Buy Bed Swing Build Plans
So you're thinking about building a bed swing for your outdoor space? Or you're thinking about starting a side hustle of building bed swings. There's no single other DIY I've done at this price point that comes near the value that this creates for us personally or sold online.
Two years ago, I set out last year to create a bed swing that could be built with simple tools (just a miter saw, some drill bits, and a Kreg pocket hole jig) for around $200 with mostly available 2x4's. I built them for myself, my friends, and sold several online. I created all sorts of designs along the way.
So, if you haven't settled on a design, here are some of my favorites in one convenient purchase. Take the guesswork out of your next DIY project and enjoy a legendary porch nap this weekend!
Purchase Includes:
- Purchase List (in-store, online, and finishes)
- Tools List (needed and nice-to's)
- Cut List (text and visual)
- Assembly Instructions (text and visual)
- Hanging Instructions
- All for THREE designs
Estimated Supplies Cost: ~$200.00 (without cushions)
Final Dimensions: 87" W x 22" or 26" H x 42" D
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am absolutely obsessed with my new porch swing!! The instructions are very well written with a helpful cut list visual, a visual graphic at each step, and links to specific parts so I felt confident I was buying the right hardware etc. The seller was super responsive when I had questions and the swing turned out sturdy and beautiful!!
- Mannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These plans are awesome. Straight forward and answered all my questions. After purchasing the lumber and hardware my husband built the swing in under 2hrs. Thanks for helping my porch dreams come to life!
- Allison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome work! Very helpful! Helped me realize my love for wood working! Will be buying more from him!
- John
A Short DIY Guide
(Good news: this post contains affiliate links to products I actually purchase for these projects myself. I don't link products I don't believe in.)
If you want to design and build these yourself, you can! Here's a few steps on how I did it:
Supplies
Hardware Store:
2x4 x 8'
2x2 x 8'
2.5" Wood Screws
3" Wood Screws
Wood Glue
Wood Stain
3/8" Screw Eye
Online Purchase:
50' 1" Rope - https://amzn.to/3ygbPMy
Fold Down Cupholders - https://amzn.to/4cDZMI1
Waterproof Soft Top Mattress Cover - https://amzn.to/4f3DWiV
Waterproof Pillow Inserts - https://amzn.to/4f8734t
Waterproof Pillow Covers - https://amzn.to/3Sdhr13
Build Base
Assemble a base to the desired size for your mattress. Put boards about six inches longer on the bottom to allow you to fasten the ropes.
Build Back and Arms
Design your back and arms to the ideal height and width for those using the swing. Attach cup holders and any other extras.
Hang Swing
Step 1 | Steel Eyes
Install the four steel screw eyes into rafters in the ceiling (not just plywood but the actual supporting structure) by drilling pilot holes and then screwing them in. You’ll need a metal rod of some sort inside the eye to get the final twists; a golf club works great here. No threads should be showing. Space these wider than the holes on the bed swing for optimal motion (hole spacing in swing is 79” W x 39” D).
Step 2 | Cut Ropes to Length
Cut the ropes with at least 12 inches extra on each end. With 50 feet of rope, the longest each strand can be is 12 feet 6 inches. The rope will stretch over time. Use tape or burn the ends to keep them from fraying.
Step 2 | Ropes to Ceiling
Tie the ropes with a bowline knot to the ceiling eye. If able, carefully use your bodyweight to test the strength of the hooks.
Step 3 | Prop Swing
Prop the swing up about six inches higher than you want it to hang when complete because the ropes will stretch over time. Usually, using two standard chairs can accomplish this with ease.
Step 4 | Ropes to Swing
Run the ropes through the holes in the supporting legs of the swing and tie a standard knot as close to the supporting legs as possible.
Step 5 | Enjoy
Enjoy your swing! Seriously, naps out there will be the best.