This project is designed by Gerald
and Patricia Little for Studio
Remontant in Atlanta, GA.

Getting Started

• Twin-size mattress
• Tape measure
• Fabric for mattress cover
• Clear pine lumber
• Saw
• Wood glue
• Lag screws
• Drill and bits (including countersink bit)
• Wood plugs or wood filler
• Carpenter's square
• Miter box
• Finishing nails
• Sandpaper
• Stain or paint
• Eight eyebolts with nuts and washers
• Heavy-duty chain
• Hammer

1. Purchase the mattress. A standard twin mattress measure approximately 39 inches by 75 inches, but the size can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. You may need to adjust the size of the swing to fit your mattress.

2. Choose good-quality wood. For ease of construction, stock wood sizes such as 2x2, 2x4, and 2x6 are used. (Note that nominal wood sizes are bigger than the actual size of the wood. For example, a nominal 2x4 measures only 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches.) Select straight, warp-free pieces that are free of knots or other defects.

3. Make sides first. Begin by cutting four 2x4 legs, each 26 inches long. Cut four 2x6 apron pieces, each 31 inches long. (These are the horizontal boards -- top and bottom -- on the sides.) Attach two of the legs to two of the aprons using wood glue and lag screws. Pre-drill for the screws to prevent splitting the wood. Use carpenter's square to check all angles. Countersink the screw heads and plug. Note that the top apron is attached two inches down from the top of the legs and the lower apron two inches above the bottom of the legs. Make the second end to match the first. Allow glue to dry.