Porch Swing with Center Console Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a porch swing with center console plans. I have designed this porch swing with center console with cupholders, as a add up to my already popular porch swing plans, which you can see here. However, this design features the center console and a lot sturdier structure. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

Porch Swing with Center Console Plans

Building a porch swing with center console

How to build a porch swing bench

Base supports

The first step of the project is to build the supports for the seats. As you can easily see in the diagram, you first need to make the curved cuts to the 2×4 slats using a jigsaw. To draw the curve you should use a round object you has in the household (lid, and so on).

Make two pieces of each support seen in the diagram. The green supports will fall to the middle of the seat. As seen in the diagram, you need to make notches to the supports, so you can fit the stretchers. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Use a chisel to remove the excess and then smooth it with sandpaper.

Backrest supports

Continue the project by cutting the backrest supports from 2×4 lumber. Make the curved cuts with a jigsaw and then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Next, you need to make the notches, so you can fit the stretchers that will hold the porch swing bench together tightly. Build two pieces of each component shown in the diagram.

Assembling the frames

After you cut the seat and the backrests, you need to lock them together tightly. Drill pocket holes through the backrests and then insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat supports. Add glue to the joints and make sure you align the edges flush.

Assembling the swing frame

Lay the supports on a level surface and then you need to fit the 2×4 stretcher into place tightly. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then insert 2 1/2″ screws into the end supports. Drill pilot holes though the stretchers and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the middle supports.

The distance you leave between the middle supports will determine the width of the center console, so if you want to make adjustments, now it is the right time to do it.

Framing the central console support

Fit the support for the center console to the frame of the porch swing. Cut the piece from 1×6 lumber and drill pilot holes at both ends. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock the supports into place tightly.

Fitting the seat slats

Next, fit the 1×2 slats to the seat of the porch swing. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock them into place tightly. You can leave space between the slats or you could just place them one next to the other.

Attaching the backrest slats

Fit the 1×2 slats to the backrest of the porch swing. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make some cuts to the slats, so you can fit them around the center console. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to secure them to the supports.

Building a wood porch swing with center console

Make sure you take a look over PART 2 of the project, so you learn how to build the center console with cupholders, or how to build the side armrests.

Porch swing plans

You need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Moreover apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the porch swing and to protect the components from decay.

This woodworking project was about porch swing plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

Original article and pictures take http://myoutdoorplans.com/furniture/porch-swing-with-center-console-plans/ site