How to Hang a Wooden Porch Swing
A wooden porch swing can help to not only create a unique and iconic appearance for any outdoor porch space in your home, but it can also provide you and your family with a comfortable place to sit and rest when the weather permits. Hanging a porch swing is a relatively easy process, but it's important that you follow the steps properly in order to ensure that the swing itself will be attached securely and that the installation process will be completely safe. Read on for a brief guide on how to hang a wooden porch swing around your home.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Wooden porch swing and full installation kit
- Chains
- Steel swing frame
- Wood screws and screw hooks
- Drill
- Measuring equipment
Step 1 - Decide where to Place the Swing
Look at the layout of your porch and determine where you'd like to place the swing. Measure the distance from the rafters to the area where you'd like to have the swing sit. This will determine how long the chains will need to be. You should also check to be sure that the swing will not be able to crash into the wall, a porch siding piece, or any other item in the area as well.
Step 2 - Locate the Beam and Install the Hooks
You'll need to hang your porch swing from a sturdy beam in order to ensure that it has the support that it needs. Look for the largest beams in your porch and check them to make sure that they are free of rot or disease. After measuring the width of the swing, use your drill to install screw hooks in the beam at the exact width of the swing and in the proper location. It can be helpful to use a standard screw to drill in pilot holes with the drill before you attempt to install the whole swing screw set.
Step 3 - Set the Chains
You'll need four chains in order to properly support your swing. The chains should attach at the four corners of the swing. The chains should all be the same length; you may need to cut the chains that you've purchased in order to ensure that the swing will be situated at the right height. Hang two chains from each hook that you've installed.
Step 4 - Set Up the Swing Frame
Use your swing frame kit and installation tools to attach the frame to the swing itself. Attaching the chains to the wooden swing is not a secure way of supporting the swing, but using the chains and the metal swing frame is much better. Make sure that the swing is totally set before you attach the chains to the corners of the swing frame.
After you've completed this installation, test the swing with increasing weights in order to be sure that it will properly support the weight of anyone who sits in it. Be sure to observe all safety regulations and weight limits posted by the makers of the swing.
