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Porch swings have again become a favourite addition to homes, as they offer comfort and a luxe look to any outdoor space. But how to build a crib mattress porch swing? All you need is your old crib mattress, basic hardware tools, and pine wood. From relaxing, lazy afternoons to snuggling with a book during summer nights, this swing enhances your porch decor style.
You can build this easy project even if you are a beginner at woodwork and have basic DIY knowledge. This guide will break down all the steps to help you DIY an affordable porch swing with accessible hardware toolkits. So, continue reading to follow our hassle-free DIY porch swing plans with no angle cuts and dual-design options.
Benefits of a Crib Mattress Porch Swing
One of the best space-saving porch ideas is a crib mattress porch swing. This swing gives your outdoor space a personal touch of style and comfort. It is a budget-friendly project that turns your unused nursery item into a comfortable nook with simple tools, perfect for newbie DIYers.
Let us look at some other benefits of this crib mattress swing:
1. Space-Saving Perfect for Small Porches
A standard full-size crib mattress covers around 28″ × 52″. Therefore, a small porch swing fits perfectly on small decks and apartment balconies. Its 28″ width makes it ideal for spaces where a twin-sized bench may not fit.
2. Comfort Beyond Cushions
Crib mattresses are built with a firm and supportive core. This means your swing will maintain its shape and will not sink when it comes to long-term use. It will create a stable surface for the outdoor swing bed. To protect this comfort from the elements, a waterproof cover is key. If you’re worried about comfort in the heat, modern breathable waterproof mattress protectors are designed to prevent that sticky feeling, so you can stay cool and dry.
3. Upcycling Wins
This crib mattress repurpose project is eco-friendly. This way, you can save it from ending up in a landfill and give a sentimental item a second life. Upcycling this item lets you create outdoor furniture that makes your front porch decor stand out.
4. Customizable Style
You can stain the frame for a pine wood look or paint it a modern dark hue for a bold contrast. This lets the swing reflect your aesthetic and creativity. You can use cushions with tasseled trims and bright mattress fabric to beautify the overall look of the space.
5. Budget-Friendly
Building with 2x3s lumber boards and pine wood, anyone can make this porch swing. All the materials used in this project are woodwork tools that you can find in your home or nearby stores. These features make it an affordable outdoor furniture that is perfect for most DIYers.
Tools and Materials: The Cost-Smart List
To build this porch swing with your old crib mattress, you just need basic hardware and woodwork know-how. Here, we have listed everything you will need to help you build an affordable DIY porch swing under $150:
Essential Tools
Gather these tools from your nearest hardware store before you begin assembling the crib mattress into outdoor furniture:
- Finish Nailer (18-gauge)
- Miter Saw or Circular Saw
- Drill and 3/4″ Drill Bit
- Tape Measure
- Wood Glue
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
Wood and Hardware
This step decides the longevity and the exterior look of your porch swing. Choose basic lumber for the frame and use fasteners to assemble the pieces together. If you prefer a light yet strong frame, get a kiln-dried pine wood board. Use box screws and nails to assemble them.
To address possible mistakes and test cuts, buy 10% extra materials.
Table: Material List and Estimated Costs
| Item | Quantity | Purpose | Avg. Cost |
| 1″ x 4″ x 8′ Pine | 4 boards | Frame and Back Support | $6/board |
| 1″ x 3″ x 8′ Pine | 6 boards | Posts, Rails, and Cross Braces | $5/board |
| 1″ x 6″ x 6′ Pine | 4 boards | Seat Slats | $7/board |
| 2″ x 3″ x 8′ Framing | 2 boards | Hanging Rails (Replaces Eye Bolts) | $3/board |
| 1″ x 2″ x 8′ Pine | 2 boards | Seat Supports and Trim | $4/board |
| Exterior Wood Screws | 1 box | Corner Reinforcement (2.5″) | $8 |
| Finish Nails | 1 box | Assembly (1.25″ & 2″) | $6 |
| TOTAL | $110 |
Step-by-Step Building Guide: No Angles, No Anxiety
You can build an affordable porch swing from scratch with basic knowledge of woodworking for beginners. These beginner crib mattress porch swing plans use no angled cuts, which makes them perfect for first-time DIYers who are looking for easy home furnishing projects. Let us break down each step of this DIY porch swing project:
1. Building the Seat Frame (52″ x 28″)
- Begin with the frame of the seat and cut 2 pieces of 1×4 measuring 52″ for the long sides. Then, cut 2 pieces measuring 26.5″ for the short sides.
- Use a wood glue to bring the 52″ × 28″ rectangle together that fits the crib mattress. For a stronger hold, take 2” nails to hold the clamps while the glue dries.
- Measure the diagonals of the seat frame to make sure the size is even for a sturdy support.
2. Adding Seat Supports and Slats
- Cut 1×2 boards to install inside the end part of the rectangle (3/4″ below the top edge). This outdoor swing bed surface will help the mattress sink into the frame and keep it from sliding.
- Add a center 1×3 support at the same height for stiffness.
- Cut four 1×6 slats measuring 50.5″ and place them evenly before gluing and nailing them to the seat.
3. Constructing Corner Posts
- Now, for corner posts, cut 8 x 1×3 boards of 20” width and assemble them in an L-shape.
- One of the known pine wood project tips is to stack two 1×3 boards to make the corner posts stronger.
- Glue each post flush to the frame bottom and fix it with 1.25″ finish nails.
- Then drill 2.5″ screws through the post into the frame to make the joint firm.
4. Attaching Side Rails and Back
- For a modern porch swing, mount horizontal 1×3 rails that are 28″ wide at even intervals. Use a level so the rails stay firm and have a horizontal alignment.
- For a classic look, use vertical 1×3 supports or simple crosses made with straight cuts. Both options keep the project beginner-friendly with no angle cuts for DIY required.
- Install a back rail of 1×4 and 52″ wide at mid-height. Then, add a vertical 1×4 center support to hold the back of the swing and the mattress in place.
5. Top Caps and Trim
- Attach 1×3 top caps, two sides at 29.5″ width and a back at 53.5″ width, either butted or mitered for a finished look. These caps soften edges and make the swing feel like an aesthetic part of your front porch decor.
- Add 1×2 trim along the base to hide end-grain and nail holes. Trimming makes the swing look polished, giving it a premium feel.
6. Hanging Rail System
- Cut 2×3 hanging rails to 59.5″ and use a glue gun or screw to fix the seat frame bottom. This reinforcement makes the rails sturdy.
- You can avoid eye screw installation if you prefer rope anchors built into the frame.
- Drill 3/4″ holes about 4″ from each end of the 2×3 frame boards so the ropes can pass through.
- Use sturdy braided polyester or nylon rope (or matching synthetic slings). Also, splice or whip the ends to prevent fraying.
- Use a sturdy synthetic rope (polyester or nylon) and outdoor-rated hardware for hanging s swing safely.
Finishing and Waterproofing: Make It Last
The next step is to protect the wooden frame from rain and heat exposure. For this, you must weigh the options of staining vs painting the outdoor wood swing to give it a durable finish. You must also protect the mattress with a waterproof mattress cover to increase the swing’s durability.
Follow these simple steps for finishing and waterproofing:
- Sand Thoroughly: Start with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth away mill marks. This step helps stain and paint adhere and leaves an even finish.
- Stain: Use an exterior wood stain like Special Walnut to give the frame a warm tone. To prevent outdoor exposure, paint about two thin coats to enhance the efficiency of UV blockers and water repellents
- Paint: Choose an outdoor-grade paint, like SW Black Magic, to give a sleek finish to the swing. Apply 2 to 3 thin coats for full coverage and weather resistance.
- Mattress Armor: For long-term use, use a waterproof mattress cover (cost ranging between $20-$30). For a more permanent solution, you can also learn how to fully waterproof a crib mattress for outdoor use. This is critical for understanding how to prevent mold growth, which can damage the mattress and impact air quality. As an extra layer of protection, use a removable and weather-resistant canvas slipcover to guard against the sun and dirt.
Hanging Your Swing Safely: No Ceiling Collapses!
The final step of this DIY project involves learning how to hang porch swing on covered patio. You will need strong anchor points and outdoor-rated hardware to ensure that your swing can bear the weight of at least 400 lbs while hanging.
Below, we provide you with safe hanging steps with joist finding tips, and a swing height guide to complete your DIY project:
- Locate Joists: Set the swing into ceiling joints instead of drywall or plywood to give it a firm stance. Use a stud finder to mark the joist centers. Drill a hole to make sure the screws hit the solid wood and install the hangers.
- Install Eye Screws: Use heavy-duty eye lags or lag-eye bolts and drive them into the center of the joist with a hole. Consider 1” diameter lag screws at least 4″ long to embed them for long-term safety.
- Rope vs. Chain:
- Consider the difference between rope vs chain porch swing hanging when choosing the reinforcement options:
- Rope: Use a weather-resistant braided polyester rope around 3/4″ in diameter. Dip and soak its knots in wax or whip its ends to prevent them from slipping.
- Chain: These are a better option than rope in terms of strength and adjustability. They are also abrasion-resistant and can fight UV exposure better than ropes. Use a spring-loaded tensioner (priced at $15) or shock absorber to neutralize the jerks.
- Consider the difference between rope vs chain porch swing hanging when choosing the reinforcement options:
- Height and Angle: Adjust the seat to a height of 18-24” above the ground. This will make it easier for everyone to get on and off the swing. Set it at an angle of about 10-15° forward to avoid it from tipping while you sit on it.
Design Variations: Match Your Porch Aesthetic
This porch swing project, in addition to letting you repurpose your crib mattress, gives your outdoor nook a new touch of style and creativity. You can personalize the overall decor that matches your taste, whether it is contemporary or bohemian. Let’s look at three easy-to-build styles that transform your porch into a calm and cozy haven:
Minimalist Modern
Use a clean style with horizontal rails and use a single-color finish with white or black, even coats. This will give your swing frame a sleek backdrop that highlights the texture of the mattress cover or geometric patterns on outdoor swing cushions.
Rustic Farmhouse
Give the frame a grainy and warm stain finish, and you can make the joints visible to give it a rustic look. Add cross braces with Special Walnut stain on pine. Cover the mattress with gingham or plaid cushions to create a farmhouse-style front porch decor aesthetic.
Bohemian
Use your creativity to decorate the frame with macrame dream catchers, colorful woven throws, and pillows with tassels. These elements will make your swing more lively and cozy, along with a bright textile mattress cover to make the whole look come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a crib mattress porch swing hold two adults?
Yes, the weight capacity for a homemade porch swing is around 400 lbs, if the frame is built with good lumber. The lumber should be 2×4 with exterior-grade wood. To reinforce the corners, use 2½-3″ exterior screws driven in diagonally or with a metal corner bracket. Additionally, check if the hardware, like chains and ropes for hanging, is rated to hold at least 500 lbs for extra safety.
My crib mattress is 52″ long. Will it fit?
The 52″ x 28″ is a standard mattress size. To make sure it fits your swing’s frame, keep it around 50.5″ x 26.5″. This smaller-sized frame is used because the mattress wedges slightly to take its shape. You can opt for a foam crib mattress, as they compress and give a snug fit to the swing.
Can I use chains instead of rope?
Yes, you can use chains instead of ropes. Chains are, in fact, a better option as they are stronger and more durable than rope. For a long-lasting porch swing, use ¼” Grade‑70 chains, which are rated to carry heavier loads. Further, secure them with locking carabiners and links to get adjustable hanging. If you like the aesthetics of rope, you can also combine chains with rope to achieve braided rope strength with style.
How do I protect it from rain?
To protect your porch swing from rain, use a waterproof and marine-grade mattress cover on it and add a weather-resistant outdoor slipcover. Store pillows and cushions indoors, and mount the swing under a porch or awning to protect from rain and sun. If your mattress does get wet, it’s crucial to know how long it typically takes for a mattress to dry completely to prevent mold. For long-term care, reseal or restain the wood with exterior sealant every 1 to 2 years.
Can I make this without angled cuts?
Yes, our DIY porch swing plans use only straight 90° cuts. Therefore, you can cut boards with a circular saw or have a hardware store do the cuts. This keeps the project beginner-friendly, avoids tricky angle measurements, and gives a modern look perfect for a No Angle Cuts DIY build.
How long does this project take?
The entire swing building project takes anywhere between 8 to 12 hours, perfect to be done as a weekend project. This timeline includes the processes from cutting and sanding to assembling. Painting or staining the swing frame can extend the project by a day or two, as it needs time between coats for drying. You can plan the project such that cutting and assembling are done on day one, and finishing hanging is completed by the next day.
Conclusion: Sit Back, Sway, and Celebrate!
Our guide on how to build a crib mattress porch swing shows you how to turn your dull outdoor space into a beautiful one, without using too much space or money. This not only enhances your outdoor decor but also helps you reuse old nursery items to craft new furniture for the porch. A simple addition of this DIY swing to your porch will get you compliments from all your guests.
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