Do you have a porch swing that is waiting to be set up?
Are you looking for instructions on how you can hang up a porch swing like an expert?
Is this the first time you will try to hang up a porch swing on your own, and need some help?
A porch swing is a great way to relax and unwind. But if done wrong, setting it up and hanging it can be a mess. So how do you ensure that you set up your relaxing space in a way that is easy and practical, and will also make sure that it is done in a safe way? Our article here will tell you just that!
Today, we will walk you through easy to understand and easy to follow step by step instructions on how you, too, can hang up a porch swing just like an expert. Also, we will tell you about how you can regularly check on your swing to see for signs of wear and tear, and know when to replace some of the parts. If you are ready to set up your swing on the porch, read on.
Why is it important to know how to hang a porch swing?
- Once you get a porch swing, chances are you or your family and friends will be spending a good amount of time on it.
- Also, if there are children in the house, it is possible that they too spend a lot of time on the swing.
- In such a case, it is important that you are absolutely sure that the porch swing is set up in the right way.
- This will make sure that there are no safety glitches and that it will not cause any accident or injury when someone is using it.
- If the porch swing is not set up in the right way, you will notice that it wobbles, or has a kind of tilt.
This is why it is important to make sure that when hanging up the porch swing, you are doing it the right way.
How To Hang A Porch Swing (STEP BY STEP)
Ready to hang up your porch swing like an expert? Here’s what all you will need and how to do it:
Materials & Equipment
- Chain kit to fit the height of the roof or beam where you will hang the swing
- Kit will include screws, hooks, chain, slit
- Pre-put bolts
- Big bolts with eye-rings on the end (especially if you are hanging it from the attic space)
- Washer
- Nut
- Any strong adhesive
- A couple of brackets
- Four by four
- A drilling machine
- A plier
A profounder (this is an optional equipment, and can help you locate the exact spot where to place the hooks or the bracket, depending on the size of your ceiling)
Before You Start…
Even before you set up the porch swing, it is important that you take a look at the ceiling or beam above to make sure that it can take the weight of the swing. Proceed with caution!
How To Hang A Porch Swing *FROM THE ATTIC*
- 1For the first step, you will first have to install a couple of brackets on the attic or roof or beam on which you will hang the porch swing.
- 2These are most useful and important to securely hold a four by four post.
- 3You can install these brackets onto the stud or onto the tresses if you are doing so in an attic space, to lock them in place.
- 4Once you have placed the brackets, you will have to lock in the four by four in place.
- 5To do so, pound it down so that it stays in place and does not budge.
- 6These steps are important if you are hanging the porch swing from an attic space.
- 7After you have put up the support wood overhead, you will now have to work on the support from below.
- 8Mark the spot below the spot where you have placed the wooden beams overhead in the attic, as you will have to drill a hole through the space.
- 9Use a half inch bit to put up a half inch bolt and make sure to go right up through the space.
- 10Check that the bolt is put up through the wood.
- 11Now, you will have to carry out the following steps over the wood.
- 12Put a washer on the bolt to keep it in place.
- 13Now put down the nut and put some strong adhesive around the tip so that it will not come out of place over time.
- 14Do it on both the sides to hold up the swing.
- 15Now that the nuts and bolts are securely in place, loop the swing hooks and the chain through the eye.
- 16Your porch swing will be up in place and steady.
How To Hang A Porch Swing *FROM A WOODEN BEAM*
- 1If you are going to hang the porch swing from the beam in your porch, take the hooks and twist them securely into the wooden beam. You may need to use a plier to get the hook in the wood.
- 2Alternatively for the above step, you will first have to drill the brackets in place and then place the bolts in place in the bracket.
- 3Once the hooks or the brackets and bolts are fastened in place, hang the chains from the hooks.
- 4Once you hang the chain, you will notice two spots where the chain branches out in a slit.
- 5You will have to set these chains to the two sections on the swing, where you will notice the opening near the arm area on the sides.
- 6Put the chain through the front and back on the both sides and lock them in place.
*ALWAYS* …Check the sturdiness and integrity of the hanging swing
One of the easiest ways to check if the swing is set up in a sturdy way is to make an adult sit on it to check for any wobbliness.
How often should you check on the screws and chains or rope of your hanging porch swing? Once you have set up the porch swing, check it on a regular basis and look for signs of wear and tear…
- One of the signs that you may need to change or tighten the chains or ropes on the swing are if you notice that the swing is a little wobbly, especially if it was not earlier.
- Also, look for signs of any rust on the chains. As these will stay outdoors, it is possible that over time, the chains develop some rust due to damage from the weather. Rusted chains can pose a safety hazard, so it is important to change them.
- If your porch swing is hanging by a rope, inspect it frequently to check for any signs of tear or wear, so that you can replace it in proper time.
A good way to keep your outdoor porch swing protected from the natural elements is by covering them with a porch swing cover when not in use. This will keep them safe from excessive sunlight, harsh winters as well as hail and rain.