Swing Make Over

by Heatherelzey

1 Material

$50

4 Weeks

Easy

I took a 2 person old swing and gave it a make over.

I removed the old cloth seat with heavy duty utility knife, an Allen wrenches and wrench. You may have to loosen some bolts to remove the cloth seat in some areas.

I removed the swing from the frame and placed the bolts in a zip lock bag so I would not loose them. I then used a hand sander, Dremal and a sanding block to remove rust and loose paint.

We cut 1 x 4 treated wood to fit with in the swing. I sanded the wood with my hand sander.

I stained the wood, sanding between coats. Then I added 2 coats of polyurethane lightly sanding between each coat.

I painted the frame. I decided I wanted to use 2 different colors, one for the swing and one for the frame. Remember if you want to place a cushion(s) and pillows in your swing purchase them when you pick out your paint colors.

Place all your boards on the swing before you screw them down.

Pre drill your holes.

The screw the wood to the frame using a self tapping screw for metal.

Once you place a the wood on the seat then lay the Fram on its back and do the same the last 3 steps.

Put your swing back together. Place the cushions and the pillows on your swing and enjoy.

I placed the swing on a little sitting area where I had a picnic table. The tables were metal chairs where I took the backs off. Spray painted them the same color as the swing . Making this swing is easy but may take a few weekends because of waiting for stains and paint to dry.

This is another swing I did last year. As long as it is a 2 seater swing you can transform any swing. The longer swings do not have the brace in the middle of the swing.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 4 questions

Robyn on Aug 28, 2017

I like the idea of the swing and the tables made out of metal chairs. What steps did you take to do the chairs? I have a nasty dirt and brick back yard that I'm truing to revamp.

2
Olive harte on Jun 04, 2020

My swing is a double seat swing and to put on the canvas you had to unscrew each one all along each chair sides to take off the seat and fit cover. Terrible job which I did twice. Why the manufacturers do not see these flaws????
So it ios good I spotted this sallution!n. Yes I think I will drill each hole for the screw as it needs to be a strong large one. I may paint the whole piece at the

0
Daw88616761 on Aug 30, 2023

What is the total amount of time to complete this project? And approximately how much did it cost?

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2 of 87 comments

Wendy on Jul 14, 2020

Thank you for the easy to follow instructions. My old swing now has a new life and I love it!

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April on Sep 29, 2020

I actually had started this project before I read this post. Great simple instructions for an easy DIY. :)
One thing I would amend is your comment at the end, as an easy solution is to be had:
"As long as it is a 2 seater swing you can transform any swing. The longer swings do not have the brace in the middle of the swing."

A simple solution for a bench swing (without a center support), is to simply turn your wood slats the other direction. Run the boards up/down rather than across the metal frame. And if you have a stockpile of wood scraps, this may help use wood you already have, as these seats and backs are typically less than 24" deep/high.

I hope this comment can help someone with a bench swing! ;)

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