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Writer's pictureBecca Janis

Build a Porch Swing With Crib Mattress Under $250 Total!



We have always wanted a porch swing in this little spot on our front porch. I couldnt find anything that would work in our budget and actually looked cute, so of course I decided to build it myself!

The total cost was right abut $225 and I have spent every night here since I've finished it just soaking up the nature and enjoying swinging.

I hope you enjoy this build and as always if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!


Shopping List


  • 2x2x8’ (2)

  • 1x3x8’ (6)

  • 1x2x8’ (2)

  • 1x4x8’ (4)

  • 2x4x8’ (2)

  • Pocket screws 1 1/2” (100)

  • Outdoor wood stain/paint of choice 1 quart

  • Sandpaper

  • Spax screws 2 1/2” long (25)

  • Outdoor wood glue - I used Titebond 3

  • Kit from National Hardware for hanging the swing

  • Crib mattress

  • 1" nails

  • 1" forstner bit

  • 1" thick swing rope




Tools Needed


  • Miter saw

  • Drill

  • Sander

  • Nail gun

  • Kreg jig

  • Measuring tape




Cut List


  • 22” x 1.5” x 1.5” (4) legs

  • 27” x 2.5” x .75” (2) stretcher for bottom of leg

  • 52” x 2.5” x .75” (2) stretcher for bottom front and back of swing

  • 27” x 1.5” x 1.5” (2) support pieces for mattress

  • 51” x 2.5” x .75” (6) mattress slats

  • 27” x 1.5” x .75” (2) arm rests short side

  • 52” x 1.5” x .75” (1) arm rest long side

  • 52” x 3.5” x .75” (3) slats on back of swing

  • 27” x 3.5” x .75” (6) slats on both sides of swing

  • 55” x 2.5” x .75” (1) long arm rest top

  • 28.5” x 2.5” x .75” (2) short arm rest tops

  • 60” x 3.5” x 1.5” (2) rope support pieces on bottom of swing





  1. Use the pocket screws and wood glue to attach the legs to the side pieces as shown in the picture above.






2. Attach the long 1x3 pieces to the legs with pocket screws and wood glue.

The front piece 1x3 should be flush with the front of the swing and the back 1x3 should be flush with the inside edge of the swing as shown in the picture above.





3. Attach the 2x2 mattress support pieces as shown in the picture above with Spax screws and wood glue.





4. Attach the mattress slats to the mattress support pieces using spax screws.

Space them apart as evenly as possible. (It doesnt have to be perfect!)





5. Attach the short side arm rests using pocket holes and wood glue as shown in the picture above.





6. Attach the back rest piece using pocket holes and wood glue.





7. Attach the side and back slats using pocket holes and wood glue.

Make sure they are evenly spaced apart.

Tip: Using spacer blocks cut to 2.125" will help keep them evenly spaced.

Bonus tip: Before staining, glue and install pocket screw plugs to hide the pocket screw holes.





8. Nail on the top and back arm rest pieces using 1" nails and wood glue.





9. Screw in the swing rope supports to the bottom of the swing.

Make sure the supports protrude evenly on both sides.





10. Using a 1" forstner bit, drill all the way through the swing rope supports.

After you've hung the porch swing hardware, thread the rope through the hole you drilled through the rope supports and tie a knot.



Enjoy your new swing!






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