble with all necessary hardware.
• Hardware & Bracket Kits (Bring Your Own Wood):
  • Pylex Swing Brackets: Available via retailers like DK Hardware or SuperArbor , Pylex makes heavy-duty powder-coated steel bracket sets that eliminate angle-cut math if you are building an A-frame stand or support structure using standard 2x4s.
  • Amish Casual Bracket Kits: Available through specialty outlets like Amish Lane , these heavy-gauge steel bracket kits are built to handle freestanding heavy-duty or daybed-style swings.

If you prefer a visual guide on how simple bracket-based builds go together before buying, check out this overview:

Watch this short video to see how easily metal bracket kits come together for a wooden swing structure:

18:34 Simple DIY wooden swing set build using metal brackets 4.9K views  · 1 year ago YouTube · Meyers Makes

Are you planning to hang the swing from an existing porch ceiling/beam , or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand as well? Let me know and I can narrow down the best setup for your space.

If you want to build the swing yourself rather than buy a finished swing, I’d go with a hardware kit + simple lumber plans. That gives you the DIY experience without having to fabricate the hanging hardware.

Good options

• Best simple hardware kit:

— about $32, with chain and mounting hardware. Good choice for a straightforward 4–5 ft wooden swing.

• Best heavy-duty option:

— about $49, with spring-assisted hangers and a stated 1,500-lb capacity for the set.

• Another solid hardware choice: National Hardware's N900-010 Porch Swing Hardware Kit includes two hangers, spring snaps and lag screws, with a 1,000-lb safe working load.

• Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)

• Levi Innovations Porch Swing Hanging Kit - $49.29 (Walmart - Top Rated Seller.)

• National Hardware Porch Swing Hardware Kit - $40.68 (Hardware & Tools)

For the actual wood swing

I'd use a simple 5-foot 2×4/2×6 design. This Old House has a particularly approachable version that uses ordinary lumber and is estimated at around $100 in materials, excluding the cushion. This Old House They also have a simpler design using 2×4 and 1×6 lumber that can come in under $100 if you already have basic tools.

One important point: the hanging structure is more important than the swing itself. Make sure the porch beam/joists are actually capable of carrying the swing plus occupants and dynamic swinging loads; don't simply screw the hangers into porch ceiling boards.

If you tell me your approximate budget, whether you have a miter saw/pocket-hole jig, and whether the swing will hang from an existing porch beam, I can recommend a specific kit and give you a very simple cut list.

If you want to build a simple porch swing, you can choose between all-inclusive wood kits, hardware-only frame brackets, or straightforward plans paired with local lumber.

Here are a few great options depending on how much of the work you want done for you:

Add to list Available via Easy Breezy Porch Swings , this kit includes pre-cut wood, hardware, ropes, and instructions tailored for a twin-size swing bed format.

Add to list Found at ThePorchSwingCompany.com , this is a hardware-and-bracket-only set if you prefer to source your own 4x4 or 6x6 lumber locally to build a freestanding heavy-duty frame.

Add to list Offered by Eastern Jungle Gym , this option provides specialized cedar components, hanging brackets, assembly hardware, and clear instructions.

Add to list Available through Georgia Swings , this is an affordable hardware kit containing the basic chains, springs, and hanging hooks if you plan to cut standard 2×4 boards from a local hardware store.

If you want a visual guide on how to put together a basic bench style using standard lumber and simple tools, check out this helpful walkthrough:

Watch this video for a great step-by-step tutorial on building a simple porch swing using basic tools:

11:07 How to Build a SIMPLE Porch swing (basic tools!)298K views  · 5 years ago YouTube · DIY MAN

Would you prefer to hang the swing directly from a porch ceiling/beam , or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand to go with it?

When building a simple porch swing, true "all-in-one" physical kits (pre-cut wood + hardware) are relatively rare outside of specialized hanging daybed kits . Instead, the most popular and cost-effective approach is buying a hardware/bracket kit (or digital plans) and sourcing inexpensive dimensional lumber (like cedar or standard 2x4s) locally.

Where to Find DIY Kits and Plans

• Hardware & Bracket Kits: If you want to skip the tricky angle cuts or build a freestanding frame, companies like The Porch Swing Company offer heavy-duty structural bracket and hanging kits. For an easy A-frame or straight-assembly swing frame without complex math, the Pylex Swing Bracket Kit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely available at hardware retailers like The Home Depot.
• Pre-Cut Wood & Bed Kits: If you are looking for a larger hanging daybed style that comes with everything pre-cut, merchants on platforms like Easy Breezy Porch Swings sell complete do-it-yourself swing bed kits.
• Project Plans & Cut Lists: If you just need a straightforward blueprint, detailed beginner-friendly PDF guides and cut lists can be found on Etsy or woodworking sites like Rockler for just a few dollars.

Community Builder Feedback

Are you planning to hang the swing from an existing porch ceiling/beam or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand to go with it? Let me know and I can help tailor the hardware or lumber list!

If you want simple rather than a full woodworking project, I’d go with a kit that supplies the hanging hardware and buy/cut the lumber yourself.

My picks

• Best simple hardware kit: National Hardware Porch Swing Kit — includes two swing hangers, spring snaps, lag screws and washers, with a 1,000-lb safe working load. This is a good foundation for building your own 4–5 ft swing.
• Best budget approach: ### Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit $32.45 — about $32 and includes the chain and mounting hardware. Pair it with a simple 2×4/2×6 swing design.
• Best if you want a true beginner-friendly project: This Old House's simple porch swing plans — the design uses ordinary 2×4 and 1×6 lumber and can be built for under $100 if you already have basic tools.
• Best if you don't want to cut much: This Old House's porch swing kit project — their kit-based design uses pre-milled pieces, so assembly is essentially putting the pieces together rather than doing complicated woodworking.

For a first swing, I'd build a 5-foot-wide bench-style swing from cedar, use a hardware kit rated well above your expected load, and spend the money on good hanging hardware rather than fancy joinery.

One important point: the porch structure matters as much as the swing. Make sure the swing is attached to structural framing—not just porch ceiling boards—and use appropriately rated hardware.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $100, $200) and whether you want 4 ft or 5 ft, I can find you a specific kit + lumber list with current prices.

Absolutely. If you want to actually build the swing yourself, rather than just assemble a finished swing, there are a few good kit approaches:

My top picks

Pylex Swing Bracket Kit

$86.79

Best for a true DIY build. The Pylex kit gives you the metal brackets/hardware to build a swing from ordinary 2×4 lumber, up to about 6 feet wide. You supply the wood and build the seat yourself. That keeps the project inexpensive and lets you choose the style and finish.

Pylex Wood Swing Hardware Kit

$56.86

A similar Pylex kit is available for swings up to 5 feet wide and includes the hardware needed to construct the wooden swing.

Best if you want the wood pre-cut: Cedarwood Furniture's Western Red Cedar Porch Swing Kit. It comes with the boards cut, sanded and pre-drilled, plus hardware, chain and instructions. It's more expensive (currently about $317 for the 48-inch version), but dramatically reduces the woodworking.

Best budget approach: Buy plans and lumber separately. A recent 48-inch cedar design uses straightforward 2×4 construction and basic hardware, with the author estimating under $60 in materials before finishing/hanging hardware.

One thing I wouldn't skimp on

The hanging hardware. For an adult porch swing, use hardware specifically rated for swings and make sure it is attached to an adequately sized structural beam—not just porch ceiling boards. For example, National Hardware's porch-swing kit is rated for a 1,000-lb safe working load and includes the hangers, snaps, lag screws and washers.

If you tell me (1) your approximate budget, (2) whether you have basic tools like a circular saw/drill, and (3) whether you want a 4-, 5-, or 6-foot swing, I can narrow this down to the best kit and give you a simple materials list.

When looking for a DIY porch swing kit, options generally fall into two categories: all-inclusive wood kits (where the lumber comes pre-cut, sanded, and pre-drilled) and hardware/bracket kits (where you buy the lumber separately at a local big-box store and use the kit for the structural joints, plans, and hanging hooks).

The best places to find these kits depend on the type of build you want:

• Pre-Cut Wood Kits (Easiest Option):
  • Cedarwood Furniture offers Western Red Cedar porch swing kits that arrive completely cut, sanded, and pre-drilled with hardware and instructions included for basic assembly.
  • Easy Breezy Porch Swings specializes in larger-scale projects like the PorchCraft DIY Swing Bed Kit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , which includes pre-cut wood, hardware, and ropes designed to assemble quickly without measuring angles.
• Hardware & Bracket Kits (Most Budget-Friendly):
  • The Porch Swing Company carries specialized items like the Amish Casual Heavy Duty Swing Stand Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and frame bracket kits if you need a freestanding A-frame structure instead of hanging from a porch ceiling.
  • Eastern Jungle Gym offers classic cedar bench swing and A-frame hardware kits that utilize an easy bracket system where you slide standard lumber right into place.
  • Home Depot and hardware suppliers stock reliable heavy-duty hanging kits, such as Pylex swing bracket sets and heavy-duty stainless-steel swing hangers for safe ceiling or rafter attachment.

If you prefer to cut standard 2x4s yourself on a budget, watch this quick visual guide on constructing a simple frame with basic tools:

15m DIY $50 Porch Swing (Basic Tools)20K views  · 2 years ago YouTube · Salty Woodworking

Are you planning to hang the swing from an existing porch ceiling/beam , or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand to go with it? Let me know and I can narrow down the specific hardware or plans you'll need.

If you want a simple, beginner-friendly porch swing, I’d go with a kit that supplies the plans/hardware and buy the lumber locally.

Good options

Porch Swing Parts Kit (for YF17)

$12.99

National Hardware Porch Swing Hardware Kit

$40.68

Levi Innovations Classic Porch Swing Hanging Kit

$54.99

Porch/Yard Swing Downloadable Plan

$1.00

• Best inexpensive approach: The Winfield Collection YF17 plan is $13.45 and has a matching hardware kit for the eyebolts, washers, screws and chain. The plan calls for readily available cedar or redwood.
• Best if you want everything pre-cut: Cedarwood Furniture sells a complete Western Red Cedar kit with pre-cut, sanded and pre-drilled boards, hardware, chain and instructions. Their 48-inch kit is currently $317.
• Cheapest option: Skip a physical kit entirely and use Ana White's free porch swing plans. They use ordinary 2×4 and 1×6 lumber and basic tools.

My pick: If you have a circular/miter saw and drill, I'd spend ~$50–100 on cedar and hardware and follow a free plan. If you don't want to measure/cut much, get the pre-cut Cedarwood Furniture kit.

One important point: the ceiling/beam attachment is as important as the swing itself—make sure you're fastening into structural framing with appropriately rated hardware, not just porch decking or ceiling boards.

If you tell me whether you want a 4-ft, 5-ft, or 6-ft swing and roughly what tools you have, I can point you to the simplest kit/plan and give you a shopping list.

When building a simple DIY porch swing, true all-in-one kits that include both pre-cut wood and hardware are relatively rare compared to hardware-only "bracket" kits. Most DIYers buy a hardware/bracket kit and source inexpensive dimensional lumber (like cedar or pressure-treated 2x4s) locally, or they purchase a pre-cut wooden swing kit online.

Depending on your setup and preference, you can find good options from several places:

1. Hardware & Bracket Kits (You supply the wood)

If you want an easy build using standard 2x4 or 4x4 lumber without doing complex angle calculations:

• Pylex Swing / Bench Bracket Kits: Available at retailers like The Home Depot or online hardware stores, Pylex makes steel powder-coated bracket sets that eliminate angle-cut math for building a bench or swing frame.
• National Hardware Porch Swing Kits Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Available via suppliers like Max Warehouse or National Hardware , these standard hanging kits provide heavy-duty ceiling hooks, springs, and snap hooks rated for up to 1,0 0 0 l b s.
• Amish Casual DIY Swing Stand Kits: If you don't have a strong porch ceiling to hang a swing from, The Porch Swing Company sells heavy-duty freestanding frame bracket kits that let you build a matching wooden stand.

2. Pre-Cut Wooden Swing Kits (All parts included)

If you prefer a kit where all the wood pieces are already measured, cut, and pre-drilled, and you just assemble it:

• Check online marketplaces like Amazon or specialty retailers like The Porch Swing Company for flat-pack cedar or pine swing kits. They ship with the slats, arms, pre-drilled backrests, and hanging chains ready for assembly.

3. Plans + Hardware Route (Most popular & affordable)

Most makers recommend buying raw lumber from a local big-box store and pairing it with a separate heavy-duty hanging kit:

• You can find highly rated digital woodworking blueprints on Etsy for simple 4-foot or 5-foot slat swings.
• Pick up a hanging kit from Tractor Supply Co. or The Home Depot to ensure your chains, eyebolts, and ceiling hooks are rated safely for weight.

Building a Simple Porch Swing

For a quick visual overview of how straightforward a basic 2x4 screw-together swing design is, watch this helpful tutorial:

Watch this quick video to see how a simple DIY porch swing comes together using basic tools and lumber:

11:07 How to Build a SIMPLE Porch swing (basic tools!)296K views  · 5 years ago YouTube · DIY MAN

To help narrow down the best path for you, tell me:

• Do you plan to hang the swing from an existing porch roof/beam or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand?
• What length are you aiming for (e.g., standard 4-ft or 5-ft bench)?