Summertime is a wonderful relaxing time of year. The warmth of the sun beating down on us as we sway back and forth on our front porch swing. If nature doesn't provide us with a cooling breeze than our swing with it's gentle swaying motion will provide it. Ray Bradbury best describes it in "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."

Materials and Construction

Porch swings come in a variety of materials. Some of the most common are, wicker, wood, plastics and acrylics. These can be shopped at garden centers, nurseries, hardware stores and even the internet. You can even take an old but sturdy wicker chair, cut off the legs, paint it if needed and use rope or chain to hang it. There now you have an inexpensive and practical porch swing.

Whether buying or self-made here are some things to look for:

Seat depths come in several sizes, there is no correct depth. You must be the judge.

Chair slats are best when they have a gentle curve to allow for comfort, and there should be space between the slats to allow plenty of air to circulate.

Swings can hold from one to three adults. Keep in mind the weight load of your perfect porch swing when constructing one. The larger the size and weight load the sturdier your supports need to be.

Supports under the chair which run the length of the swing's chair should be evenly spaced and not block the slats from air circulation.

Never nail joints, lest they work loose and damage your swing chair. Bolts and or screws are best for use on joints.

Lumber types that best weather the elements are pine, oak, or maple. Avoid cedar or teak. Some people like the natural wood look and choose to water seal the wood, while others prefer to paint their swings.

Styles should be used in conjunction with the home's architecture. Some have toppers and wide flowing sides. You may want to use seat cushions and back cushions on your porch swing.

Installation

For your swing to move freely you will need at least a four foot arc.

To hold your swing to the ceiling and allow for quiet and free movement the use of galvanized or stainless steel chains will prevent rust and squeaks. Alternatives to chains are marine grade braided nylon or polyester rope. The eye bolts or s-hooks should have a length of at least four inches. The use of these s-hooks will make is a breeze to remove your porch swing for winter storage.

Find the ceiling's roof joists for support when applying your s-hooks. If you can't find the roof joists then build a frame to support your swing from the ceiling.

Once you found your roof joists drill a small pilot holes before you install the s-hooks. This will allow a snug fit when you use a screw-driver to tighten up the hooks.

The height of your ceiling will in part determine the length of your chain or rope. Make sure to measure the height of the swing's chair from the floor. You should have no less than 18 inches for a children's swing and no more than 24 inches for and adult swing from the floor.

Maintenance

If you store your perfect porch swing for the winter be sure to inspect and replace worn or rusted
fittings and hardware before you re-hang the swing. Should your swing be up all year round than doing a six month inspection will keep your porch swing in great shape for years of front porch swinging.

No Porch?

You can still enjoy a wonderful swing. Many swings come with their own frames and this will allow you to place your swing anywhere around the yard you wish. Then there is the old rustic swing hanging from the large outstretched branch of the tree in your yard.