What one sound sparks memories more than the gentle squeak of outdoor porch swings? These nostalgic pieces bring to mind simple pleasures such as summer at Grandma’s house, sitting in the shade watching the Independence Day parade pass by, or sipping iced tea on a wide veranda in the South. No matter where your childhood took place, swings represent a time when life was so much more wholesome, and swaying gently outside while sharing stories was a favorite form of after-dinner entertainment.
The pace of life is different for everyone now, but you can easily recapture the essence of the past with the addition of a classic outdoor porch swing. It’ll complement any home, whether it’s in the country, the city, or suburbia. And these pieces are as attractive for their versatility as they are for their appearance. If you don’t have a porch you can still capture the nostalgia with a canopy swing placed on the lawn, deck, or patio, or simply add a stand (purchased separately) with your standard wood porch swing for placement wherever you’d like. Remember, too, that the canopy swing gives you the added benefit of protection from the sun.
Making a House a Home
Just before the birth of my first child I bought a wooden swing to match my garden bench and looked forward to balmy evenings when it could help me rock the little one to sleep. Sure enough, that swing became a big part of my children’s lives, not only when they were babes in arms but also once they grew and brought friends over. Then again, I don’t think anyone appreciated that swing as much as their grandmother, who logged many treasured hours on it, holding the babies, reading to them, and then listening to their breathless stories later on.
Recently I moved into a new home, and one of the things that really sealed my decision to buy it was the wooden swing hanging beneath the home’s large deck. Its simple beauty caused a flood of sweet memories, and it’s a much anticipated part of my mornings now when I sit out there with a cup of coffee, enjoying my gardens from the swing’s perfect vantage point.
Materials & Construction
I’ll admit that I’m biased toward wood as the material of choice for porch furniture. Not only is wood natural, wonderful, and warm, but it’ll serve you for many years with just a tad of TLC. My first All-in-One Premium Porch Swing graced my yard for more than 25 years, with very
little maintenance required.Made from Western Red Cedar it has a double dipped oil stain which provides great durability and is insect and rot resistant. In addition you will love the extra bounce you get from your swing with the rom the Metal Comfort Springs that are zinc-plated and clear coated to provide protection from the weather. These springs provide a smooth movement of the mechanism. This excellent product line has long been a best-seller due to its fine craftsmanship and affordable pricing.
There are various types of wood to consider when you make your selection. Teak is the ultimate choice as far as beauty, durability, and resistance to weather and insects; cedar shares all of those qualities, although it is a slightly softer wood. If your garden swing will be exposed to weather the majority of the time, I recommend either of these woods.
The Great American Cypress Mission Swing is another good wood to go with in an uncovered garden spot thanks to its strength, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as other hardwoods, so you’ll have to paint it. That’s an advantage if an injection of color is one of your objectives, but it also means more maintenance. However, Cypress does hold paint well and is resistant to weather, insects and decay. Maple and oak are gorgeous woods that do best on a porch or other covered area; pine is nice as well, but it needs protective treatment for outdoor use. Any of these three should be stained or painted for maximum life, with the bonus of an enriched appearance.
Perhaps you are looking to add some brightness and cheer to a front porch - Our EcoFriendly Polywood White Swing is considered one of the most durable and comfortable of all our products. This features nicely spaced slats on the 
seatback for comfort and offers a contoured seat for ergonomic comfort. For those who are trying to color coordinate their porch this product is also offered in 5 different classic colors. If additional seating is needed, the Adironodack Chairs are offered in the same classic colors making a specatular presenation. You will be proud to invite your guests to sit down and relax on this EcoFriendly swing that is sure to last a lifetime!
Once you’ve settled on a type of wood, consider the construction before making a final decision. You’ll want a contoured or slanted seat for maximum comfort—who wants to cut their swing session short due to soreness? All the products featured by our merchants have this feature.
The Swing As A Focal Point
Porch Swings are desired by many but not all of us have a porch to hang a swing. Consider the beautiful Great American Red Cedar Classic Stand Set with a Canopy to place in your garden area. Constructed of durable weather resistant red cedar which is weather and insect resistant. The canopy is is made from Sunbrella fabric and is weath and stain resistant to provide you with many years of use. If a wooden Canopy swing is out of your price range consider the modestly priced Tortuga Cay Canopy Swing. Constructed of sturdy steel that is build to last with a powder-coated finish to protect from weather and everyday wear and tear. The canopy is adjustable to always provide you protection from the sun. This swing is priced to meet everyone's budget!
While you’re browsing through the selections here, think about other quality garden furniture pieces and how they’ll complement a garden swing. One really effective idea is to take an Adirondack-style swing and arrange a grouping of Adirondack chairs.Perhaps you are looking to add another type of "swing" into your outdoor space - try an Island Bay Quilted Hammock or Hammock Swing.It all adds up to a perfect venue for entertaining—although there may be a few friendly debates as to who gets to sit where!
So, take a look at our offerings, pick out your favorite swing, and just go from there with your creativity as your guide. Choose colors and cushions to put together your own unique look. Pretty soon you’ll have your best garden ever, and you’ll be all set to create some sweet memories with those who are dear to your heart.
