Jack's Backyard Wood Porch Swings, Patio Swings, Patio Furniture

Jack's Backyard

Natural Wood Designs For Our World

Natural Redwood or Cedar Porch Swings

Made from Reclaimed Swing Set Parts

I made my first porch swing in 2002.. Money was tight that year and I needed creative solutions for Christmas. I decided to make my grandparents a porch swing for their lake house. I'd never made a porch swing before, but I was confident I could do it. I wanted lots of curves, a strong high back, and something unique. I made the one you see to the right and it was a hit. My folks enjoyed it for several years before my Grandpa passed away and my Grandma moved away.

I used wood from old swingsets.. Like I said, money was tight. I ran redwood and cedar parts through a beat up table saw with a bent fence. I shaped the curves with an awful jigsaw that I eventually destroyed in a fit of rage because of it's suckiness. I finally finished the parts to a smooth finish with a belt sander I bought at a pawnshop for $10 bucks. From the very beginning I hoped my swing would turn out nice. I don't remember why, but I made 3 of them that Christmas and gave them all away. I posted pictures on here hoping to become the "Porch Swing King".

Let's face it.. You've seen a hundred of these by now. I did not reinvent the wheel. I looked at hundreds before deciding they were all basically the same. I liked things from some makers, eliminated thoughtless design (careful folks.. Look out for wood porch swings bolted directly to the armrest. A good wooden patio swing should support you, not your arm), added a little flair, big hardware, some pride and craftsmanship, and wow!

In the beginning it was easy.. I made the porch swings to the best of my ability and I was able to make them in 3 days. As my craft improved and my eye for details became more acute, the length of time to build one stretched out to 5 days. I'm at 6 days now and I've decided to improve it even more. To make a product with the degree of quality and craftsmanship I wanted and still be able to make a buck was edging away and the "Porch Swing King" thing became unrealistic. In addition, the fun and desire to make them also faded because I had to put a value on them. I made a few for money and while they were much better made than the first three, they never felt as good as the ones I gave away.

As a rule, I don't sell porch swings.. I'd prefer to make them and give them away or make unique ones never to be made again. I'm more likely to make one for you if you don't ask me how much it cost and if you have a great reason for wanting me to build one for you. Send me a note and tell me your story. If I like it maybe I'll make one for you. I really want this page to inspire you to take on your own porch swing project. You can do it. I did.

Click on pictures for larger images

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Natural Wood Designs For Our World

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