Garden Swings

[For children’s play equipment please see BLI's Backyard Play Equipment]

A garden swing or glider brings years of enjoyment and memories for any style of landscape. For rocking the little ones to sleep, for lovers sipping champagne under the stars, or for napping in the afternoon sunshine, a swing provides plenty of relaxing pleasure. With almost as many styles of swings as there are gardens, you’re sure to find one that fits your landscape.

Garden swings, porch swings, or gliders?

There are two basic forms:

Porch swings and free-standing garden swings
A porch swing is suspended from the roof of porch or patio, usually by a chain or rope. A free-standing swing is suspended from an A-frame and can be placed anywhere in the garden.

Gliders
A glider is a free-standing set of seats, usually facing each other, set on a track (glider mechanism or carriage roller) that allows the seats to swing smoothly in line. Most gliders are covered with a wooden roof or canvas canopy, provide a footrest/floor, and some even have a center table between the seats.

Garden swing designs

From a design perspective, wooden swings offer the most variety. These come in the same styles indoor furniture does -- Adirondack, Georgian, Tuscany, Chippendale styles. Swings on A-frames are convenient when you have limited space on your porch or patio and need a sturdy structure to support your swing. Others mostly a wooden pole and chain only at the top near the frame. For added shade, some swings come with a canopy, or canopy can be bought separately.

Choosing a quality garden swing

Durability and comfort are the main factors in quality.

Size
How many people will use it at once? Do you want it big enough to curl up with a good book in or are you looking for an intimate lovers' seat? A four-foot swing will seat one person easily and two if they sit close together. Five feet will give a little more breathing room, and six feet will seat three people.

Material and construction
Commonly used material includes cedar, teak, and other wood, as well as wrought iron and wicker. Teak is one of the more expensive woods, but also one of the longest lasting. Teak furniture can last twenty years even in harsh outdoor conditions. The swing back might be upright or, for those who prefer leaning, angled back slightly. Some backs also offer convex seat for extra lower back support. Often a contoured seat, which is better formed to the body, will also add comfort.

The swing should be sturdily constructed with safety in mind. Note if the swing is suspended from wooden arms, plastic-wrapped chain, or bare chain. Wooden arms offer the smoothest ride, but wooden poles with chain only near the top of the frame or ceiling also work well. Open chain can pinch fingers and rust, but this chain can simply be replaced with plastic-wrapped chain. Although higher quality swings are usually well sanded and routed by the manufacturer, if the swing you choose hasn't been, you can always do this yourself.

Installation
Although it's not a question of quality, installation requirements are another factor to consider. A free-standing swing or glider may require a foundation (concrete slabs or patio block). For a suspended porch swing, be sure the roof of your porch is strong enough to support the design you've chosen and that you choose the correct chain length for your ceiling.

Garden swings accessories

Once you’ve chosen your swing, adding cushions will make it even more enjoyable. There are dozens of designs in no-fuss pillows and cushions that can be left outdoors all year round without mildewing. Don't assume any cushion will fit any swing, though -- check that the measurements of the swing seat are compatible with the cushions you've chosen (both length and width, as well as the thickness of the cushion).

Unique garden swing ideas

Training a climber such as climatis or honeysuckle on the support bars will add beauty and, if you choose, shade. Keep it trimmed back from the chains so it doesn't impede the movement of the swing, though. Hang a windchime inder the roof and the motion of the swing will encourage music. Rather than using the swing alone as a focal point, create a seating area with the swing, a bench or two, and a table.