23 Free DIY Porch Swing Plans & Ideas to Chill in Your Front Porch (2024)

What is one item from your childhood that sticks out in your mind?

For me, it is a porch swing.

I lived in three different houses growing up and two out of the three had a big front porch and a porch swing. So it should come as no surprise that I now have a big front porch and am hoping to soon have a beautiful porch swing hanging out on it.

Which leads me to our topic, I’m going to share 23 free plans for a DIY porch swing. If you’re like me and love swinging on your front porch, then you’ll want to keep reading.

Here are the plans:

1. The Classic Swing

This swing is what many imagine when they think of a porch swing. It is painted a beautiful porcelain white. It also has the traditional design of a porch swing.

However, it is also hung by the beautiful white rope that blends in with the design. If you are looking for a way to build a beautiful traditional swing then these plans could be what you need.

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2. The Simple Porch Swing

This porch swing has a little more modern flair to it than the one previously shown. But it also looks really simple to build. The tutorial seems rather thorough (she used Sketch Up to actually draw plans) and there are lots of pictures, too.

But the thing that will either sell you on this swing or break you on it is the design. The back appears to be a little lower than some other swings you might be accustomed to. However, if you are up for a little variation in your swing design then this swing could be the one you’ve been looking for.

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3. The Modern Porch Swing

You all know what a huge fan we are of Ana White’s site. She builds so many pretty, unique, and functional items.

Well, this porch swing is no different. It is modern, pretty, and could be either a porch swing or a bench. So if you want something that is easier to build but still looks great then check out this design.

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4. Crib Mattress Porch Swing

I’m in love with this porch swing for three reasons. First, this swing is in a living room. It reminds me of my parent’s house because they have a swing in their living room. Second, it is rustic and gorgeous. Finally, it is a great way to upcycle an old crib mattress.

If you want a porch swing in your living room (trust me, it’s beautiful and fun!), or if you have an old crib mattress that you want to put to use then you should definitely check out these plans.

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5. The DIY Porch Swing

This porch swing is another DIY plan. Though it looks nice in appearance, it also appears super easy to build as well.

So if you’d like something that has a more modern feel to it but is still something within your realm of ‘DIY’ then you should certainly give this design a chance.

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6. Shanty2Chic Porch Swing

This porch swing looks as though it could fit into a typical suburban home. Yet, it also looks as though it would be right at home on the front porch of a tiny wood cabin that is neatly nestled away in the woods.

Regardless of which home type you fall under, this swing could easily fit right in. I love the rustic design of it. However, I love that it still looks really manageable to build yourself, too.

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7. The Headboard Swing

Do you have an old headboard that you aren’t using right now? Is it just taking up unwanted space, and you aren’t quite sure what to do with it? Well, look no further than this porch swing option. It is absolutely gorgeous.

However, even though this swing is so stunning, it still appears to be a manageable project for most. It would definitely be something unique to your property. Plus, it would catch most anyone’s eye that came across it. Yes, it is really that beautiful (in my opinion.)

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8. The Heart Porch Swing

This porch swing looks like it would fit in a country home magazine somewhere. It is a traditional style swing and appears very comfortable as well.

However, they took this swing one step further and carved a little heart in the back of it. It just added a little extra country charm to an already gorgeous swing.

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9. The Cedar ‘Love Bird’ Porch Swing

This is a nice cedar porch swing. It is a traditional style, but it appears to be another really comfortable choice. It also appears easy enough to build on your own with a little help from the plans.

But what really set this swing over the top for me, is the fact that they carved a heart in the center of it and then put the names of the couple on either side. I love unique pieces that really show a family’s character without them having to say a word.

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10. Porch-Swing Fire Pit

This is hands down my pick on a porch swing layout. The reason is I actually have this in my front yard as we speak. It was literally the best thing my husband has ever built me.

And I say that because it is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Plus, it also has helped us to enjoy our home so much more. It is a great place to relax and entertain. If that is what you’re looking for, and you have space then go for this porch swing. Then check out this article if you need moreideas for the fire pit.

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11. The 2×4 Porch Swing

I love this swing. The design looks so simple, but it also looks so comfortable too. The plans for this design appear to be very thorough.

So if you are someone that doesn’t have a lot of building experience, I think you could probably figure it out from the plans and pictures that are given on the site. Hopefully, you could build this swing and start enjoying it in no time.

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12. The Porch Swing Seat

Do you know how some porch swings don’t have a very high back to them? That may be okay to some, but a lot of people want a porch swing that feels more like a seat. Basically, a swing that will support their body in a comfortable way.

Well, take one look at this swing and you’ll probably notice that the back is higher. It is designed to sit like a swinging chair. I’d say this swing would probably be quite comfortable for those that get to enjoy it.

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13. Heavy Duty Porch Swing

Do you have some large men in your family? Boy, I do! My husband is almost 7-feet tall and our oldest isn’t far behind him.

Believe me when I tell you we have to have sturdy furniture in our home, or it just won’t hold up. That is why this swing would be a good fit. According to the title it is meant to last.

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14. Hanging Porch Swing

Do you want a porch swing but don’t have anywhere to enjoy it? Maybe you don’t have much of a front porch, or maybe you just don’t have the room on the porch you have.

Whatever it may be, don’t let that stop you. Instead, take a look at this design. It is a porch swing with a frame that it can swing from. Even if you are porch-less, you can still have a great swing to relax and unwind on.

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15. The Intermediate Porch Swing

This design of a porch swing is another one that looks very comfortable. It has the higher back so it looks like it would support your body pretty well.

However, this porch swing is called intermediate for a reason. Though the plans are very thorough, they come off as intimidating to a beginner builder. If you choose to build this swing you might want to ask an experienced friend to help you.

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16. The Swinging Bench

I am a fan of this porch swing. I love it because it appears to be comfortable, and I love the basic bench design.

However, I also love the fact that they were able to hang this swing from a tree. We use to have a porch swing hanging from a tree. It was really nice to be able to enjoy a different space in our yard while swinging. That is definitely a perk of this design.

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17. The $100 Wooden Porch Swing

Maybe you really like the look of a traditional wooden porch swing. Yet, if you go to buy one they are often hundreds of dollars.

What do you do? Well, you give this design a glance because they say that you can build this beautiful swing for under $100. What do you have to lose?

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18. The Swing With a Cup Holder

This swing design solved just about the biggest issue with any type of porch swing. When you are outside swinging (at least around my house) you have a cup of coffee, a glass of sweet tea, or pop can in your hand.

But when you are swinging, what do you do with the drink if you don’t want to hold it the whole time? Well, thanks to this design, you just slide over and pull down the cup holder. Isn’t that awesome?

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19. The Adirondack Swing

I like Adirondack chairs. They are usually very comfortable, and they fit into just about any décor you may have around your home.

Why would this swing be any different? It also appears extremely comfortable and well built. Plus, it would fit into any home. Go ahead and reward yourself by building this gorgeous swing.

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20. The High Back Porch Swing

As mentioned earlier, some people prefer a lower back porch swing. I have swung in them and feel like they are comfortable enough.

However, for my own preference, I love a swing that fully supports your body. Not to mention, it makes it easier to fit kids and animals on the swing with you. If you are a parent, you know it is impossible to swing without all of the kids piling on the swing with you.

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21. Freestanding Arbor Swing

Do you have an arbor on your property? Well, if so, I bet you didn’t realize that you had the perfect spot for a swing? Honestly, I had never considered it.

But after seeing this beautiful swing, it makes me want to include a swing at my arbor. What a neat idea and what a great place to relax, too.

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22. DIY A-Frame Porch Swing

I love the design of this swing. It is very different but still has a traditional style to it as well. It is a freestanding A-frame swing.

However, the A-frame is a little non-traditional. But the design actually is more appealing to the eye and makes the frame look sturdier. So if you want a stand-alone swing, you should consider this design.

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23. The ‘From Scratch’ Porch Swing

This porch swing is absolutely gorgeous. The beautifully rounded logs appear very Alaskan to me, and I love that style.

However, the plans also appear to be very helpful. If you are someone that is comfortable with building then you might want to check this design out.

Build this porch swing