How to Install Your Porch Swing

Written by Terry on June 20, 2007 – 3:02 pm -

How to Install Your Porch Swing

Your family will gather around the porch when you hang a wood swing there. Or put your swing and stand set under a tree to create a great outdoor gathering place.

Steps

Put the right swing in the right place. Measure your porch, patio or garden spot for height to support chains and a wide berth for crash-free swinging.

Buy a hanging kit with your swing, and be sure it includes all the galvanized hardware and heavy-duty chain you'll need for your type of swing.

Note: Most of the swings that you can buy already include a hanging chain. You will need to purchase eye-bolts or large hooks. For safest installation, you should use eye-bolts in an overhead support beam.

1. For extra bounce and comfort, you should get Comfort Springs. The springs are tightly coiled together to create a shock absorber, enhancing the comfort of your porch swing with every movement. These springs are made with a high strength chrome steel, and are specially designed to smooth out the swinging motion and allow for a wide range of suspension.
2. Locate an overhead beam (with an 8-foot clearance below it) to install the two swing hooks spaced at the width of the swing to hold the comfort springs and chains. Drill pilot holes first to prevent wood splitting when screwing in the eye-bolts/large hooks needed to hold your swing safely.
3. Use four chains to hang your swing from its hooks - two chains hang from each hook, one to the front of the swing and one to the back. Seven-foot-long chains hung from a beam 8-feet above the floor will lift the swing 17 inches off the ground for easy on and off.
4. If no porch is handy, there are several stands to choose from at HomeAccessoryShop.com. Put the stands anywhere in your yard or garden. Add a stand canopy or an arbor for shade from the sun.
5. Screw all hardware securely into the wood and use chain connectors for safety. Double-check that all hardware is installed before hanging your swing.
6. Get a helper to lift the swing and its harness up to you on a ladder near the beam. Hook the swing in place, adjust the chains evenly and give it a test swing.

Tips

• It is better to use eye bolts, not screws to hang your swing.
• swings with holes in the arms are easy to hang, but those mounted with chains attached to the lower frame make for more comfortable sitting.
• Use stain or sanding sealer under polyurethane varnish to preserve wood swings before hanging.
• Check for splinters annually and reseal as needed.

Warnings:

• Never let children stand up in a porch swing.
• If you have any doubt that your porch can support a swing, use a stand instead.
• Do not hang swings from masonry or brick.

Posted in Porch Swings |