Introduction: Dual Bench Canopy Glider Swing
I remember one of these from my childhood. As a kid, this was the caboose of a train that was getting robbed by bandits. Now as an adult, this is a relaxing glider swing, used for sipping sweet tea or other favorite beverages with friends and family. It is a great addition to my patio and is loved by all who climb aboard.
Step 1: The Plans
The plans are acceptable in quality, but it does require a level of skill beyond a beginner. This shouldn't be your first project. Several elements were tricky to figure out. If you've built from plans before, you will do fine. Otherwise, I don't recommend this as a first project.
I bought my plans thru the following,
http://www.u-bild.com/projects-outdoor/818.htm
If you have a Prime Amazon account you can save on shipping and get the plans for a couple dollars less.
Step 2: Wood Stack
This isn't all the wood. When I snapped this pic I had the frame already built. Total cost of materials bought at Home Depot was about $350 to 400.
Step 3: The Frame
The frame was tricky to get squared up. I had to dig out my trigonometry book and figure some angles. Or I missed something in the plans and made it more difficult than it is supposed to be.
Step 4: Canopy
I redesigned the canopy. I wanted to get a lot of overhead shade coverage. I built a frame that takes two 4x8 sheets of plastic lattice. I think this was a great addition and am glad I did this modification.
Step 5: Canopy, Frame and Swing
These are the three elements laid out before final assembly. The canopy is optional; if you choose to go without a canopy, the structure does not require it. The center table was an add on. The plans have an optional side mounted table. I decided to build a center mounted version.
Note the orange chairs in the background. This was another Instructable I did on resurfacing fabric patio chairs with wood.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Patio-Chair-Re-build/