Jonatan Weissnat Jr.
A front porch swing enhances your home’s aesthetic and gives family a place to slow down, sit back, and sway the day away. If you’ve never hung a porch swing before, you should know that it will require a little more time and work to install than other outdoor furniture, but the end result is well worth the effort.
An outdoor swing needs 3–4 feet of distance to both the front and back and 12–14 inches of clearance on either side. From your porch ceiling to a patio pergola, your chosen structure must be able to safely hold the weight of the swing and anyone who uses it. The back-and-forth movement of ropes and chains can rub away the bark over time, weakening the wood and leaving it vulnerable to wood-boring insects and fungi. This is because all structural supports are different, so we suggest talking to a carpenter or hardware professional to find out what you need, including steel chains, ropes, porch swing hangers, swivel-type hanger mounts, and connectors.
If you prefer written directions, we’ve broken down the instructions for how to hang a porch swing into four steps. All POLYWOOD porch swings come with a zinc-coated galvanized steel chain kit that includes:
Grab a chain section and thread one end through the prefabricated hole at the front of the swing’s armrest.
Use a quick link to secure the end of the chain to the eye screw located below the hole on the side of the seat. Take the other end of the same chain and feed it through the prefabricated hole on the back of the armrest, securing it to the eye bolt with another quick link fastener. Use your tape measure to determine the correct length, and mark each spot on the load-bearing joist with your pencil.
Use a drill bit that’s smaller than the threaded portion of your mounting hardware to ensure a snug, secure fit. Screw in the mounting hardware until it’s nice and tight (don’t overtighten it—otherwise, there’s a chance that it could damage the support’s structural integrity).
Have your friends lift the swing and hold it steady while you connect the ends of the two chains to the mounting hardware using the two remaining quick links.
(Optional): Adjust the pitch by moving the fasteners that hook to the middle of the chains forward or backward one or two links—just make sure that the links you choose are in the same spots on both sides.
Make sure all hardware connections are secure from the overhead support beam to the bottommost eye hooks. Make the most of a cozy backyard by choosing a smaller swing that seats two, and surround it with decor that doesn’t take up a lot of real estate, such as an outdoor rug or a vertical garden.
Your covered porch will look extra welcoming when adorned with your outdoor swing and a coordinating four-piece dining set nearby. If you own a home in coastal or desert locales, we recommend choosing decor that fits the natural environment. For example, a tranquil blue, green, and beige palette paired with bleached and natural oak finishes work well in oceanside abodes. Southwestern-inspired patterns and upholstery in earth tones complement the warm landscapes surrounding desert dwellings. Update the look of your space when the seasons change—from floral-forward accents for spring and summer to pumpkins and plaid blankets in the fall. That being said, this is more of an advanced project, and you’ll need the proper knowledge and resources to ensure a job well done the first time around.
This number will fluctuate depending on the size and material of the swing and its hanging hardware. If you want a stronger setup, look for frames constructed with durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or teak wood and hanging hardware made from galvanized steel or marine-grade unmanila. If you have tall family members, 18–24 inches is the standard range for hanging heights.
