Porch Swing Installation For Absolute Beginners

There’s nothing better than walking to your porch to relax on the swing chair with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee in the mornings. It even makes evening relaxation worthwhile when you have a cocktail by yourself or have engaging conversations with a friend or family member.

Some of the best parts of our childhood can be traced to that timeless furniture: swing chairs. It would make perfect for you to recreate new ones with a swing chair hanging on your porch.

Installing a porch swing, for beginners, is an exhausting exercise without any concrete guidance. You could end up hurting yourself and damaging the swing altogether.

This article will show you a step-by-step porch swing installation. But first things first.

Choose a preferred porch swing

With several types of swings available, it is important to opt for a type that will complement your outdoor theme and décor. You can opt for a metal porch swing, a wooden swing, or a wicker porch swing. You can find out about them here.

Choose between rope or steel chains

If you’re aiming for a porch swing with a classic, rustic look, you can opt for polyester rope or nylon rope. However, galvanized steel chains are becoming more popular among homeowners.

Choose a location for your swing.

Choosing a preferred spot to hang your swing is the first and one of the most important aspects of the porch swing installation. You need to ensure you have sufficient breathing space for your swing.

Typically, you should allow 4 feet room in front of and behind the swing for adequate swing motion both ways. You should also give 2 feet space at either side of the porch extra motion. The space provided at the side will also give you room to ease around it.

You should also consider the swing orientation, too. Is the swing going to be facing the street or perpendicular to the street?

Check for adequate structural support

Porch swings combined with human weight are quite heavy. It is important, therefore, to check for a beam that will be able to support that weight.

Measure and install eye bolts/Screw-eyes

The screw-eyes or eye bolts are metal loops that are attached to the finished or unfinished porch ceiling in which the rope or metal chains are looped into.

For an unfinished ceiling, locate a beam or joist that is thick and sufficient enough to support the swing. Make measurements on where to install the screw-eyes and drill pilot holes on them. Twist the eye-screws into the holes you have drilled. Using a screwdriver, you can tighten it further by passing a screwdriver through the loop and twist it to jam it further.

For a finished ceiling, drill holes through the beam, and jam eye bolts, while securing the other side with a nut.

Hang the swing

With the bolts secured in place, connect the rope or metal chain to the front hook on the swing and loop it above through the eye-bolts or screw-eyes. Connect the end of the rope or chain to the backswing hook on the same side of the swing.

Carry out the same action on the opposite side of the swing.

If you’re planning to hang your swing from a tree limb, ensure its branches are sturdy enough to avoid tree cracks. Loop the metal chains through a rubber hose to avoid tree abrasion. Remember to fasten the rubber-clothed chains around the tree limb with a bolt that is rust-resistant.

Give it a push

Now that you have connected the swing chair to the ceiling or tree limb, give it a little push. If it swings back and forth smoothly, you’re good to go.

If you’re looking for the perfect swing for your porch, you’ve come to the right place. We have a large collection of outdoor swing chairs that will refresh and beautify your outdoor living space as you prepare for summer.

Take a look at our collection today.