After six months of testing this swing, its construction stayed solid with no changes in its condition. Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in product reviews. Nor’Adila also spoke to Mimi Meachman, founder and principal designer at Marian Louise Design in Houston, and Kellie Sirna, principal and founder of the Dallas-based Studio 11 Design. Caley Sturgill, a writer and editor for Southern Living, also contributed to this article.
How We Chose The Best Swing Sets
Hanging porch swings hang from your porch rafters and are the most recognizable type. The included twin-size cushion is covered in a durable performance fabric, although it cannot be removed for cleaning. And given the size of this swing, the brand recommends professional installation. It does not come with any hanging FX choice Review hardware, although the hanging chains are included. This is definitely a long-term investment, so consider protecting your purchase with the corresponding outdoor furniture cover.
Before you buy a hanging porch swing, you should check to see if your porch ceiling has joists on it to hold it. “The size of the joist (or number of joists) you need is going to depend on how big the swing is and how many people you intend to support,” Meacham says. We tested a handful of porch swings, including wicker, wood, and recycled plastic options for six months in Alabama. First, we assembled each porch swing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Polywood Vineyard Porch Swing
When you’re looking for a porch swing that is comfortable and durable, we recommend the Polywood Vineyard. It made it to the top of our list because it blends traditional and modern design, in addition to being top-quality. After six months of testing, it’s still easy to clean and free of color fading or imperfections. Plus it got brownie points from us because it fit in perfectly with our porch aesthetic. To determine the best porch swings, we tested several options to see if they were truly comfortable for reclining and relaxation.
- You won’t need to maintain the supports the way you would with a wood set; just be sure to regularly check for rust, sharp pieces and wear.
- As a mom to three, I also like that this set offers three swinging features to reduce arguments over whose turn it is to swing.
- For this update, we added the Backyard Discovery Endeavor II Outdoor Playground Set, which replaced an out-of-stock swing set.
- We also researched highly rated products we haven’t yet tested to round out our list of recommendations.
Diverse Features For Creative Play In Classic Wood
With so many swing sets available, finding the one that’s right for you requires you to consider your preferences, needs and available space. Esther Carlstone, a Forbes Vetted editor and parent of three, also has the Bijou with the add-on bridge. “When our old wooden swing set started falling apart, we replaced it with the Bijou and couldn’t be more thrilled.
McKenzie also recommends soft swing seats, capped screws and bolts and guardrails or barriers on ramps and platforms. Additionally, check to make sure your child’s head can’t get stuck anywhere; any space between railings or other components should be less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches. My kids have been using the Bijou Build Mainstay And Sway for about a year, and they still can’t get enough of it.
There are also foot pads at the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping around when it’s in motion. Porch swing sets will usually come with a manual to show you how to put them together plus the mounting hardware you need to hang it up on your deck or porch. Keep in mind that they are heavy, so you might want to have someone else help you with the assembly.
Dimensions and Weight
The swing offers ample space to hang out with family and friends or to stretch your legs when you’re alone. It is crafted from Polywood lumber (aka high-density polyethylene), which is made in the U.S. from recycled plastics commonly used in milk jugs and laundry detergent containers. This material is not only weatherproof, it has UV protection, and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. The swing proved itself in outdoor conditions and did not splinter, peel, or warp, even after withstanding high heat, freezing temperatures, and heavy rain. However, we found the material slippery, and it didn’t come with a cushion, so we suggest buying one to make sitting more comfortable.
The Swing Set Of Their Dreams
- This swing set is best for people looking for an inexpensive, low-maintenance option or those who have limited space.
- For us, the best part about this porch swing was, surprisingly, its wooden slats, which felt really comfortable because it had no gap between the seat and back.
- While most swing sets are sturdy and designed to last, they can all break down over time.
- The swing offers ample space to hang out with family and friends or to stretch your legs when you’re alone.
And consider how many people will be sitting on the swing, as different porch swings support varying weights. Dr. Brown explained that there can be a huge variation in activities that kids engage in when they are free to play. Features in this one include a clubhouse, a telescope, a picnic table, swings, a slide, a rock wall and a ladder. Here, find the best swing sets for kids, from large wooden sets to smaller, simpler sets.
Though it is more portable than a traditional wooden swing set, it is still challenging to move. It’s also customizable, with a variety of add-ons available, including a rope bridge and hanging planters. It’s worth noting that you can purchase the swing set with or without wood.
The Juniper is ideal for younger tots, because it’s low to the ground, has four play elements and can fold for storage. You can also opt to use it indoors during cold and rainy seasons or just on a smaller enclosed porch where you can keep an eye on the little ones. This swing set is best for people looking for an inexpensive, low-maintenance option or those who have limited space. Metal sets like this one require less maintenance than wooden sets and often take less assembly time than more complicated swing sets. This particular set has a lot of play features, including two swings, a trapeze bar, a rock wall, a clubhouse, a slide, a fireman’s pole and a sandbox. It’s definitely a more expensive set, so this would be best for a family who doesn’t plan on moving anytime soon.
Tips for Choosing the Right Porch Swing
Our best overall pick, the Polywood Vineyard 60-Inch Porch Swing, is made from HDPE. We like everything about this swing from its steel frame to its plush upholstery. The swing is also water repellent and UV resistant, so you should be able to keep it outdoors all year round.
This is a great swing set for medium to large backyards and families with multiple kids. You’ll need to coat the wood with a sealant, and the brand recommends reapplying every two to three years. Overall, we like that it is lightweight, so it will be easy to lift up when you want to install it. But a wide-open space on the seat back—and between the handles and seat—makes us think that it’s probably better to sit and swing on this hanging porch swing rather than recline on it.