The 14 Best Porch Swings of 2023

What to Look for in a Porch Swing

Size and Weight

When choosing the perfect porch swing for your space, two of the most important factors to consider include size and weight. First, consider how many people you want your swing to accommodate—you can choose from single, two-person, three-person, or bed swings.

Additionally, take note of your porch size to make sure you have room for your desired swing. “Check the width and swinging depth of the area. You don’t want your new swing to be banging into the house or porch railings because it is too large for the space,” says Chris Hewett, founder of My Old House Fix.

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For safety reasons, you also want to keep in mind your swing’s weight capacity and use chains and hardware that can adequately support your weight. Many swings can handle anywhere between 250 to 550 pounds of weight. Some exceptions on this list, including the Red Barrel Studios Khaki Brentley Porch Swing, can accommodate up to 750 pounds, so it’s great for large families.

Material

You can find porch swings available in a wide range of materials—think wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. Here’s what to know about each type.

• Wood: With wood swings, you might want to look for a wood that’s naturally weather and rot resistant like acacia wood. That said, also look into models with protective coatings or apply a sealant yourself.
• Metal: You may be interested in an all-metal swing or one with a metal frame. While metal swing sets tend to be sturdy, consider models with powder-coated finishes, like our best metal option, to avoid dealing with rust and corrosion.
• Plastic:If you have concerns about weather damage, a high-density polyethylene swing may be a great option for you, although it may not offer as much charm as a wooden or metal swing. That said, there are quite a few plastic swings that closely resemble wood.
• Wicker: Rattan can make for an attractive swing material, but it can also be very fragile. If you have a rattan swing, it may be best to keep it behind a screened porch so that it’s not exposed to dry air and sunlight. Alternatively, you can also opt for a resin wicker swing for better durability.
• Polyester: Some swing sets also feature polyester cushions and canopies. As the fabric will be exposed to the elements, you want to make sure that it’s UV, fade, and wind resistant.

Installation Requirements

Your porch swing installation requirements will vary from model to model. While a DIY tire swing may simply be secured to a tree branch, installing a porch swing will be a bit more involved as you figure out how to attach it to your building. In many cases, you need to be mindful of the seat, chains or rope, hanging hardware, and your ceiling structure. “Whether you DIY or hire out the installation, read and be familiar with all manufacturer’s warnings, specifications, and instructions. The swing must be mounted to a suitable porch ceiling structural member and/or ceiling joist. Larger swings will need added overhead structural support,” says Hewett.

Accessories

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When it comes to accessories, you can look for more practical safety hardware as well as bonus finishing touches. Hewett recommends investing in a comfort spring kit and safety chains. Comfort spring kits are mounting hardware kits that include springs to absorb shock for a smoother swinging experience. In the rare instance that a comfort spring breaks, it’s a good idea to also install safety chains. According to Hewett, safety chains are “basically two short pieces of chain that bypass the spring on each side of the porch swing. They keep your swing connected to the rope or chain, should a spring ever break.”

Besides mounting kits and chains, consider pieces that make your swinging experience cozier and more comfortable. Non-technical additions to your swing set can include supportive cushions and pillows, as seen in the Novogratz Sally Porch Swing. For your books, beverages, and snacks, you might also want center consoles or cupholders. Some swings may already come with these features, but you can also install them yourself. “Try to make selections that feature fabrics and materials that are made for outdoor use and are easy to clean. These features will maximize longevity,” says Hewett.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Stacey Nguyen, a home and lifestyle product freelance writer. To create this roundup, she evaluated dozens of products, researching factors such as material, durability, and design. For expert advice, she reached out to Chris Hewett, the founder of My Old House Fix, a community and resource directory website that features home maintenance, repair, and restoration tips. Hewett offered expert insight into how to choose, install, and maintain porch swings.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor