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    Home » DIY » outdoor living » Porch Swing Pergola (arbor)

    Porch Swing Pergola (arbor)

    Published by Gail | Published May 16, 2017 | Updated May 14, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    It only took a year to make this porch swing pergola  (arbor). Not a year to make it, but a year to finally get around to making it happen. front arbor pergolaEver since we did the DIY picket fence, I’ve wanted to change out the old porch swing roof with a new pergola that matches the front gate arbor.

     

    tree damaged swing coverA tree fell on the roof years ago and damaged it. The frame will probably last for years and years.

     

    porch swingI didn’t do much of this DIY, Rodney (my neighbor) dismantled the old pieces and did all the cutting and sanding of the boards while I was busy cleaning out the gutters on my home.

     

    porch swing area makeoverAfter he dismantled everything I got busy priming the existing brown base.

     

    notch 2x6 pergola boardRodney used the same pattern as he did for the arbor. He cut the ends and notches with a jigsaw. He chiseled out the notches, then cleaned them up.

     

    dry fitWe did a dry fit on the driveway and I was SHOCKED to see how large it was!

     

    painting swing pergolaI primed and painted all of the pergola pieces. oops! I see a run in the paint.

     

    assemble swing pergolaAfter a few rainy days, it was time to put everything together. Rodney used 2x2’s on the metal support pieces on each end, securing them with wood screws.

     

    fit pergola boards in notchesIt was so easy to put all the pieces in place after that, it was like a large jigsaw puzzle. You can see the front gate arbor in the lower portion of this photo.

     

    new pergola for porch swingThe brown 2x2’s are the original frame, we used those to brace the tree limbs (dogwood tree) and hold them out of the way because I didn’t want to trim any of the branches. Rodney is in the background making one more support piece that will run atop the cross support because the 2x6’s could use a little more support. Rodney was the brains behind this, but I’m wondering (looking back at these pictures) why we (HE) didn’t rest the 2x6 on the metal brace. I’m sure he has a reason. Winking smile

    new swing pergolaThis is right after it was finished. Still to do—paint and freshen up the swing, clean the patio area, possibly hang 1 or 2 of the MANY wind chimes on the pergola. I love, love, love how the branches rest on top of the pergola now. I may or may not decide to put some sort of cover—I haven’t decided yet.

    stay tuned. . . .

    gail

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    1. Laurie

      May 19, 2017 at 12:24 pm

      You could use fibreglass panels to cover. Lightweight and waterproof.

      Reply
    2. pam

      May 16, 2017 at 9:22 pm

      Aw....Gail, that looks great. So much shade will come with that and it will make a great place to sit and swing.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 17, 2017 at 11:31 am

        Pam,

        I have already enjoyed it, and Lulu Mae seemed to like me holding her while we swing.

        gail

    3. Julie@followyourheartwoodworking

      May 16, 2017 at 8:54 am

      That is going to be nice to have because it matches your fence and pergola and ties it all together. It's hard to tell what's keeping the roof up though... it looks like it's balancing there!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 17, 2017 at 11:30 am

        Julie,

        I was a little nervous that the original unit wouldn't support the weight. There are braces that go from the middle of the right and left sides, up to the back right and left. 🙂
        I'm really thinking about covering it somehow. It's part of Lulu Mae's path to potty when it's raining. hehehehe She does not approve of the new configuration.
        gail

    4. Jen

      May 16, 2017 at 6:29 am

      Looks like it's going to be a lovely place to sit and swing. Perfect for a summer day, with all that shade.

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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