The Perfect Pergola Swing

Kelly-n-Tony
by Kelly-n-Tony
14 Materials
$75
1 Day
Easy

We've been working on the pergola and wanted some sturdy swings around the campfire. This one was a free plan for a swing that we really liked!


We're so thrilled with it we posted it at Ryobi with the free plans and would love a thumbs up there-- https://www.ryobitools.com/nation/projects/jaime-costiglio-cedar-swinging-bench_12970

Here is the wood- cut and laid out

I'd say it's a good intermediate project that someone with a little basic tool experience can do. You could actually have the lumber place cut the wood for you.

It didn't actually take long to complete which was nice. We think it looks great! We will probably be using teak oil on it which will enhance the wood grain and longevity of our new beautiful swing.

This is the seat section

This part went pretty quick. Soften the front seating edge by giving it a bit of a curve.

This is the back section

The wood spacers made this part a breeze!

It was amazing how quick it came together. We had the tools needed and I'll list them below but the actual cost is just the wood and screws.

We used these eyebolts to secure the chains to. You want this solid. Your chain or rope length depends on where you are attaching it. You might also want springs at the top.

The wood we used is cedar and admittedly a little pricier. The cost shown below is for the wood only as we had the rest. You can use any wood and if you are painting instead of staining or leaving natural the cheapest strong wood will work fine.


This was our first swing- there will be another soon. Plus I'll show our entire renovated pergola!

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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Karen Parker Hadden Karen Parker Hadden on Jul 17, 2018

    How much weight will this hold?

  • Kathleen Kathleen on Jun 05, 2019

    What is the weight of the finished swing as shown?

  • Tony Tony on Jun 12, 2019

    Seems as if the chains would continuously rub down the sides of the arm rests. What about making a hole in the arm rest to put the chain through? Also the back chain looks as if it may be better if it were installed at the top of the back reat not the lower part to avoid the swing flipping backward if anyone plopped down on the swing, like kids sometimes do. Your thoughts???

Comments
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2 of 19 comments
  • Michelle Michelle on Apr 13, 2020

    No Question. I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing. It's beautiful!!!

  • Keith Keith on Sep 08, 2020

    I have made one of these before with the chain coming down through the arm rests as in the comment above. This is so much stronger, and heavier than mine, but, would opt for your layout. Thanks.

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