How to Build a Swinging Daybed

Preparations

• 1

  Buy or use a twin size mattress. A standard twin is usually 39 inches by 75 inches, but the size may vary depending on the manufacturer.

• 2

  Pick out a high quality wood. Look for pieces that are straight, have no knots or other visible defects and aren't warped.

• 3

  Stock up on 2x2, 2x4 and 2x6 sizes.

Make the Sides

• 4

  Cut four 2x4 legs, making them each 26 inches long. Then cut four 2x6 boards, each 31 inches long, to be used as the horizontal beams on the sides (these are the "aprons").

• 5

  Prepare to fasten two of the legs to two of the aprons. The top apron attaches two inches down from the top of the legs, the lower apron two inches above the bottom of the legs. Drill the wood where you want the screws (to keep the wood from splitting).

• 6

  Attach the legs with wood glue and lag screws, then use a carpenter's square to check all of the angles.

• 7

  Countersink the screws and plug. Make sure the second end matches the first and let the glue dry.

Connections

• 8

  Cut three 2x6 rails (75 inches long each). Use glue and lag screws to attach one rail to the front of the two sides that' re in line with the lower side aprons. Then attach the two back rails in line with the upper and lower aprons.

• 9

  Make sure you stagger the screw holes to avoid the other lag screws. Square and let the glue dry.

• 10

  Get 2x2 pickets (each about 15 inches long), which fit between the upper and lower aprons. Evenly place them in, eight on each end and the rest across the back.

• 11

  Use glue and finishing nails to secure them. Remember to countersink and to fill all nail holes.

• 12

  Add your seat supports. First, cut two 2x2 ledgers (75 inches long), then use glue and nails to attach these 3/4 inch from the top of the aprons on the inside of the front and rear lower aprons. Then, cut six 1x6 slats (31 inches long). Install these on top of the ledgers.

Finishing Touches

• 13

  Use your sander or sand paper to smooth the entire piece. If you want, paint or stain the piece after its smooth. A lighter stain works best on pine.

• 14

  Install four eye bolts on the upper side aprons just a few inches in from the legs, making sure the bolts miss the pickets. Place the swing on the porch.

• 15

  Place four more eye bolts to ceiling joists directly over the swing eye bolts. If there aren't any joists (or they're not correctly positioned), add 2x6 braces spanning the existing joists, then run eye bolts through the ceiling into braces.

• 16

  Divide your heavy chain into four equal lengths and use them to attach your swing to the bed. The swing should be about 3 inches above the floor.