Porch swings can add a little extra fun to your outdoor space, especially for babies and kids who may be soothed or delighted by the rocking motion. The most popular type of porch swing is one that hangs from an overhead support beam. However, not every porch or deck has this available. Rather than spend hundreds or thousands of dollars renovating your outdoor area to accommodate a hanging porch swing, here are two standalone models that may be better suited to your home.
Freestanding Porch Swings
Freestanding porch swings are a great option for pretty much any place inside or outside of your home. These models resemble a swing set with a self-supporting frame that the seating portion hangs from. You can get them in a variety of sizes and styles, from single-person chairs to flat full-sized beds. Since they're designed to work independent of any beams or other exterior support, freestanding porch swings can usually be moved around according to your needs.
Be aware, though, freestanding porch swings may require even more space than regular hanging swings because the area must also accommodate the frame. Additionally, it's important to check how much weight the freestanding swing can hold, as it may be less than what a hanging swing attached to a beam can sustain. Lastly, some swings in this category do need to be bolted to the floor or ground for stability, so make sure your porch or deck is strong enough to hold the bolts.
Hammock-Style Porch Swings
Another type of porch swing that may be appropriate for your home is a hammock-style swing. Instead of attaching to an overhead beam, this style of swing attaches to two opposing posts similar to a hammock. This is a good option for areas where you have strong poles or tall railings surrounding your porch or deck.
While this style of swing lets you get the feeling of an overhead swing without requiring a support beam, it's still important to ensure the posts are strong enough to hold the swing and the people who will sit in it. It may be necessary to bolster the strength of the posts in some way to prevent them from collapsing, such as installing metal poles. Additionally, the swing will usually sit diagonally, which may not afford you the exact view you want.
For more information about these and other types of porch swings that may be appropriate for your outdoor space, contact a contractor like Deron and Helens Favorites LLC.
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