DIY Porch Swing Build - How To

[@Caleb328]

Out of all the videos I watched on how to build a porch swing, yours was the best. The best video and the best model/style of porch swing. I copied a lot of what you did when building my own. In addition to the "butt scoop", I added some curvature to the backrest. I also attached the back support 2X4's at an angle leaning back for added comfort. Anyways, thanks for the awesome video. Cheers.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I really appreciate that. Probably one of the best comments I’ve received and so happy you liked the video. I winged a lot of it and I would have done things different like you did on the second one. The back really did need to be curved or at least angled back. Lesson learned on that one. Lol.

[@jimsibleyphd5325]

I sure wish I had a plan for this porch swing, with an angled back and some curve, as well! Is one available?

[@TheWoodPastor]

Def adding the angled back on the next one. No plans yet.

[@ThomasCustomWoodworks]

I absolutely love this swing. A great mix of diy and upscale. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks bro. Trying to get plans to it right now for people.

[@MarcGoudreau]

Nicely done. Your comment about routing being your favorite activity in woodworking is evident in the aesthetics of your project... form following function. Beautiful job.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks Marc! I need to make another one of these. This was my first and only and sold it when we moved.

[@BilluAwann]

Lovely video , love how your kid listened to his mom when she asked him to put the foot down . Manners well taught sir . Good luck . 👍

[@TheWoodPastor]

Lol. She’s got too many boys. We gotta stay on top of them.

[@kneestothechin]

the contrast of the 2 different woods looks great man. just finishing up a big farmhouse dinner table and benches myself

[@TheWoodPastor]

+CoryBrothers awesome! And I appreciate it. Tables are my first love. That was one of my first videos.

[@woodshopaddict4856]

Stephen, I found your channel today and I love the laid back and humorous personality and simplicity of your builds. Truly inspirational. Keep up the good work. Tim

[@TheWoodPastor]

I appreciate that Tim very much. Prepare yourself for more humor and nonsense my friend!

[@KomarProject]

Very cool swing. Like the mahogany touch

[@TheWoodPastor]

I loved the two colors two and keeping it natural. Thanks man.

[@sertanbozkurt6288]

I loved your working style. Thank you for this great job. Loves from Istanbul.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Man I appreciate that. Thank you so much!

[@elsarineck3203]

You're amazing. I'd love to see how you hung this up!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Elsa Rineck I’ll get a pic on Instagram soon

[@susiehellman1557]

I love this swing and I built the fire pit porch swing, I need four swings and knowing your measurements would be great. The more I have the least it will cost me. Thank you.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I use to have the measurements but not anymore. We sold it. And I did a blog post for a company and they never posted it.

[@gabrielamir7796]

Hey, you are a teacher and you have a big mind. You are brilliant👍👍👈👍👍👍❤🙋‍♂️🙆‍♂️✌

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you.

[@gabrielamir7796]

@@TheWoodPastor Hello, I wish you and your family the best of luck👈🙋‍♂️🙆‍♂️👍💞💞😇

[@gabrielamir7796]

@@TheWoodPastor I respect everyone who makes his family happy👨‍👩‍👧‍👧👈👍💞🙋‍♂️🙆‍♂️😇❤❤❤

[@SwinginJohnson74]

You can use cardboard as a template. Television packaging cardboard work great because of the rigidity and length which would work great for projects like these. Sketch it and cut it.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I think it turned out pretty good for winging it but that’s a really good idea. I want to get into more jigs and templates.

[@jimaldridge4284]

Great job! Good looking family as well! 👍✝️🇺🇸

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Jim.

[@wornstandard9203]

I’m so glad that I learned the term Butt Scoop....I want my very own now. Nice work!!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Sir, I'm so glad I could teach you such a new age term.

[@shanecogdill9933]

Love it! Now I need one.

[@fallenniemalsland8817]

Nice work man! 😊

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Fallen Niemalsland thank you so much!

[@debbiejo7338]

Really cool project 👍

[@josephlipetzky2825]

Like the idea of Cedar and redwood

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Joseph.

[@RCW-Designs]

I love watching your videos. We build a lot alike. Just start with no plan and hope it goes together. And keep rockin' the #buttscoop.

[@MadRavenWoodworks]

Rowland Custom Woodworking no plan is the best plan!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Hope is all I need and I can move mountains man! Thanks for the kind words Rowland!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Sometimes, I'll unplan things just to not have a plan. Then it feels safe.

[@josejuarez2452]

Good job. I'm gonna try making one you give me a good idea

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you kind sir.

[@jonnyboy19]

Looks awesome.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@johnjohnoj6408]

Very well done friend

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks John John

[@benduong2004]

Look great Sir.Thank you.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you sir.

[@charltonheston969]

I'm gonna build this , good choice on ac2 treated Cedar 4x4 underneath would have been very expensive

[@TheWoodPastor]

It's crazy how hight the price jumps when you move away from 2x4 cedar. I would have laminated two of them before buying.

[@Joysingod]

Very nice! Good work

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Joysingod I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@bodeine454]

Where do people get the nicer hardwoods like mahogany, oak, cedar etc for projects like this? Is it best to get rough wood from a mill and run them through a planer or are there better ways to get it? Seems like most of the hardwoods that the big box stores carry are project boards and such, very expensive.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Def would not buy any hardwood from a lumber store. It’s over priced. I get it from a hardwood shop and ask for it to be s4s that way you don’t have to prep it all yourself. Make things easier.

[@WoodwardBuilds]

Awesome video Stephen!! Loved that tip on using the first piece as a template for the pieces in the bandsaw. #teambuttscoop

[@TheWoodPastor]

I mean...if you're going to hand draw it out, it's the best way to match the rest. Thanks buddy, and thanks for taking the time to come watch!

[@GingerWoodworks]

I cant stop giggling like a middle school boy over Butt Scoop!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks brotes mc totes. Butt scoop is now a word I've patented. You can't use it without being charged.

[@mountainriverdesigns42]

Awesome video man! 💯💯

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks so much man!

[@torilaumb9648]

Very beautiful! Is there anything you wish you did to it? Like making a “ back curve” versus straight?

[@TheWoodPastor]

Absolutely. The back needs to be at least 10 degree angle.

[@ludofuller8178]

I like the 2 ton look nice

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you. Agreed! Adds fancy ness

[@kalopsida]

Well Made! Regards from Cyprus, I might just have a go myself!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Do it! Let me know how it turns out.

[@conoroneill8611]

I see at the end of the project you added the two wooden beams to hold the chain, do you think if you didn’t add them and just attached the chain onto the bottom of the handle/armrest would it have been strong enough or held up?

[@conoroneill8611]

I’m noticing how old this video is but hopefully you’ll see this

[@TheWoodPastor]

Yes. I think it would be plenty strong. I over did it thinking we might all sit out there. Lol. But if it’s framed well yes it’s strong enough.

[@andrewsponagle5837]

Very very nice job... could you possibly show the method used for hanging the swing. Thanks Andrewv

[@trojanman22]

Love the video! What are those red clamps that are in the workbench?!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Called dog clamps. Armor tool makes them and several other companies.

[@alex8822]

Fireeeee

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you my man.

[@BlackdogCards]

What kind of finish did you use and how is it holding up?

[@TheWoodPastor]

For a heavier duty finish I used minwax water based oil modified. It held up great for 1.5 years outside but was covered. We recently sold our house and sold this before. So now it’s someone else’s. 😭

[@TheSambo1978]

Nice

[@chrisjoelle5354]

I would like to see how you hung this

[@TheWoodPastor]

It’s sold and I moved homes. I have a picture of it deep on my Instagram.

[@johnkecici641]

Can you send me the full video

[@TheWoodPastor]

This is the full video.

[@JonnyBuilds]

Beautiful swing, and awesome butt-scoop craftsmanship my friend!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you sir for your attention to detail.

[@davelevy4394]

I love the contrast of the mahogany against the cedar, and the finish looks very high end.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you! That’s what I like best too. Totally didn’t expect it to turn out so colorful though.

[@ZacJones]

The butt scoop in this bench looks A+! I don’t think I’d ever get up! Great editing by the way, and awesome looking bench!

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Melrose Design thank you so much! It’s very comfy. Only change I’d make is angle the back rest a smidge. That’s it. Thanks for the compliments too!

[@baldingwerewolf]

Where are the dimensions? How can you have a how to video without dimensions?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I guess like this. I personally learn a lot by watching or seeing a picture. And apply my own dimensions. Call me crazy. Most people don’t need specifics to build this. Even beginners. I always sucked at how to papers in school and now it’s carrying into adulthood.

[@ToniasBusy]

I’m gonna build one bc I have a newborn, as well! We love spending time outside ☺️ Great work!

[@TheWoodPastor]

We do too. Our new porch is wayyyyyy smaller though. I need to make us a bench.

[@jerichohomefurniture]

Thanks for the video. I think I'm going to try to make one for my wife. She would love this for Christmas!! Great video!!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Let me know how that goes man! And thanks for the feedback.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Nice video, Stephen! I'm good with butt-scoop. -Caleb Harris

[@TheWoodPastor]

+YouCanMakeThisToo lol. Thanks man. Surely I’m not the only one

[@LutherBuilds]

Thanks for making me spit out my lunch in the first 10 seconds! 😝

[@TheWoodPastor]

No problem Josh. I felt more like myself on this video. And if that means lunch spitting, now you know what you have to look forward to.

[@pjtrenthem]

Brother and I just built one with no plans. Took forever! It was a blast!

[@TheWoodPastor]

phillip trenthem man I just saw this comment. Glad it got built one way or another. Lol

[@carbajalf9835]

I'm about ready to copy your swing today but regular wood nothing fancy. Any tips you can give me?

[@TheWoodPastor]

Yes. Angle the seat back 5-10 degrees.

[@carbajalf9835]

@@TheWoodPastor done

[@angieweeks576]

I’m unable to find the cut list and materials list. Do you mind posting?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I never made one. I’ve tried many times after the fact but I just haven’t.

[@MANCINGJONN.]

Hey bro, what size chain is used? 6mm?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I bought it in a kit at ACE hardware. Not sure what it’s size is or the weight rate.

[@sp-xr8jj]

Awesome swing…How much cost it was totally when you built ?

[@TheWoodPastor]

No clue. It’s been years. I forgot these things.

[@christopherreyes4030]

Awesome swing. I need one in my front yard. Already have the base to hang it on. But i don't have a Chop saw, Band saw, a router or that screw jig.

[@jamesrawlings8493]

I was going to round over slats before assembly but your method looks a lot better. Thanks.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I would honestly recommend rounding them over before assembly after this one. You're thinking smart.

[@jonyq04]

The back could use a better resting angle, right?

[@TheWoodPastor]

Absolutely right. I wish I would have slanted it or did a lumbar round. Good eye my man.

[@jonyq04]

😅👍👍

[@MakeThings]

That's awesome. Beautiful build and a beautiful family. Subbed.

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Make Things with Rob I appreciate that buddy! And thank you!

[@patriotdad1127]

What are the dimensions: height and width/depth? You said it was 5ft long. Looks great by the way!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you. I keep meaning to measure it and post the details to the description. I’ll try and do that soon!

[@rgauthie99]

@@TheWoodPastor - What a nice build! I like both the look of your bench and your video style and format. I'm trying to build one right now but I don't know how to gauge the depth and length of the but scoop pieces. I think I agree that the back needs to be set to like a 10 degree incline from the bottom braces (but scoop pieces) and I've seen designs for 20" length bottom braces but yours looked longer and they looked nice. I'm thinking 22'" and maybe the but scoop curve is about 13' in length?

[@motomyrtle]

I liked your video. I would rather see you use braided nylon rope or marine grade sisal. The only chain kits I found were rated for 500 pounds or less. I need 1,500+ pounds for my fat family.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Lol that’s a big family. And I got ya. The kits are very limited. I actually wanted rope.

[@ChasenGunzOutdoors]

Enjoyed the video keep up the good work I love building swings it just makes a bad day great be blessed

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Chasengunz Outdoors thank you so much. It’s still my only swing so far.

[@SomethingFromTheShed]

Oh man please dont ever stop making videos. Its amazing to watch your videos. They.re so inspiring to me rite now and they.re not like any other build videos simply because you invole your family and i love that and its what makes your videos so unique. Man i cant wait for your next video.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I appreciate the compliment my friend. Thank you so much. And should have one coming out soon.

[@ronniharris2950]

How to hang porch swing

[@TheWoodPastor]

I never got there.

[@hendynv]

That is an awesome video. Thank you. (Butt Scoop...haha)

[@aaronlord1927]

Nope, “butt scoop” sounds good. 😂😂

[@TheWoodPastor]

Lol. Thanks.

[@donaldsaunders4736]

Nice video thanks 👍

[@TheWoodPastor]

You are welcome.

[@jerryhetrick2208]

I love your videos bud

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks bro!

[@hyime69]

Bottom Profile !!!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Butt scoop!

[@williamjohnson6629]

Like your video but where your guard for or chop saw . Come on ..

[@TheWoodPastor]

That was back in the day and I didn’t keep that saw long after the guard broke.

[@williamjohnson6629]

@@TheWoodPastor you still do video.. I subscribe but haven't gotten any notification ...

[@TheWoodPastor]

I do man. I’m just slow to post. I need to light a fire under my butt.

[@nelsonturner501]

How wide are your seat slats? How thick was your spacer?

[@TheWoodPastor]

It’s been a long time ago and I’m working on plans for this. Slow going. I’m sorry. I don’t remember all the details. But I’m gonna get something together.

[@nelsonturner501]

@@TheWoodPastor I get it, just thought I'd ask. I build and sell Adirondack furniture with Shou-shagi-ban finish. Heading into my 2nd year of this....branching out with new products, porch swing being one of them.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I honestly think I used a 3/4” board to space them. And I think the slats are maybe 1.25-1.5” wide. I was using scraps.

[@BraxtlyTools]

LOVE this! Although, you could save yourself some time and give a little more design freedom if you used a template tool. :) Just sayin. :) Emmy Braxtly

[@TheWoodPastor]

I agree. I was winging it as I went along and only made one.

[@Hpesoj-u4y]

Smart to use that ‘spacer’ than to measure the gap of the wood

[@juancarlosayala9642]

Great work ! Is it easy to hung up the swing ? I want to buy one for my porche and my house has stucco , i also have an Ace hardware store right across the street shoul i buy the chain kit there?

[@TheWoodPastor]

That’s the chain kit I bought. With the springs. And I kind of reinforced the top brackets myself.

[@ericcartier5382]

Great video! Quick safety tip only push your router against the rotation of the bit. Your way less likely to have an accident.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Absolutely.

[@bob_frazier]

Big! Nice! Nice and big!!

[@maddog4657]

Absolutely beautiful porch swing I have ever seen. Is it possible to get the plans for this one I would love to build it.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I will have it measured and post to description this week

[@rtaylor3350]

That is gorgeous. What did you use to seal it? I have a wood 5ft swing I refinished last Summer and hung it under our vinyl swing arbor. Our wood arbor from 1997 didn't last and 25 years older, I didn't want to climb ladders resealing it 😊 so it's why last year I bought one treated lumber covered in vinyl. Assuming Walrus oil isn't good for outside year round Winters in PA

[@TheWoodPastor]

I used water based oil modified minwax on this. It’s not really for outdoors but it lasted a while until I sold it. I would use helmsman. Minwax outdoor seal. Or even rubio exterior.

[@rtaylor3350]

@@TheWoodPastor thanks, I've used Helmsman before for something a while back. Will get some for my swing. I didn't realize Rubio made outdoor products. I know they have a nice product for floors I wanted to try. Keep up the great videos, I enjoy watching woodworking since I love to finish furniture. I bought unfinished Conestoga Wood kitchen cabinets and finished them myself, a sense of accomplishment 😁

[@azmarjalal9113]

I love yours I searched a lot I really like yours thanks for sharing that's really helps us to copy yours 🤫 Just one question i didn't get the actual size for the seat ( butt scoop ) was 4-ft by ..... ?? Deep Thanks again

[@TheWoodPastor]

I appreciate it! I believe it was actually 5 foot long total. And 15” deep. I guesstimated on a lot of measurements here figuring things out. So one thing I would do is look up standard seat depth. The length is personal preference though.

[@azmarjalal9113]

@@TheWoodPastor thank you so much for quick reply I'll start mine tomorrow 🙈

[@vincentsurmont4281]

I have got to make one of these. Great job love this!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks bro. We sold it when we moved but I do want another.

[@evanberg7478]

What were the measurements of this swing? I'd like to replicate it if I could. Thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

Evan Berg I’ll post them to description soon. I’ve been asked a lot. My bad man.

[@guns4funfreedomkeeper999]

Good times your living in with all those little ones. It all goes by quickly. Savor it.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Absolutely! I am as much as I can!

[@brandonaldrich9532]

Nice build bro! I love the improvisation and of course the 3x butt scoop! Lol

[@TheWoodPastor]

Yes! I knew I'd find a fellow butt scoop lover. Thanks Brandon. We need to collaborate!

[@10klake]

Think I got everything I need to try to build this haven't built anything like this before and have limited tools just drill and skillsaw so hope I can make the "buttscoop" (love it lol) comfortable maybe we'll some sandpaper but you video has me pumped to give it a try. Never could find and would love to know the measurements on how long the buttscoop ,backrest and armrest is. Thanks for making this video me and my wife are new homeowners and I'm always looking for projects to do

[@TheWoodPastor]

I honestly went off some measurements I took from my couch. The seat was a little deeper than I wanted. The back should be tilted for comfort. Mine wasn’t. Armrest is personal preference. I need to make plans for this for sure.

[@10klake]

@@TheWoodPastor thanks man for the reply lol yeah I went into a department store the other day and started measuring a swing that was there to get an idea. Keep those videos coming they're great.

[@TheWoodPastor]

You find something you like and you take what you like from it. Lol. I’ve done the same thing with furniture.

[@RobertoSantiagoRodriguez]

Awesome video great job and beautiful family!

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Roberto Santiago Rodriguez I appreciate that man!

[@sivaramansivaswami6233]

I loved your video. Thank you for sharing it.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@jamesnesbitt1317]

Nice video. Simple and to the point. Thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Very nicely done ! ! ! Thanx 4 sharing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate you.

[@jamesfoskey2804]

That's amazing. You need more videos.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I’m working on it James! 💪🏻

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

great video and simple project

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Jorge!

[@orlandogomez2627]

You've done a great job young man keep it up👍🏽

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Orlando

[@tjerkheringa937]

That is such a nice design. Really like this one

[@TheWoodPastor]

Oh hey. Thanks.

[@203112mario]

Quick question, how long did you cut the 2x4s? What were the measurements? Thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

I honestly don’t know exactly. I measured of a couch we had and it was 18”. Which is too deep. I’m sure there are standard measurements for seat depth. I really winged this one. I need to put some measurements on paper. The back was too upright too. Angle it back 5-15 degrees.

[@203112mario]

@@TheWoodPastor thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@bigfootbushcraft7063]

Awesome thank you

[@TheWoodPastor]

You is welcome

[@oklahomachris6298]

This was good I wish you’d have put your measurements on this... nice build

[@TheWoodPastor]

Me too. I didn’t think it was gonna do so well.

[@oklahomachris6298]

The Wood Pastor even if it did viewers would learn what not to do lol.

[@TheWoodPastor]

That’s true.

[@adampat6473]

Ever thought of making one of these indoors?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I have not. What would be the application??

[@riversmart]

well done! Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@shellyconnell8333]

great job. I love this swing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Shelly. I wish we still had it.

[@whatever123651]

Dude this is so gorgeous!!!!!

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Simona Michel thank you so much! We’ve been using it a lot lately too.

[@hp_37]

Nice . Great job done. Could you please share Swing dimensions .?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I never made plans for them and the swing is sold but I’m working on a template.

[@hp_37]

@@TheWoodPastor ok , nice . All the best for next assignment.

[@saadcraft2594]

Could you please share swing dimensions?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I have tried and tried to create plans and I just haven’t made time. I promise I will eventually and I’ll share a link.

[@kestutisk9397]

Great job very nice👍

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you!

[@girlfriend677]

Great music, too!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Appreciate that. Don’t get a lot of comments about the sound being good. Lol.

[@MultiUtube2020]

Excellent swing

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you