Enjoy the Summer in a Porch Swing
Who does not love spending a lazy summer day outside on a porch swing? When I was going up I longed for those summer days of relaxing when my only care was when I was going to the swimming pool next and what I was going to order when the ice cream truck came rolling around the corner. Nothing says ‘summer’ to me more than a porch swing.
When you are looking for a porch swing that will best suit your home, survey your needs and determine if you would like a free-standing swing supported by an A-Frame, or if you would like the swing attached to a porch ceiling or tree. I am a big fan of the porch swing, if you have enough space to attach the swing securely to the ceiling of your porch.
The area that you choose should have 3 feet of unobstructed space behind the swing to allow for enough swinging room. The frame, patio or tree should allow for a 6’6” clearance below it. The average clearance below a porch over hang is 8’. Depending on the height of the people that will be using the swing, the swing should sit 17” to 19” from the ground. After you have determined the how high you would like the swing, and the area that has the best space it is time to place the chains or rope.
You will need to secure the hook screws into solid beams in the ceiling of your porch. This would be a good time to break out that stud finder to locate the solid beams. Once the solid beams are located, have a carpenter, or a person knowledgeable in the field, assess the beams to ensure they will be able to support the weight of the swing and the users. Use a carriage-style bolt hook or an S-hook for the highest security. If is important to place the chains/rope an inch or two wider than the actual swing. This will help distribute the weight of the users and the chair evenly. Drill the holes for the hooks into the beams to help prevent any splitting of the wood. Use four chains/ropes to support the swing, one in each corner of the swing.
The Oxford Garden Chadwick Swing is one of my favorites. The classic style of the swing and the ropes that come standard with the swing make it a perfect porch swing. A Sunbrella fabric cushion is available for this swing and is available in wide variety of fabrics, or you can order a custom Sunbrella fabric to match your outdoor living area.
Alternatively, you can use an A-Frame to create a free-standing swing. The measuring will be the same, make sure you have enough room in front, behind, and below the swing. Place the chains/ropes an inch or two wider than the swing and securely them with a carriage-style bolt hook or an S-hook. Great American Woodies makes a natural Cypress Swing and A-frame.
However you decide to setup your swing, it will provide endless hours of relaxation in your outdoor living area.