Home Project January 8, 1999: Convert Old Porch Swing to Outdoor Loveseat A porch swing, stored away and idle, can be converted into a love seat for the lawn or patio. Tightening the bolts and screws will usually make it as sturdy as ever. To complete the job, add four legs, two braces and a couple of coats of paint. (See diagram below.) Begin by propping the swing on boxes to the desired height above a level floor. About 15 inches is a good height at the front. Let it
slope toward the rear so that the back of the seat will be 1" lower. Cut a cardboard template for the rear legs. Clamp two pieces of stock together and saw both legs from this pattern at the same time. Then clamp the two legs in place. Before cutting the front legs to final length, clamp them to the arm fronts and try out the bench. Adjust height until the seat is comfortable; then secure all four legs with 1/4" bolts. Fit the two leg braces under the arms and screw them on.

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