- 1). Purchase the treated wood planks and strips and have them cut to size for you at the lumber supply store. You'll need two treated wood planks measuring 24 inches long by 8 inches wide by 2 inches thick and three treated wood strips measuring 14 inches long by 2 inches wide by 2 inches thick. You'll also need two equal lengths of chain to hang your swing; the hardware store will cut the chain to length for you.
- 2). Sand and stain the wood planks and strips with exterior staining wax, gel or liquid. Remove all of the sanding debris before you apply the stain. Let the finish dry and apply a coat of wood sealer for added protection.
- 3). Place the two planks, side by side and face down on your work surface. Make sure the edges are flush. Place two of the wood strips 3 inches from the ends and perpendicular to the planks. Place the third wood strip in the center, also perpendicular to the planks.
- 4). Attach the trim to the planks with decking screws. Drill pilot holes before you insert the screws.
- 5). Flip the bench over and drill 1-inch holes for the chain along the sides of the planks. You'll need two holes on each side of the bench to help your swing hang straight. Place one hole in the center of each plank, between the support trim and the end of the board.
- 6). Thread one length of chain down through one hole on one side of your swing and up through the other on the same side. Continue threading the end of the chain through until it meets the hanging chain and hook them together with a carabiner hook. Repeat this step on the other side of your swing; make sure the chain is evenly hooked.
- 7). Wrap the opposite end of your chain onto a hook in a thick tree limb and use two more carabiner hooks to secure it in place.
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