How to Build a DIY Swing Bed (Step-by-Step Guide + DIY Kit Option)
Transform your porch into a relaxing retreat with a bed-style porch swing. Follow the step-by-step guide below, and if you’d like to skip the hardware guesswork, use our Do-It-Yourself Swing Bed Kit for a safer, faster build.
Perfect for twin or full-size mattress builds, porches, pergolas, and covered outdoor spaces.
What Is a DIY Swing Bed?
A DIY swing bed is a bed-sized porch swing designed for lounging, napping, reading, or just enjoying fresh air. It’s typically built to fit a twin or full-size mattress and hangs from rope or chain.
You’ll most often find swing beds:
- On covered front or back porches
- Hanging from sturdy pergolas
- In sunrooms or screened-in porches
- On patios with strong overhead beams
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a classic wooden swing bed frame that you can customize with paint, stain, cushions, and your own style — along with an easier option using our DIY swing bed kit so you don’t have to source all the wood and hardware yourself.
Project Snapshot
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate DIYer
- Time: 1 weekend (faster with a hardware kit)
- Best mattress size: Twin or full
- Ideal setting: Covered porch or pergola
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
You can build a DIY swing bed using lumber and hardware from your local store, or simplify your build with our all-inclusive, pre-engineered swing bed kit that includes the pre-cut, rep-sanded and pre-measured wood and critical weight-bearing hardware.
Basic Materials & Tools
- Lumber for frame, rails, and mattress supports
- Exterior-grade wood screws
- Wood glue (optional but helpful)
- Sandpaper or power sander
- Exterior paint, stain, or clear sealer
Recommended Tools
- Drill and drill bits
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Impact driver
- Measuring tape & level
- Wrench or socket set
TIP: Use exterior-rated fasteners and finishes if your swing bed will live outdoors. They’ll handle moisture, temperature changes, and sun exposure much better.
What the DIY Swing Bed Kit Includes
The kit is designed to remove the guesswork around weight-bearing hardware and frame stability.
| Component | Included? |
|---|---|
| All necessary furniture-grade wood | ✔ Yes |
| Load-rated eye bolts | ✔ Yes |
| Hardware | ✔ Yes |
| 3/4-inch thick polypropylene rope (black or tan) | ✔ Yes |
| Hanging hooks and comfort spings | ✔ Yes |
DIY Swing Bed Dimensions & Planning
Before you cut any boards, decide which mattress size you’ll use and where your swing bed will hang. This will guide your frame dimensions, hanging height, and hardware placement.
Common Mattress Sizes
- Twin: 38" x 75" — most popular for porches
- Full: 54" x 75" — great for larger spaces
Plan your inner frame size to be roughly 1" larger than the mattress on all sides. This extra space allows for bedding and easy mattress placement.
Ceiling Height & Clearance
- Minimum recommended ceiling height: ~8 ft
- Ideal seat height: 15-18" above the finished floor
- Leave 2 feet of room behind and in front for gentle swinging
Weight Capacity & Safety
A properly built swing bed with the right hardware can support several hundred pounds. Always use hardware that’s rated for the load you expect the bed to carry.
- Use load-rated eye bolts and hanging hardware
- Anchor into solid framing (joists or beams)
- Test gradually before full-time use
How to Build a DIY Swing Bed (Step-by-Step)
Every build is a little different, but the basic process is similar whether you’re using a full plan set or working from a simple sketch. Use the steps below as your roadmap, and pair them with detailed plans and our hardware kit for the best results.
Cut the boards for your frame rails, end pieces, mattress supports, and any side or backrest details. Refer to your chosen plan for exact measurements based on mattress size.
Lay out your long and short frame boards into a rectangle. Attach them with screws, checking that each corner is square before tightening everything down.
Install evenly spaced slats across the frame to support the mattress. Pre-drill screw holes to avoid splitting, and use exterior-rated screws for outdoor builds.
If your design includes armrests or a backrest, add those pieces now. Many porch swing beds use a simple slatted back for comfort and airflow.
Sand every surface, edge, and corner to remove splinters and sharp edges. This step is especially important if kids will be using the swing bed.
Finish the frame with exterior paint, stain, or a clear sealer. Apply multiple thin coats and allow adequate drying time between each one.
Measure and mark the eye bolt locations near each corner. Drill pilot holes, then install the eye bolts with washers and nuts according to your hardware instructions.
Run your rope or chain through the eye bolts and secure according to your plan or kit instructions. Double-check knots or connector links for security.
Anchor the swing to sturdy ceiling joists or beams using rated hanging hardware. Test with gradual weight, adjust for level, and then add your mattress and pillows.
DIY Pallet Swing Bed (Budget-Friendly Option)
Love the rustic look or want to keep costs low? A pallet swing bed is a great alternative. The build method is similar to a standard swing bed, but the frame is constructed from pallet boards or reclaimed lumber instead of new boards.
- Use thicker pallet rails for frame strength
- Reinforce joints with brackets (the kit works here too!)
- Sand heavily to remove rough edges
- Choose exterior-rated pallets if hanging outdoors
Many DIYers choose the pallet version for its charm and character — especially when paired with our engineered hardware kit for a stronger, safer hanging system.
Outdoor vs. Porch Installation
You can hang a DIY swing bed in several settings, but each has its own considerations. Here’s what to know before choosing your location.
Porch Installation
- Best protection from the elements
- Rope or chain both work well
- Often easier to locate solid joists for hanging
- Finish will last longer thanks to weather protection
Outdoor Installation
- Use pressure-treated or cedar lumber
- Choose chain for better long-term durability
- Seal wood with marine-grade urethane
- Anchor into a sturdy pergola or beam structure
Recommended DIY Swing Bed Plans
While we don’t provide downloadable plans directly, many excellent (and proven) swing bed plans exist online.
- Plank & Pillow Porch Swing Bed Plan — Popular, modern design with clear instructions.
- Kreg Tool Swing Bed PDF Plans — Highly detailed, free downloadable plan set.
- Etsy — DIY Bed Swing Plans — Full digital plan set with cut list and diagrams.
Why Use the Easy Breezy DIY Swing Bed Kit?
A swing bed is easy to build — but sourcing all the right wood, hardware and hanging essentials is not. That’s exactly why we created the DIY Swing Bed Kit.
Safety & Strength
- Load-rated eye bolts & hardware
- Precision instructions and step-by-step guide
- All components engineered for swing beds
- Furniture-grade, knot free wood for maximum longevity
Saves Time & Headaches
- No hunting for matching components or correct lumber
- No guessing on bolt sizes or weight limits
- Clear, simple installation instructions
- Completely build in less than two hours
Customer Gallery
Here’s how other DIYers have styled and built their porch swing beds. Replace these placeholders with your own customer photos for maximum trust and conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Your DIY Swing Bed Today
Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a first-time DIYer, a porch swing bed is a project anyone can tackle. Choose your plan, gather your lumber, and let our kit handle the hardware.