Can this porch roof support a porch swing?
#1
05-22-18, 11:19 AM
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Can this porch roof support a porch swing?
I recently purchased a 5' porch swing and plan to mount the chains to the ceiling of my porch. I'm not sure if the 2x8 rafters are enough to support the swing and I'm not sure what the best way to mount the hangers will be. I plan on using this ball-bearing based swing hanger which comes with wood screws rated for 1000lbs, so I think they should be fine drilled vertically into the rafters. Alternatively I could mount some 4x4s perpendicular to the rafters and have more choice over the distance between the chains.
#2
05-22-18, 11:22 AM
I personally wouldn't have any concerns. Those look like 2x8's and appear to be well supported on both ends, as well as a short span. Just make sure you hit the center of the rafter when screwing and I think it will be fine. Is the beam-to-post connection solid/secure?
#3
05-22-18, 11:33 AM
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Thanks @mossman. I hope to keep it that simple and avoid any more architecting. The other issue is that the rafters are 24 inches apart, so to avoid the fan, I may have to go 96 inches apart for the chain hangers, so possible 18 inches to either side of the swing - creating some angle on the load and the hangers. That seems like a pretty big spread, but maybe not.
#4
05-22-18, 11:35 AM
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Which way will your swing mount? If the swing will be perpendicular to the rafters you should be fine as you will be spreading the weight of your swing over two rafters.
#5
05-22-18, 11:37 AM
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@mossman - the beams are secured to the posts with large bolts and the rafters are resting on the beams and secured by brackets with I think 6 nails.
#6
05-22-18, 11:43 AM
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#7
05-22-18, 11:45 AM
Looks pretty solid. My assumption was the swing will be perpendicular to the rafters. IOW, two separate rafters supporting the swing. Is this correct?
You were replying as I typed this. Good to know you're using two rafters. Shouldn't be a problem.
You were replying as I typed this. Good to know you're using two rafters. Shouldn't be a problem.
#8
05-22-18, 05:52 PM
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@mossman - correct, I plan to distribute the weight over two rafters - so the swing will be perpendicular to the rafters. Thanks!
#9
05-29-18, 07:30 AM
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Update: Worked pretty well. The ball bearing hangers seem to help distribute the force and redirect it vertically.
