How we loved to swing as children. That feeling of going back and forth, our feet coming off the ground and flying like a bird.
Outdoor porch swings have become a highly desirable furniture piece for various areas. They have a wide variety of uses from providing comfortable living, a quiet place to chat with a friend, a special nest to curl up next to your sweetheart for a romantic evening, a small nook for reading a book and drinking a cup of tea, or a place for enjoyment of a nap.
There are porch swings for every type of house and every type of swinger. Like most furniture, they come in all sizes, materials, colors and styles. It just depends on what you like, how many bodies you want to accommodate, and how much you are willing to spend.
Hard to believe that outdoor porch swings come in a variety of materials. The classic porch swing is made of domestic woods like cedar and cypress, and tropical woods and their special qualities. Which wood you choose is going to be based upon exposure to the elements and use. For example, wood has to be stored and maintained to keep its magnificent look. Left untreated, it will slowly dry up, with wood splintering and the color turning to a dismal gray potentially. Yet, selecting an ideal outdoor stain with the proper application, and your swing can enjoy a long and lustrous life.
The thought of a wicker swing is certainly inviting. Yet, there is always that worry with wicket and how it will hold up. Most wicker outdoor swing and furniture manufacturers now offer all-weather or resin wicker instead of natural fiber wicker. This type of wicker can remain outdoors all the time, is UV resistant, and is much simpler to clean.
For something more durable, Polywood is one of the most popular recycled materials on the market. It is a high-density polyethylene resin product, formed to resemble painted "lumber" and comes in a variety of colors.
How you hang a porch swing is really not the issue. It is like hanging a heavy potted plant. The trick is getting the proper hardware. There are hardware kits available that include the screw hooks and chain. Be sure to get either galvanized or stainless steel. Otherwise, you will be switching hardware out every year because of rusting.
If possible, use four chains to hang your swing from its hooks: two chains from each hook / eye bolt, one to the back of the swing and one to the front. You want the height from the ground to be between 17-and 19 inches. (Most folks opt for 17 inches – unless they are taller in which 19 inches is preferred.) Your height from the ground is what determines the length of each piece of chain.
While you will be in a hurry to get your front porch swing up and functional, take your time to ensure that it is safe and secure. This will give you a piece of mind the more it is used.
Outdoor swings can be placed anywhere around your property, but there is something to be said about a front porch swing and the pleasure it brings.