Owning a porch swing is great, but it's only great after you safely hang the swing and test it out. Virtually, all new porch swings will come with detailed instructions on how to hang the swing. They will also come with the hardware that is needed for installation. It is important that you follow those instructions and use the hardware that is supplied with the swing. If you have a swing that did not come with hanging instructions, you can use these general guidelines.
Before you hang the swing, take a good look at the porch. When positioning a porch swing, you want to allow for at least a 4-foot arc for the swing to move through. While in this path, the swing should not hit or bump against anything.
You have some options when it comes to how high to set the swing off the deck. This is very much a personal preference but you can use 17 inches as a starting point, and then you can adjust from there. This is a good time to get feedback from the family too. You may need to compromise a bit.
Most of the newer models of swings use chains as the support system. These normally made of stainless or galvanized steel. If you have to buy your own chain, make sure you get a high quality piece of chain. For those who like the look of rope, use a marine-grade, braided nylon or polyester. You must remember to check it regularly for signs of wear and fray spots.
When you are ready to do the actual hanging, it is very important that you install the swing into a solid part of the overhang. Most porches are installed into solid beams and joists that are overhead. You may have to search for a joist to use but this is important work so make sure you do it correctly.
Use stainless steel screw-eyes with a 4-inch shaft for your hanging hardware. Once you find a joist, drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the shaft of the screw, then twist the screw-eye into place as far as it will go. You can use a screwdriver wedged through the eye for the last bit of tightening.
If you cannot find a suitable place to hang the swing, you may need to bring in a carpenter who can open up the porch roof and find a solid joist to use. He will then use an extension bracket to hold the swing and patch the opening that was made in the roof. If the joist is not exactly where it needs to be for the swing location, he can rig up a timber bracket to accommodate your preferred location.
This is, of course, more work, but the end results will be a fully safe and comfortable porch swing, located exactly where you want it. If you have kids who will be playing on the swing, and kids will play on a swing, you want to make sure that they are protected and safe. It is worth the few extra dollars it costs to bring in a professional carpenter.
