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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@andrewsponagle5837]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@KomarProject]

Very cool swing. Like the mahogany touch

[@TheWoodPastor]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@tjerkheringa937]

That is such a nice design. Really like this one

[@TheWoodPastor]

Oh hey. Thanks.

[@sertanbozkurt6288]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

Man I appreciate that. Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@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.

[@elias_game_zone]

Very well done, and you have a beautiful family.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you so much.

[@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👨‍👩‍👧‍👧👈👍💞🙋‍♂️🙆‍♂️😇❤❤❤

[@orlandogomez2627]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Orlando

[@Hpesoj-u4y]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

I do smart things sometimes. Sometimes.

[@whatever123651]

Dude this is so gorgeous!!!!!

[@TheWoodPastor]

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

[@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.

[@RobertoSantiagoRodriguez]

Awesome video great job and beautiful family!

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Roberto Santiago Rodriguez I appreciate that man!

[@jamesnesbitt1317]

Nice video. Simple and to the point. Thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@josejuarez2452]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you kind sir.

[@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!

[@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.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Very nicely done ! ! ! Thanx 4 sharing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate you.

[@shellyconnell8333]

great job. I love this swing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Shelly. I wish we still had it.

[@hoosierchickencoops]

Great video and very nice swing!

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Carl Baltes thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@hoosierchickencoops]

The Wood Pastor I emailed you for dimensions, supplies and cut list. Thanks

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Carl Baltes Hey Carl. I’ve been out of town. I got your email. I’ve been meaning to measure it and put all dimensions in the description. I’ll do that very soon man and shoot you and email back.

[@MakeThings]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Make Things with Rob I appreciate that buddy! And 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.

[@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.

[@sivaramansivaswami6233]

I loved your video. Thank you for sharing it.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@debbiejo7338]

Really cool project 👍

[@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

[@jamesfoskey2804]

That's amazing. You need more videos.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I’m working on it James! 💪🏻

[@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

[@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.

[@MultiUtube2020]

Excellent swing

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@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

[@josephlipetzky2825]

Like the idea of Cedar and redwood

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Joseph.

[@wiltonsmith3397]

Nice job!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you!

[@blackbeltdefense1487]

Great looking swing .

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you so much.

[@jimaldridge4284]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Jim.

[@stephendittemore]

Great video, you made it look easy.

[@TheWoodPastor]

I was really surprised for winging it.

[@stephendittemore]

@@TheWoodPastor btw "Butt Scoop" is the technical term used for that. At least it is now.

[@sp-xr8jj]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

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

[@jerryhetrick2208]

I love your videos bud

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks bro!

[@fallenniemalsland8817]

Nice work man! 😊

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Fallen Niemalsland thank you so much!

[@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.

[@Joysingod]

Very nice! Good work

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Joysingod I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@shanecogdill9933]

Love it! Now I need one.

[@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!

[@mountainriverdesigns42]

Awesome video man! 💯💯

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks so much man!

[@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 😁

[@johnjohnoj6408]

Very well done friend

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks John John

[@jonnyboy19]

Looks awesome.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@benduong2004]

Look great Sir.Thank you.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you sir.

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

great video and simple project

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you Jorge!

[@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.

[@bob_frazier]

Big! Nice! Nice and big!!

[@donaldsaunders4736]

Nice video thanks 👍

[@TheWoodPastor]

You are welcome.

[@adampat6473]

Ever thought of making one of these indoors?

[@TheWoodPastor]

I have not. What would be the application??

[@kestutisk9397]

Great job very nice👍

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you!

[@jonyqwoodworks]

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.

[@jonyqwoodworks]

😅👍👍

[@JonnyBuilds]

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

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you sir for your attention to detail.

[@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.

[@riversmart]

well done! Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MarkChristopherpens]

"Butt scoop" you should trademark that! I love how the cedar contrasts beautifully with the mahogany. Cheers from Nova Scotia :)

[@TheWoodPastor]

+Mark Christopher it is now. So don’t try to use it or you might be sued. Kidding. And thanks on the contrast. I always try to finish with two colors.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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 🙈

[@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.

[@kasparsvesters7082]

good one, like it a lot. thanks for video, off to build one

[@TheWoodPastor]

Appreciate that!

[@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

[@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.

[@dpfrnqz671]

Great job! Thank you

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you for the comment!

[@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!

[@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.

[@The_Great_Hejaz]

Nice job

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thank you!

[@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. 😭

[@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.

[@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.

[@girlfriend677]

Great music, too!

[@TheWoodPastor]

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

[@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.

[@COOPmade]

Nice job! Keep up the good work. I’d like to see how you hung the swing. I think it would be helpful for people.

[@TheWoodPastor]

Thanks for the comment, and definitely. Especially since we are in hurricane territory and it's hurricane proof. Over Hang

[@COOPmade]

I understand about hurricane country. I’m in southern Louisiana.

[@TheWoodPastor]

You absolutely do then. I'm in Southeast Texas, Beaumont area.

[@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.

[@yahyaa1]

The chains seems to be weak for the expected load

[@TheWoodPastor]

Not at all. Had it for a year and there were springs on the set. Had no issues. Long term if it starts to rust and corrode maybe buy some new chains.

[@yahyaa1]

@@TheWoodPastor would you try to make the seats steady while swinging and the arm rest swivels on fulcrum it would be more fun and kindly try less thickness bearing wood yet still versatile

[@TheWoodPastor]

There’s a ton of modifications you could make to this swing or any. I wouldn’t change anything you named. I would tilt the back more and make the seat less deep. That’s probably it.

[@yahyaa1]

@@TheWoodPastor I meant another project not to modify this 1

[@TheWoodPastor]

Well the new house does need a new swing.

[@bigfootbushcraft7063]

Awesome thank you

[@TheWoodPastor]

You is welcome

[@deniseturner7629]

Love that little fellow