The Perfect Porch Swing

There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his summertime classic Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury describes the "ritual of the front-porch swing."

"In the garage they found, dusted, and carried forth the howdah, as it were, for the quiet summer-night festivals, the swing chair which Grandpa chained to the porch-ceiling eyelets?they sat, smiling at each other, nodding, as they swung silently back and forth, back and forth."

Perhaps it is the soothing rhythm or the reassuring creak of the porch swing that attracts us. Perhaps it is the companionable silence or quiet conversation. Or maybe swings simply remind us of more genteel times.

Materials and Construction

Although porch swings can be purchased in a wide range of materials, the most common are wicker and wood. You can also make your own porch swing from one of the myriad of woodworking patterns available at garden centers, hardware stores, or on the Internet. You can even improvise with a rope chair or a wicker chair with the legs cut off and a support base added.

Whether you are buying or making, here are things to look for:

• Seat depths vary from 18 to 36 inches (50-100 cm). There is no one "correct" depth -- it's a matter of personal comfort.

• Chair slats should have some curve or slant to them to make a more comfortable seat, and there should be enough space between slats to allow air to circulate.

• Swings can hold one to three people depending on the length of the seat. Of course, the bigger the swing, the heavier the load and the sturdier the supports need to be.

• Swings with additional length-wise supports under the chair slats will be sturdier and will swing more evenly.

• All joints should be bolted or screwed together, not nailed.

• Pine, maple or oak swings will not weather as well as cedar or teak, but can be painted with an exterior paint to extend their life. They also suit a sheltered porch area.

• Wooden bench backs come in a variety of styles. Back slats can run horizontally, vertically with a topper or even vertically at differing heights to form a "round" back. Some styles will suit certain homes better than others.

• Seat cushions, covered in durable outdoor fabrics, can adapt a swing to just about any architectural or decorating style, and also make the swing more comfortable for whiling away those summer evening.

Installation

• Allow a 4 foot (1.2 m) arc for the swing to move freely.

• Use galvanized or stainless steel chain or marine-grade braided nylon or polyester rope, and eye-bolts or S-hooks with 4-6 inch (10 cm-15) shafts. Using S-hooks allows easier removal of the swing for winter storage but is not as secure as using eye-bolts.

• ALWAYS hang the swing from a roof joist, not the roofing material itself. If the joists on your porch roof are not exposed, cut away a section of roofing to find them. Otherwise, don't hang the swing from the ceiling -- use a frame instead.

• Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the shaft of the eye-ring or S-ring. This will ensure a snug fit to the shaft of the ring. Tighten the ring securely, using pliers or a screw-driver for the last turn.

• Measure the required chain. As an example, seven foot (2.1 m) chains hung from a beam 8 feet (2.4 m) above the floor will lift a swing about 18 inches (45 cm) off the ground. If you have a measurement, your hardware dealer can cut the exact length of chain you need and you won't have to cut it with a hacksaw.

• Use four chains to hang your swing -- two chains from each hook, one to the front of the swing and one to the back. It's easier to hang swings with holes in the arms, but swings with chains attached to the seat or to the bottom supports give a more comfortable ride without as much twisting and wearing of the chains or the ropes.

• Check your swing each spring and replace any rusted chain or bolts. Also maintain the finish of the wood because weathered wood eventually will loosen fasteners and produce splinters.

No porch?

Don't despair if you don't have a covered porch.

• Some swings come suspended in their own frames or can be installed on decks on a wooden A-frame.

• Put one in your garden, hanging from an arbor. Train vines up the sides and soon you'll have a leafy hide-away nook.

• Hang a board with rope from a sturdy, level tree branch

• If you need something that takes up less space, consider a glider -- a bench that gently moves forward and back on a mechanized base. There are even kits available that will turn a wooden garden bench into a glider.

So don't just sit there this summer -- swing away and make some memories!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

Moss on Lawns

Just about right now, we start to see moss on... Read More

Wind Chimes Go Great With Gardening

What could be more relaxing than gardening on a nice... Read More

You Cant Beat Perennials For Glorious Color All Season Long

When you start gardening with perennials, it's easy to think... Read More

Flowers Wilting? Tips for Making Your Flowers Last Longer

We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More

Flower Meanings & History of Flowers

The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people... Read More

y, Fun Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

A Teak Chair - Create a Livable Outdoor Space with One

When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me... Read More

How to Create a Zen Garden

When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More

Selling Your House? Mow Your Lawn!

A property that has a well manicured lawn has one... Read More

Do You Know About A Bamboo Orchid

Bamboo Orchid PlantWhen you think of bamboo you really think... Read More

Tuscan Garden Design

If you're looking for a beautiful, old world garden style,... Read More

Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More

Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More

Teak Umbrella : Add the Final Touch to Your Patio

Okay, so you have agonized for weeks and finally went... Read More

Best Perennial Plants for Summer Color

Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy... Read More

How To Attract Hummingbirds

Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More

Iris Flowers Remind Me Of Mom!

Iris flowers always bring memories of mom to mind. Let... Read More

Good Tools and Hard Work is What Creates EyeCatching and Functional Gardens

"Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade." -Rudyard... Read More

Hot-Weather Fish Feeding Facts

Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More

How to Care for Your Outdoor Water Fountains

Garden lovers around the world love putting fountains among their... Read More

Introduction to Botany

Botanists are individuals who conduct extensive study on plant biology... Read More

Hand Feeding your Koi

One of the most rewarding and entertaining things about having... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Care For Your Push Reel Mower

Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they... Read More

Bird Baths in Your Yard

HOOEEEHas summer come in with a bang!Heat waves everywhere.And where... Read More

Are There Really Black Roses?

Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured... Read More

Bare Root Roses, What To Look For When Buying

The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.... Read More

Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat

It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract... Read More

Orange Perennials For Your Garden

Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes,... Read More

Taming Your Outdoors

Slapping yourself silly trying to keep mosquitoes from biting you?... Read More

Cannibals on the Porch

No, ghosts of the Donner Party have not started haunting... Read More

Tomatoes: History, Origin, Facts... or Fiction?

A tomato importer, John Nix, decided to challenge the law... Read More

Easy to Grow Roses

There are many different types of roses. If you are... Read More