How to Mount a Porch Swing
A rustic porch swing can enliven any home and will soon become a gathering place for your family. There are many styles of porch swing to choose from, with wicker and wood two common building materials. Once you have chosen your swing, hanging it won't take long. If you cannot access a roof joist to hang your swing, you are better off purchasing a frame from which to hang your porch swing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 eye bolts
- Drill
- 2 S-hooks
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Ladder (optional)
- Bolt cutters
- Screwdriver (optional)
Instructions
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1
Inspect your roof beams, otherwise known as joists. To properly support the weight of a swing, you will need to have joists that measure 2-by-6 feet minimum.
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2
Measure the length from the joist down to the floor of the porch and the length of chain or rope that comes with your porch swing. Cut the chain with the bolt cutters to ensure the swing hangs at least 18 inches off the ground.
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3
Measure the distance between the swing's two arms with the measuring tape before you begin. Use a the measuring tape and a pencil to mark two dots on the joist at this same distance; this is where you will install the eye bolts to support your porch swing.
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4
Drill starter holes in the joist (use a ladder if necessary). Screw the eye bolts into these holes so that the eye hangs down toward the ground.
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5
Tighten the eye bolts securely. You can use a screwdriver or pliers as leverage for the last few turns.
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6
Hang the S hook through the eye bolt.
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7
Attach one link of the chain to the other end of the S hook. Make sure the swing hangs at least 18 inches off the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
To protect the wood finish on your porch swing, bring it inside at the end of the season.
