How to Install a Porch Swing

Your family will gravitate to the porch when you hang a swing there. Or put your swing and its frame under a tree to create a great outdoor gathering place.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Swing Hanging Kit
• Tubular Steel Frame
• Chains
• Swing Seats
• Screw Hooks
• Variable-speed Drills
• Wood Screws
• Wood screws

1. Put the right swing in the right place. Measure your porch or garden spot for height to support chains and a wide berth for crash-free swinging.

2. Buy a hanging kit with your swing, but be sure it includes all the galvanized hardware and heavy-duty chain you'll need for your particular swing. To buy your own, read the directions completely, make a list and stick to it when shopping.

3. Locate an overhead beam (with an 8-foot clearance below it) to install two swing hooks spaced at the width of the swing to hold chains. Drill pilot holes first to prevent wood splitting when screwing in the large hooks needed to hold your swing safely.

4. Use four chains to hang your swing from its hooks - two chains descend from each hook, one to the front of the swing and one to the back. Seven-foot-long chains hung from a beam 8-feet above the floor will lift the swing 17 inches off the ground for easy on and off.

5. Build or buy a frame for your swing if no porch is handy. Put tubular frames anywhere in the garden, but build an arbor/swing frame in enough sun for vines to take over and shade it.

6. Screw all hardware securely into the wood and use chain connectors for safety. Double-check that all hardware is installed before hanging your swing.

7. Get a friend (or use your ironing board for support) to lift the swing and its harness up to you on a ladder near the beam. Hook the swing in place, adjust the chains evenly and give it a test swing.

Tips & Warnings

• Swings with holes in their arms are easy to hang, but those mounted with chains attached to the lower swing frame make for more comfortable sitting.
• Use stain or sanding sealer under polyurethane varnish to preserve wood swings before hanging.
• Use your grown kids' old swing set frame for an excellent porch swing frame.
• Check for splinters annually and reseal as needed.
• Never let children stand up in a porch swing.
• If you have any doubt that your porch can support a swing, use a frame instead.
• Do not hang swings from masonry or brick.

on 11/22/2005 A friend of mine suffered a badly broken ankle after one of my large screws popped out of the stud. It happened suddenly after 2 years of use. The difficulty of putting a long eye bolt in is totally worth it.

on 8/13/2007 I installed a porch swing a while back, and a structural engineer was over to enjoy barbecue. He strongly suggested that I drill through the support beam, put a long eye bolt through and secure with a large flat washer and locking bolt. Peace of mind!