Selecting a porch swing material that suits a household’s need is rather an important thing to consider when buying one. It can be more complicated than just buying any random porch swing with matching cushions. Homeowners must therefore be wary of just any “beautiful” porch swing they lay their eyes on and a preemptive choice may hurt both their wallets and their heart. Figuring out the most appropriate material for porch swings is a must.
Porch Swing Material Types
Porch swings can be built from several materials like natural wood, metal, poly, and wicker. Learn about these options with the quick guide below designed to help homeowners pick the right porch swing material.
- The Wooden Porch Swing
The porch swings made from natural wood are expectedly available in just about as many hardwood materials as there are different tree types. In this guide, only the most popular wood types used by manufacturers are discussed. Namely:
- Cedar
- Oak
- Cypress
- Treated Pine
Resilient to water damage, decay, and insect attacks, using natural hardwood for a porch swing could mean that it will last longer and that less maintenance will be required over its lifespan.
Cedar porch swings are for those who want attractive porch swings. As cedar wood can hold a range of finishes – dark and light stains alike – and cedar’s ability to hold light paint make it an ideal option for a beautiful porch swing. Cedar’s crispy, rich tonal colors and properties make for attention-grabbing porch swing pieces. This type of hardwood is also highly eco-friendly because of its biodegradable characteristics and assists in greenhouse gases removal.
Cypress wood is great for homeowners looking to own a natural wood porch swing that can withstand environmental elements such as humidity, heat, and extreme rain. Cypress is an ideal candidate for outdoor swings in places where the weather is not very ideal with its mix of beauty and innate durability.
Oak is well-known for its flexibility and firmness. The oak’s dense and durable characteristics make oak an ideal choice for porch swings supporting larger weights.
Treated pine is opposite to the other three. It is lighter in weight, and it is a less expensive option. It has yellowish-white color with brown knots make it great for a rustic appearance.
- The Metal Porch Swing
Perhaps the greatest selling point of a metal porch swing (such as iron porch swings) is its durability and contemporary designs. Metal porch swings don’t warp or dent due to the weather and usage. It also does not grow mildew, crack easily, and it need not be removed during the winter months to avoid weather damages. For homeowners looking for a low-maintenance porch swing, then a metal porch swing can be right for them.
Homeowners though need to prepare for more assembly necessities for metal porch swings as opposed to their wood porch swings counterparts. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers should be ready!
- The Poly Porch Swing
The environmental benefits of poly porch swings are perhaps the greatest benefit. Poly is recycled plastic made from HDPE or high-density polyethylene, foaming compounds, UV-restrained coloring systems, and selective additives. Homeowners should remember that poly porch swings are not just any swing made from cheap recycled plastics but rather are superb quality porch swings with tons of benefits like:
- Trees are not harmed or consumed in making this kind of porch swing
- Plastics are kept out of landfills to make this kind of porch swing
- Harsh chemicals were not needed and can be easily cleaned with water and soap
- Resistant and durable from any environmental elements and corrosive substances
- Super low-maintenance
- Comes in just about any color imagined and are non-fading
- Are denser and possesses more weight than cheap plastic equals
- Low in cost
- The Wicker Porch Swings
Wicker porch swings bring about an atmosphere of elegance and grace to a house’s front porch. Neighbors can be impressed with the wicker porch swing’s resin/vinyl material that is woven in patterns.
Advantages of choosing the wicker material for porch swings include its lightweight, maintenance is early, ease in maintenance, durability, immunity to heat, and availability in various colors.
Wicker porch swings do have style, durability, and low-maintenance characteristics. They can be a little pricey, but the benefits in terms of style and durability outgain and outweighs the cost.
Porch Swing Material that is Right for the Home
With the knowledge of the most common materials for a porch swing, choosing the right one should be a breeze!
Choose hardwood when a natural look that can withstand almost any natural element. Choose a metal porch swing when durability is the concern and how it should last a lifetime. If concerned with the environment at the same time paying close attention to how good a porch swing looks, choose the poly materials. And for the beautiful, classic woven design, go for the wicker material.
How to Hang a Porch Swing
To allow enough room for the swing – regardless of material chosen – to move through when hanging a porch swing, allow for at least a 4-foot arc. The height of the floor should at least be 17 inches and can be adjusted from there. Chains used to hang porch swings should be either stainless or galvanized steel. When ropes are preferred, make sure to have some marine-grade braided nylon or polyester, and never forget to check regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Installation of the porch swing must be ensured that it attaches to the structural interior of the house for the final tightening of attachment.
No Porch Required to Own a Porch Swing
The front porch is not the only site perfect for a porch swing. A deck, backyard, or green garden is also a place to be for a porch swing. Several design companies have produced porch swings that are suspended in their frames, or are arched or with flat-topped arbor from which to hang them. A glider bench that moves forward and back on a mechanized base is another more versatile version of a porch swing where less space is required and relocation can be with ease.
