For many years, I designed and built custom wooden porch swings, porch gliders, and outdoor furniture one project at a time. Today, I'm spending more of my time teaching, designing, and sharing what I've learned through Jack's Backyard. While I'm no longer taking custom orders for porch swings, I hope these projects inspire you to build one of your own. As I continue creating DIY videos and woodworking tutorials, I'll be sharing the techniques, ideas, and lessons behind many of these designs so you can create something that's uniquely yours.
Be Creative and Courageous
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The best woodworking projects often begin with a simple idea and the willingness to try something new. My first custom wood porch swing started in 2002 as a Christmas gift for my grandparents' lake house. Money was tight, but creativity was free. With no plans to follow, I set out to build a handcrafted porch swing that was comfortable, durable, and unlike anything I had seen. The finished swing became a family favorite for years, and it sparked a passion for designing custom outdoor furniture that continues today. Like most woodworkers, my early porch swings borrowed ideas from designs that were already out there, including hanging the chains through the armrests. As I built more swings and refined my designs, I realized there was a better approach. Today, my preferred method supports the swing from the main frame using outriggers, keeping the armrests free of the load while creating a cleaner, stronger design.
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That evolution reflects how I approach every project—always looking for ways to improve comfort, durability, and craftsmanship rather than simply repeating what I've done before.
