I Want to Build a Simple Porch Swin… AI recommendations | Parse
I want to build a simple porch swing. Where can I find a good DIY kit?
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 343 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
To build a simple porch swing, you can choose between all-in-one kits that include pre-cut wood and hardware, or standalone plans if you prefer to source materials yourself. PorchCraft and All Things Cedar are strong candidates for complete kits, while providers like The Porch Swing Company offer kits that allow for custom finishes.
Recommended if you want the convenience of a kit but prefer the creative freedom to choose your own paint or stain finish for the final project, rather than receiving pre-finished wood.
Easy To Install Cedar Bench Swing Hardware Kit | DIY Backyard Optionshttps://www.easternjunglegym.com/classic-cedar-bench-swing-hardware-kit
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Western Red Cedar Wood Porch Swing Kit � 5� or 6�https://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com/5-6-foot-porch-swing-kit.html
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Cedar Waterfall Front Porch Swing Kit | DIY Swing Kithttps://outdoorfurnitureplus.com/cedar-waterfall-front-porch-swing-kit-multiple-sizes.html
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Porch Swing Hardware Kit - Multi-Colored N900-010 | National Hardwarehttps://www.national-hardware.com/p/918-porch-swing-hardware-kit
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How to Build & Hang a Porch Swing Bed | Simple 2-hour DIY ⋆ Owner-Builder Program & House Plans - Century Oak Farmhousehttps://oldbarncompany.com/2025/11/how-to-build-hang-a-porch-swing-bed-simple-2-hour-diy/
Depending on what you mean by a "kit" (pre-cut wood pieces you assemble vs. just the heavy-duty hanging hardware), you have a few great options available online and at major hardware retailers.
1. Pre-Cut Wood & Assembly Kits (All-in-One)
If you want a kit where the wood is already measured, cut, sanded, and ready to put together without doing any math or heavy sawing:
All Things Cedar: They offer complete wood kits (like their Western Red Cedar swing and A-frame kits) where all boards are pre-drilled, cut, and sanded, accompanied by assembly instructions and hardware . You can find them through specialty retailers like The Porch Swing Store.[1]
PorchCraft (Easy Breezy Porch Swings): They sell specialized DIY kits (including larger swing-bed styles) that arrive with furniture-grade, knot-free yellow pine pre-cut and pre-sanded, plus the ropes and hanging hooks. Check out the options on the Product Page.[1]
Question: I want to build a simple porch swing. Where can I find a good DIY kit?
If you plan to cut your own lumber from scratch (using standard 2x4s or pine boards) but need a reliable, weight-tested kit to safely hang the swing from your ceiling or porch joists:
Levi Innovations (Levi's Porch Swing Hanging Kit): Highly rated for durability, featuring heavy-duty steel barrel comfort springs and glass-reinforced nylon plastic hangers. Available via The Home Depot.[1]
National Hardware: Widely available standard porch swing kits that include spring snaps, heavy-duty lag screws, and swing hangers rated for high weight limits. You can find listings on Hardware and Tools.[1]
Everbilt: A straightforward, zinc-plated steel chain and hook set that works well for basic patio or ceiling setups, also stocked at The Home Depot.[1]
If you are planning to cut your own lumber and want a visual guide on installing the chains and hooks securely, watch this short tutorial:
0:29 Porch Swing Hardware Kit: How to Install Chains & Hooks 40K views · 2 years ago
TikTok · backfortycraftsman
Are you looking for a pre-cut wood assembly kit or just the hardware/chains to hang a swing you plan to build yourself? Let me know and I can narrow down the best specific options.
If you want simple and beginner-friendly, I’d skip a full “kit” that includes the wood and instead buy a hardware/hanging kit + a good free plan. That lets you choose cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber locally.
Good options
Construct101 plans — free plans with a cut list, shopping list, drawings, and instructions. The design uses common 2×4, 1×3, and 2×6 lumber and calls for a porch-swing hanging kit.
Shanty 2 Chic plans — another beginner-oriented design with printable plans and a supply list. It uses 2×6 and 1×4 lumber and standard porch-swing hardware.
This Old House / House One — particularly good if you prefer following along with a video. Their simple swing uses 2×4 and 2×6 lumber and basic hanging hardware.
The Winfield Collection — if you specifically want a true parts kit, they sell a porch-swing woodworking plan plus a separate hardware kit containing the eyebolts, washers, screws, and other hardware.
For the hardware itself, a straightforward option is the Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit:
Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)
It includes the chain and mounting hardware and is currently listed at about $32. For a DIY build, I'd pair something like that with the Construct101 or Shanty 2 Chic plans.
One important point: make sure the porch structure itself is capable of supporting the swing and occupants. The swing's hardware rating isn't enough if you're attaching it to inadequate framing.
If you tell me whether you want a 4-ft, 5-ft, or 6-ft swing and roughly what style you like (simple farmhouse, Adirondack, modern, etc.), I can find a specific kit/plan and give you a complete shopping list.
If you mean a kit that lets you build the wooden swing yourself, rather than a finished swing, I’d look for a hardware/hanging kit + a good set of plans. That gives you more flexibility with the wood and size.
Good options
National Hardware Porch Swing Kit — a straightforward hardware kit with two swing hangers, spring snaps, lag screws, and washers. It’s rated for a 1,000-lb safe working load.
National Hardware Porch Swing Kit - $49.99 (Life and Home)
Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit — a relatively inexpensive option if you mainly need the chains and mounting hardware. It currently shows around $32.
Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)
This Old House's simple porch-swing plans — probably the easiest route for a first build. Their design uses ordinary dimensional lumber and basic cuts; they estimate roughly $100 in materials (excluding the cushion).
Kreg's porch swing plans — useful if you have a little more woodworking equipment. Their plan provides a detailed lumber and hardware list, including eye hooks, chains, quick links, and structural fasteners.
My suggested beginner setup: buy the National Hardware or Everbilt hanging hardware, then get a free/simple 5-ft swing plan and buy cedar or treated lumber locally. That way you're not paying for pre-cut wood but still avoid having to figure out the critical hanging hardware yourself.
One important point: the porch structure matters as much as the swing hardware. The swing should be attached to structural framing capable of carrying the static and dynamic load—not just porch ceiling boards. This Old House specifically recommends reinforcing the framing when suitable joists aren't available.
If you tell me whether you want a 4-ft, 5-ft, or 6-ft swing and roughly what you want to spend, I can find a specific kit and a matching set of plans.
Depending on whether you want a kit that includes pre-cut wood or just the hardware and plans to supply your own lumber, there are several great options available:
Pre-Cut Wood & Hardware Kits: If you want everything measured, cut, and ready to assemble without breaking out the miter saw, brands like All Things Cedar offer complete cedar swing and A-frame kits that include pre-drilled boards and instructions. For daybed-style setups, specialized vendors like Easy Breezy Porch Swings provide all-inclusive do-it-yourself swing bed kits.[1][2]
Hardware & Bracket Kits (No Wood): If you prefer to source your own affordable lumber from a local big-box hardware store, you can buy heavy-duty structural bracket sets. For instance, The Porch Swing Company sells robust freestanding A-frame/stand bracket kits.[1]
Basic Hanging Hardware Kits: If you are hanging a standard bench directly from an existing porch ceiling or heavy beam, simple heavy-duty steel and spring-snap kits like the Max Warehouse Porch Swing Kit give you the safe load-bearing hooks and chains required.[1]
If you need a helpful visual guide on assembling the frame structure, watch this DIY build tutorial:
Are you planning to hang the swing from a porch ceiling/beam or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand to go with it? Let me know and I can help narrow down the best approach!
Depending on whether you mean a complete furniture kit (pre-cut wood and hardware) or a hardware/bracket kit (where you buy the lumber separately), there are several great options available online:
Pre-Cut Wood & Hardware Kits (All-In-One)
All Things Cedar: Offers wonderful pre-drilled, sanded, and cut kits (like their Western Red Cedar sets) that include the wood slats, hardware, and instructions. You can find them through retailers like Outdoor Furniture Plus or specialized specialty sites.[1]
Easy Breezy Porch Swings: They offer options like the PorchCraft Do-It-Yourself Swing Bed Kit , which comes with pre-cut wood, hanging ropes, hardware, and straightforward instructions for a quick build.[1]
Hardware & Bracket Only Kits (Bring Your Own Wood)
Pylex Swing Bracket Kits: If you want an easy frame build without messy angle calculations, the Pylex Swing Bracket Kit available via SuperArbor gives you heavy-duty steel brackets designed to use standard 2×4 or 2×6 dimensional lumber that you source locally.[1]
The Porch Swing Company: They carry heavy-duty structural bracket and hanging kits (like the Amish Casual DIY kits ) if you are planning to build a freestanding A-frame or heavy porch structure using your own lumber.[1]
To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:
Are you planning to hang the swing from a porch ceiling/beam or build a freestanding A-frame stand?
Do you prefer a standard seat or a daybed-style swing?
Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)
Levi Innovations Porch Swing Hanging Kit - $49.29 (Walmart - Top Rated Seller.)
Amish Casual DIY Swing Stand Hardware Kit - $249.99 (The Porch Swing Company)
My picks
Best simple option: National Hardware Porch Swing Kit — about $34. It includes two swing hangers, spring snaps, lag screws and washers. You supply the wood and build the seat yourself. The manufacturer rates it for a 1,000-lb safe working load.
Best if you want plans + hardware:The Winfield Collection has a 51-inch porch swing plan for about $13.45, with a matching hardware kit sold separately. The plan specifies cedar or redwood and includes the lumber list and assembly instructions.
Easiest DIY:PorchCraft's swing-bed kit is $480 and comes with pre-cut, pre-sanded wood, all hardware, ropes, hooks and instructions. It's considerably more expensive, but virtually eliminates measuring and cutting.
If you want a freestanding swing: The Amish Casual DIY stand hardware kit lets you build the stand from your own lumber; the hardware-only version is currently around $150.
For a traditional 4–5 ft porch swing, I'd personally go with a good set of plans + the National Hardware kit, then buy cedar locally. That gives you a genuinely DIY swing without paying for a kit that includes expensive pre-cut lumber.
One important point: the hardware's weight rating isn't enough by itself—the porch beam/joists and the way the hangers are attached need to be structurally adequate for the combined swing, occupants, and dynamic loads.
If you tell me whether you want a 4-ft or 5-ft swing and whether you have a table saw/circular saw, I can give you a simple materials list and a beginner-friendly design.
Finding a good DIY porch swing kit depends on whether you want a hardware-only kit (where you source your own lumber) or a pre-cut wood kit (where everything is cut, sanded, and ready to assemble).[1][2]
Popular DIY Porch Swing and Stand Kits
Add to listAmish Casual DIY Heavy Duty Swing Stand/Bracket Kit – Available via The Porch Swing Company , this is a hardware-only kit ($249.99) that gives you heavy-duty powder-coated brackets and hangers with a 1,500 lb capacity. You supply your own 6x6 and 4x4 lumber to build a massive, freestanding swing frame.[1]
Add to listAll Things Cedar Wood Swing A-Frame Kit – Available at The Porch Swing Store or Outdoor Furniture Plus, this kit provides pre-cut, pre-drilled, and sanded Western red cedar boards along with the necessary assembly hardware.[1]
Add to listPorchCraft DIY Swing Bed Kit – Sold via Easy Breezy Porch Swings , this option includes pre-cut wood, hardware, and ropes designed to let you build a twin-sized daybed swing in just a couple of hours.[1]
If you prefer to cut standard 2x4s and fence pickets yourself using basic tools rather than buying a full kit, watch this walkthrough:
For the actual woodworking, thisoldhouse.com are a good beginner starting point: their version uses ordinary 2×4 and 1×6 lumber and can be built for under $100 if you already have the basic tools.
One important point: don't treat the hanging hardware's rating as the only safety check. The porch beam/joists you're attaching to need to be structurally capable of carrying the swing plus occupants. National Hardware's dedicated porch-swing kit, for example, is rated to a 1,000-lb safe working load.
If you tell me whether you want a 4-ft, 5-ft, or 6-ft swing and roughly what you want to spend, I can find you a specific kit + lumber list that should make this a one-weekend project.
If you want to build the wooden seat yourself rather than buy a complete swing, I’d look for a hardware/hanging kit and pair it with a good set of plans.
It includes two swing hangers, spring snaps, lag screws and washers, and is rated for a 1,000-lb safe working load. National Hardware also provides DIY instructions and installation guidance.
Budget/simple option:
Everbilt Porch Swing Chain Kit - $32.45 (The Home Depot)
A straightforward chain-and-hardware package if you're making your own bench.
This adds comfort springs along with the hangers, which can make the swing feel noticeably nicer.
For the woodworking plans, Woodcraft has a free traditional porch-swing plan with a contoured seat and wide armrests, while a newer DIY guide uses cedar and structural hardware.
My recommendation: buy the National Hardware kit, then build a simple 5-ft cedar swing around it. That gives you a relatively inexpensive project without having to fabricate the critical hanging hardware yourself.
Swing-Mate Swing Hanging Kit - $59.99 (The Charming Bench Company)
One important point: the kit's rating doesn't make an inadequate porch beam safe—the ceiling/beam, fasteners, and attachment method need to be structurally appropriate too.
Depending on whether you mean an all-in-one kit (pre-cut wood and hardware) or a hardware-only kit (where you supply the standard 2x4 lumber), you have a few great directions you can go:
Pre-Cut Wood & Assembly Kits (All-in-One)
If you want everything measured, cut, and shipped to your door so you just have to assemble it, look at these options:
PorchCraft DIY Swing Bed Kits: Available via retailers like Easy Breezy Porch Swings , these kits come with pre-cut wood, hardware, ropes, and instructions designed to go together quickly.[1]
All Things Cedar Swing & A-Frame Kits: If you need a freestanding frame to hang your swing from as well, Outdoor Furniture Plus offers cedar kits featuring pre-drilled, sanded, and pre-cut Western red cedar boards alongside the required hanging hardware.[1]
Hardware & Bracket Kits (Lumber Separate)
If you want a truly simple and budget-friendly build, it's often cheaper to buy a specialty hardware/bracket kit and pick up standard lumber from your local hardware store:
Pylex Swing Bracket Kits: Available through Pylex or DK Hardware , these steel, powder-coated brackets eliminate the need for complicated angle-cut calculations if you're building an A-frame structure, letting you slot standard 2×4 boards right into place.[1]
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To help narrow down the best choice, are you looking to hang the swing from an existing porch ceiling/beam or do you need a freestanding A-frame stand as well?
All Things Cedar: They offer complete wood kits (like their Western Red Cedar swing and A-frame kits) where all boards are pre-drilled, cut, and sanded, accompanied by assembly instructions and hardware . You can find them through specialty retailers like The Porch Swing Store.[1]
PorchCraft (
Easy Breezy Porch Swings): They sell specialized DIY kits (including larger swing-bed styles) that arrive with furniture-grade, knot-free yellow pine pre-cut and pre-sanded, plus the ropes and hanging hooks. Check out the options on the Product Page.[1]
