Pallet FurniturePallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & StoolsEasy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench

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by Heatherstiletto

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench

  • 1 pallet

  • easy

  • 3h

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Add a touch of nostalgia without a lot of drama when you make your own version of our DIY one pallet bench swing! Create a beautiful area to enjoy the outdoors, your patio, or garden area, or as fantastic party decor! And, you only need one pallet or LESS! Want to add a place to relax or a fun area for the kids? Maybe you want a place to have a little romance? You can do it all with just a single pallet! If you have more, then you can get even more creative!

Get into the DIY One Pallet Swing of things with these planning tips:

Determine the pallet swing space:

  • Behind: You should have at least 30” of space BEHIND the swing at a minimum. 36” or more is PREFERRED.
  • Sides: Additionally, you should have around 14-18” of space on either side of the swing. Just remember how you used a swing when you were a kid!
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
The pallet swing is stunning, but there’s no room to move! If you swing back, you’ll hit the wall or even the window!

Hanger distance:

  • Whether you use rope or chain, your mounting points to hang the swing should be at a minimum of 2” wider, but up to 4” wider than your swing width.
  • If you have a 24” swing, your hanging points should be spaced at least 26” to 28” apart.
  • This spreads the weight evenly and prevents the rope or chain from rubbing against the swing itself.
  • There are also ways to make the swing more comfortable, such as swing hanging kits that incorporate springs, like this one at The Porch Swing Company.
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

Where to hang your pallet swing?

  • Use STRUCTURAL pieces! You want to use a joist. These are the horizontal beams that support the ceiling. They’re usually 2” x 6” or bigger, and could be 4” x 4” posts or larger as well.
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
  • If you ONLY have 2×4” joists, STOP and go to step #4
  • Go up into the attic and look at the joists, and general arrangement.
  • If you can’t get into the attic, you can remove some of the ceiling trim OR use a stud finder.
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
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  • If you don’t have a stud finder or other means of seeing the joists, you can drill tiny holes to confirm the location on each side of the joist. This will tell you how wide it is. Then all you have to do is to mark both side edges to find the center to install the anchor.

I don’t have big enough joists! What can I do?

OPTION ONE:

  • Install short beams, such as a 4” x 4” post across the tops of multiple joists.
  • Cut two 4×4″ beams, so they’re long enough to span across three or more joists, and run them perpendicularly.
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
  • You can use one 4×4” post for children’s swings; just follow the hanger distance rules in step #2 and use a post long enough to provide adequate support:
    • You can bolt the 4×4” beams in place (pre-drill first!)
    • Or, you can run wood screws through the sides of the 4×4” beams at angles – toe-nailing them into place.
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Toe-nailing a board in place.

OPTION TWO:

Install 4×4″ posts between the joists – by using joist hangers.

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Joist Hangers. Be sure to use a nail or screw in every hole!
  1. Sometimes it’s easier to install a joist hanger by using a scrap piece of the board you’re going to hang so you can align to the bottom of the joist and also squeeze the joist hanger around the scrap to fit snugly.
  2. Install the 4×4” posts flush with the bottom of the joists.
  3. When using joists, the hangers will face each other.
  4. Be sure to use the proper joist hanger installation hardware as they frequently use specialty 1 ½” nails or screws.
  5. Some joist hangers have little prongs to speed-set the joist. You can tap them in with the hammer to hold them in place temporarily until you set all the nails (or screws).
  6. Don’t reuse old joist hangers.
  7. Don’t use the wrong size and bend over the extras. Both situations can lower load capacity.
  8. Cut the blocks to fit snugly between the joists, and fit them down into the joist hangers. Secure them with hanger nails or screws.
  9. The advantages of using joist hangers vs. just nailing through the beams into the new posts you’re adding are that the joist hangers allow for expansion and contraction of the wood, so they shouldn’t loosen over time as nails can. Just think of an old fence and how the boards get loose and wiggly – that’s what can happen!
  10. Now, install eye bolts or eye screws and attach your chain or rope.
  11. Be sure you use the right size eye bolts – now is not the time to skimp on a couple of dollars.
  12. They should be at least ½” diameter, with enough length that you can secure a nut with washers and still have some threads showing.
  13.  PRE-DRILL before installing your eye bolts/screws. This will reduce the risk of splitting the board.

NOTE: If hanging a pallet swing from a tree, you can help protect the branch by covering the chain or rope in a piece of rubber hose that you slide over the chain/rope.

Ready to build? Here are some ideas for some terrific DIY One Pallet Bench Swings

This Super-simple Deck Board Swing: All you need is one sturdy deck board and some quality rope or chain.

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
The traditional, easy-to-make, and super-fun single pallet board swing!
  1. Cut a deck board to a comfortable seat width (approximately 26 to 30” wide) and sand all surfaces well to protect little tushies.
  2. Drill two holes approximately 2” from each corner large enough to accommodate a thick, sturdy rope.
  3. Cut two lengths of rope and find safe, sturdy support, such as a large branch, a porch beam, or upcycle an old swing set frame.
  4. Secure the rope ends around the support structure, and then run the opposite ends through the holes on the board, running it into one corner, then lacing it back up through the other corner and tying it with large knots to secure.
  5. If you use a chain, use a minimum of ½” eye bolts, wide washers on top and the bottom side, and nuts to secure. Use S-hooks or Quick Links (the D-shaped links with the built-in nuts).
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

Here’s a Quick Link!

Another simple swing that’ll thrill the kids (or grandkids)! Make your outdoor area, garden, or even porch a bit more magical with these DIY One Pallet Bench Swings! This swing is great! Find a wide pallet board, cut a circle, drill a hole in the center and tie a knot! You’re ready to have fun!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

A Pallet Bench Swing For Two!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

This version of our pallet swing is straightforward for almost anyone!

  • First, cut a pallet in half lengthwise.
  • Second, remove the lower deck boards on one-half, but leave the end piece with the pallet blocks in place.
  • Next, mount the half of the pallet that you removed part of the deck from perpendicular to the other piece. Secure well with outdoor wood screws.
  • Cut two deck boards at angles and mount from the front corner of the seat to a safe spot on the backrest; secure with screws.
  • Use remaining boards to cap off the front of the seat and along the top of the backrest. Use chain, quick links, and bolts to secure the seat – mounted on the pallet blocks.

Here is another one of our bench swing. You’ll need a full-sized pallet (not a Euro pallet or “EPAL”) for this version. In this version, the crafter cut half-lap joints on the stringers and secured together. Bolts and glue are suggested to make the bench durable. Additionally, you can add metal brackets, or extra deck boards across the joint areas to secure tightly.

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

This is not QUITE a pallet swing, but it was too beautiful to leave out! This one was made from about two pallets. First, break down the pallets. Next, build a seat frame using the stringers, and cover with deck boards. Make a seat back frame, leaving the left and right stringers longer to mount to the seat. Add diagonal cross-bracing from the outer corner of the seat to the seatback. Secure with rope or chain through the stringer boards.

How about a single-pallet swinging bed for stargazing? Yup, you can do that too! Add some romance to your pallet swing!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
You only need to install eye bolts on the four corner pallet blocks and secure!

Do a little yard equipment repurposing while you’re at it with this Upcycled Swing Set and single-pallet bench swing!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Something for the kids!

This little swing only needs a part of a pallet. Great for the grandkids when they come over to visit or even a pet’s lounge spot!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

If you’ve got two pallets, you can create a bigger bench like this! Springtime fun with this pallet swing!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

Or this version of our Two-Pallet Swings:

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials
Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

This beautiful two-pallet bench was a gift for a mother-in-law. Lucky her!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

Now that you’re feeling confident consider adding a stylish backrest like this beautiful Pallet Swing Chair!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

Or go all-out and build your own A-frame to hold a beautiful pallet swing! The ultimate DIY one pallet swings idea!

Easy Diy Tutorial: Build & Install One Pallet Swing Bench Pallet Benches, Pallet Chairs & Stools Pallet Tutorials

So what are you waiting for? Turn the computer off, pick up those tools and start building one of these fantastic pallet swings! You know you want to… Don’t forget to submit your creation to us. If you build it, we’ll post it! Happy Palleting from the 1001pallets.com crew!

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Kevin B.
Kevin B.

This pallet bench swing looks fantastic! I’ll be sure to get started building this very soon. I’m thinking of getting more precision (and detailing) with my cutting by using a CNC router. I found a program that shows you how to build one at home for three figures and I’ve been reading up on it a bit. Here, for example, a guy says that he put together a homemade one for under $300. Have you heard of this thing? No worries if you haven’t. Thanks again for this awesome build & install guide!

GenuineV2
GenuineV2
Reply to  Kevin B.

I agree with you Kevin. BTW, If you want to see another example that uses less rope and re-weaves the rope into itself for a good clean look you can take a look at 
http://www.treeswingstore.com/treeswingseats/ they have some nice options too.

Gianluca Caviati

Alexandra Agosti, fatti questa di panca!

Alexandra Agosti

Però è abbastanza squadrata potrei chiederla ai meccanici ;-)

Keith Smiggy Smith

I made one myself last year without instructions under a glass roofed pergola, all made out of pallets, and mostly old roof joists. Hell,with a tutorial, nobody has an excuse not to. :-)

Linda Perry
Linda Perry

I love your ideas for recycling pallets, I have a question in this email, there’s a swing at the very beginning where you are explaining that the swing is to close to the house and window, is that swing made using pallets? If so how do I get the building institutions. That swing is beautiful and I have been trying to find one just like it. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. And I have been on the lookout for pallets but no one is giving them away any more But I found a place in Cincinnati that… Read more »

Martha Cabanillas

Que bellos me encantan

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