Porch Swings - Relax on Your Deck, Porch or Patio

Porch swings are a great idea for creating a calm place to relax on your porch, patio or deck. There’s something about porch swings that takes us back to days of simpler, easier living. 

Imagine a summer night swaying on a porch swing, your feet barely touching the ground every now and then, as a warm breeze soothes away the worries of the day and crickets or a chorus of frogs serenade you in the background. Add a special person sitting beside you to the image and you’ve got the perfect cure for fast-paced living.

They are no longer just for the country home. You can find porch swings on the porches, decks, patios and yards of suburban streets, or even city homes. The gentle creaking of a porch swing during a quiet afternoon conversation can take you to another place and time, regardless of where you live.

I enjoy hopping on my porch swing with a good book. The soothing back and forth motion always relaxes me. I'll admit that i've had some of my best daytime naps while gently swinging in the breeze.

Types of Porch Swings

With the variety to choose from you’ll find one that fits your space and décor perfectly. The most common are wicker or wood. The various types of wooden porch swings include pine, teak, maple and oak. Many porch swings come pre-assembled, but you can also choose to build your own either from scratch or kits that are readily available in home improvement or garden stores, and even online. Seat cushions are also available in durable outdoor materials to add comfort and hominess to your porch swing.

Assembly and Safety

When being used in a covered area, they should always be installed by hanging from the roof joists. But not having a covered outdoor area does not mean you cannot experience the joys of a porch swing in your yard. Many choose to set up them up by hanging them from a sturdy tree. Others set one up in a garden area. Those who want the porch swing experience but need something smaller or that does not need to be hung from a surface will set up a glider. A glider is a simple bench that sways and is compact and perfect for small spaces.

Experts advise that wooden porch swings should be stained or sealed prior to installing them in order to preserve the wood. There are some that are made with pressure treated lumber but one of the complaints is that over time and with continued exposure to the elements, the wood can turn green.

Safety considerations include only installing them in areas that are strong enough to support the swing. Also, children should never be allowed to stand on porch swings. This can result in a serious injury very quickly. It’s important to remind children that they aren’t toys.

Whether on a porch, patio or deck, in a tree-lined area of your yard, or nestled in your garden, porch swings can add an element of relaxation, beauty and quiet country living to your home.

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