Porch Swings Buying Guide

Porch swing styles and materials

"The porch swing hangs fixed in a morning sun/that bleaches its gray slats, its flowered cushion/whose flowers have faded, like those of summer,/and a small brown spider has hung out her web/on a line between porch post and chain/so that no one may swing without breaking it."

Porch Swing in September, Ted Kooser, 13th U.S. Poet Laureate

Even when hanging still on a quiet fall morning, a porch swing can evoke poetic sentiments in its owner. This autumnal quietness and contemplation is one reason why porch swings are so enduringly popular. The other, of course, is the summery side of porch swings: laughter, conversation, that rhythmic swinging sound which is such a perfect accompaniment to reading - or a hypnotic prelude to afternoon naps. In short, porch swings are pleasurable in any season. The following information will help you to find the right swing for your springs, summers, falls, and winters.

Porch Swings

Style, material, and size are the primary qualities to consider when choosing a porch swing. Some available styles include Adirondack, classic, contemporary, and rustic. Canopy swings are a good choice if you don't have a porch or prefer to sit on your patio, and the canopy offers good UV protection. Painted porch swings are a good way to add a punch of color to your outdoor area. White is the most popular choice, but there's a rainbow of colors available. Some painted porch swings have a rubbed finish for an antique or rugged look. Wood is the most popular material choice for patio swings. Wood can be left unfinished, in which case it will turn a sun-bleached gray (as in Kooser's poem), or be finished or painted. Cedar, cypress, pine, alder, and cherry are some of the woods used to manufacture our patio swings. Cedar porch swings are a popular choice due to the wood's natural resistance to rot and decay. Alternative materials include wrought iron, rope, wicker, and wood-like recycled plastic, which is very durable and weather-resistant. Seat width can vary from 2- to 6-feet.

Aspen Garden Bench Glider w/ Color Options

Swing/Stand Sets

If you find yourself without a porch or would prefer to have a swing in the yard rather than next to the house, a porch swing and stand set is an ideal solution. Porch swing sets are also convenient in cases where a porch may have difficulty supporting a hanging swing. Our porch swing and stand sets combine the carefree joys of childhood swing sets with a grownup's appreciation of durable construction and beautiful design. To help keep off the sun, choose one of our roofed stands or canopy swings.

Outdoor Gliders

Porches don't always have the room or overhead support needed to install a porch swing. In such cases, one of our outdoor gliders might be a viable substitute. With an outdoor glider, you can contemplate your garden in comfort or entertain guests on a backyard deck.

Choose a 4- to 6-foot wide glider or one of our 2-foot wide glider chairs. Available styles include Adirondack, classic, and rustic, with materials ranging from wood and wicker to metal and recycled plastic.

Hanging Chairs

The selection of hanging chairs at PorchSwings.com includes swing loungers, hammocks, and rope chairs. These chairs are incredibly comfortable and relatively inexpensive. A hanging chair is an excellent choice if you're on a tight budget or have a small patio area. They're even popular choices for dorm rooms and homes. The additional purchase of a hammock hanging kit or stand may be necessary. Make sure to abide by the weight capacity of your hanging chair.

Casual Furniture

In addition to our porch swings, swing and stand sets, outdoor gliders, and hanging chairs, we also carry a diverse selection of indoor and outdoor casual furniture, including Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, patio tables, and settees. Beautiful accent pieces such as cedar planters, wrought iron benches, tete-a-tete furniture sets, and storage benches are available as well. At PorchSwings.com, we're committed to meeting all of your patio furniture needs.

Stands & Accessories

If you need a stand for your porch swing or hammock chair or pillows and cushions for your outdoor furniture, visit our Stands & Accessories section. This section also includes hanging kits, porch swing covers for inclement weather, and specialty products for cleaning and maintaining your investment.