The long, hot days of summer always seem to evoke a bit of childhood nostalgia – like memories of gently swinging in the shade to catch a cool breeze.
A throwback to simpler times, rocking on a swing is a great way to relax.
The soothing motion is ideal for reading or an afternoon nap, and the easy comfort of this simple piece of outdoor furniture provides the perfect spot for a leisurely chat with friends, family, and neighbors.
There are plenty of fantastic options to choose from.
From single-seaters to sprawling daybeds, today’s porch swings come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials to suit any location.
And owning a porch isn’t mandatory!
Some models come suspended in their own frames, and can be set up anywhere there’s a level area in your yard – no need for joists or rigging gear.
Now let’s get into those reviews. And after that, we’ve got some buying tips to make your purchase as smooth and enjoyable as a good swing!
1. Backyard Discovery Farmhouse All Cedar Bench
This robust, all-cedar farmhouse bench gives the warmth and long-lasting durability of natural wood.
Renowned for its strength and water resistance, cedar ages beautifully, taking on a rustic, natural patina.
Backyard Discovery Farmhouse All Cedar Bench
The farmhouse bench features a deep seat with a rounded front edge, cross brace back, and wide, sturdy armrests for years of comfortable enjoyment.
The heavy-duty chains have four anchor points for easy balance, and D-links are included for hanging. Two-person assembly is required, and all hardware is included. You will need various household tools, including a drill, hammer, screwdriver, socket wrench, and spirit level.
The bench measures 55 by 22 by 28 inches, weighs just over 46 pounds, and has a 600-pound weight capacity. A 1-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Check prices and customer reviews at Home Depot.
2. Polywood Vineyard Bench
Crafted from genuine Polywood® lumber, this handsome bench is tough, durable, and waterproof.
Polywood Vineyard Bench
The dense recycled plastic is treated with UV-inhibitors, doesn’t chip, crack, or peel, and it is resistant to natural corrosives like oil and salt spray.
The seat slats are contoured for comfort, and the zinc-plated steel chains are anchored at four points for a steady, wobble-free ride.
It’s available in a selection of seven colors, including black, green, mahogany, sand, slate gray, and white.
This product requires some assembly, and ships with the chain kit, but the hanging brackets are not included, and must be purchased separately.
The Vineyard bench measures 55 by 25 by 23 inches, weighs 55 pounds, and has a weight capacity of 1200 pounds.
Made in the USA, this model comes with a 20-year warranty.
You can check out prices and customer reviews at Wayfair.
3. Prospect Hill All-Weather Wicker Swing
Elegant and dreamy in cloud white or driftwood, the Prospect Hill all-weather wicker bench is durable and weather resistant, but the tight, hand-woven design gives it a warm, natural look.
Prospect Hill All Weather Wicker Swing
The long-lasting wicker resin is wrapped over a powder-coated aluminum frame for sturdy weather resistance and the rolled arms and high back offer inviting comfort. The heavy-duty steel chain is attached at four anchor points for stability.
It measures 50.5 by 26.5 by 25.5 inches and has a 500-pound capacity. Cushions are sold separately and are also available at Plow and Hearth.
Check prices and read customer reviews at Plow and Hearth.
4. Hatteras Hammocks Sunbrella Deluxe Cushion Swing
For cushioned comfort, the Deluxe swing is made from top-tier Sunbrella fabric, a solution-dyed synthetic that’s colorfast, mildew and weather resistant, and strong.
Hatteras Hammocks Sunbrella Deluxe Cushion Swing
And the abundant stuffing is made of resilient, hollow-fill polyester fiber – which comes from recycled plastic drink bottles.
It’s available in a variety of colors, including Gateway indigo, Gateway Mist, Limelight, and Regency Sand.
A light, almond-brown wood frame is crafted from cumaru – a hardwood from Brazil, renowned for its longevity, rot resistance, and strength.
The included chains are zinc plated steel for durability and rust protection, and are anchored at six points for maximum balance and stability.
The Deluxe measures 60 by 30 by 42 inches and has a 400-pound capacity. It ships ready to hang, with all hardware included.
You can purchase a separate metal stand – 6 by 8 by 7 feet – made from powder-coated steel in taupe-gray, available on Amazon.
Made in the USA, with a 1-year warranty, the Sunbrella Deluxe is available from Hatteras Hammocks via Amazon.
5. Lark Manor Narron Porch Swing
This attractive bench from Lark Manor combines classic styling with deep seated comfort in an all-weather wicker resin, with UV fade protection, for a handsome, but tough, swing.
Lark Manor Narron Porch Swing
The steel frame is covered with handwoven wicker resin in a handsome diamond lattice pattern that’s rust, water, and weather resistant.
Available in five colors: antique black, antique moss, antique pecan, mocha, and white, this product ships without a cushion.
It’s equipped with 4-feet-long, heavy-duty chains attached at four anchor points for a smooth, stable ride, and a 400-pound weight capacity.
The wicker resin bench measures 53 by 27 by 25 inches and weighs 52 pounds.
Check out customer reviews and prices at Wayfair.
6. Loon Peak Tustin Wooden Porch Swing
Robust and rustic, the Tustin bench features lodgepole pine lumber for an earthy timber frame design that will last for generations.
The wood is skip-peeled by hand, and each bench is signed by the artisan who made it.
Loon Peak Tustin Wooden Porch Swing
The country style bench has a high back, deep seat, and generous rounded arm rests. Four anchor points secure the heavy-duty steel chain for a stable, relaxing motion.
You can choose from stained wood, or unstained for you to finish at home.
Installation hardware and 60-inch chains are included. This product does require tools for assembly, and a sturdy overhead joist for support.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of Wayfair’s expert assembly service for an additional fee.
It measures 24 by 52 by 24 inches, weighs 75 pounds, and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Made in the USA, this product comes with a 20-year warranty.
You can check customer reviews and prices at Wayfair.
7. Longshore Tides Essence Bed Swing
The Essence daybed has down-home charm that offers that perfect spot for an afternoon nap!
Hand crafted from select, kiln dried yellow pine lumber with a distressed finish, available in two colors, barnwood or weathered wood.
Longshore Tides Essence Bed Swing
It’s hung with large manila hemp ropes – tough and resistant to salt water, manila hemp is often used in fishing nets, hawsers, and ships’ lines.
It accommodates any twin-sized mattress (not included) and seats four people comfortably.
Full assembly is required, and you’ll need to have some basic household tools handy, including a drill, ratchet, adjustable wrench, and a hacksaw.
The manufacturer recommends that the swing installation be carried out by a licensed contractor. Alternatively, Wayfair offers an expert assembly service at additional cost.
Overall measurements are 84 by 43 by 26 inches, it weighs 215 pounds, with a 1000-pound weight capacity.
Made in the USA.
You can check customer reviews and prices at Wayfair.
8. Loon Peak Thacker Country Style Hanging Daybed
The Thacker hanging daybed has country style appeal with an aromatic Western red cedar frame that’s available in sizes ranging from twin to king size.
Loon Peak Thacker Country Style Hanging Daybed
Heavy duty chains are attached to eight anchor points for maximum stability, and comfort springs ensure a gentle, smooth swing. The wide dimension lumber gives sturdy support and comes in a natural or stained finish.
The available sizes are Twin, Full, Queen, and King and come in these measurements:
- Twin – 78.5 x 41.5 x 22 inches, with a maximum weight of 750 pounds
- Full – 78.5 x 57.5 x 22 inches, with a maximum weight of 900 pounds
- Queen – 83.5 x 63.5 x 22 inches, with a maximum weight of 1000 pounds
- King – 83.5 x 79.5 x 22 inches, with a maximum weight of 1200 pounds
Mattresses and cushions are sold separately. Total product weight ranges from 110-155 pounds, depending on the size selected, and require assembly.
Made to order in the USA, the Thacker hanging daybeds are available at Wayfair.
9. Highland Dunes Spurling Porch Swing
For a little bit of much-needed “me” time, relaxing in the Spurling Porch Swing from Highland Dunes is the ideal way to kick back after a long day.
The large, generously-stuffed cushion is covered in a robust, weatherproof fabric, available in two-tone dark gray and taupe, or dreamy white.
Spurling Porch Swing
It’s designed to hang in a reclining position. Thanks to the two-point chain attachment with included carabiners, you can adjust the angle to suit your needs.
The frame is constructed from FSC-certified layered spruce, that gives it a quality feel in a lightweight design. The chair weighs just 14 pounds, excluding the chains.
The fabric and frame is designed for use both indoors and outdoors. The timber is treated for outdoor use, but you may want to apply an oil or other protective coating if you plan to leave it out in bad weather.
The cushion fabric is UV and water resistant.
There are two options available for hanging this model. One is to use the included chains with fixings of your choice, alternatively you can buy an elegant stand for it.
Spurling Chair Stand
Made from the same layered spruce, the wooden stand has a modern feel, ideal for the larger deck – or if you’re renting.
The stand weighs 30 pounds, with dimensions of 66 by 60 by 46 inches and is available on Wayfair.
Simple assembly is required, as the chair (and frame, if using) ships flat-packed. Wayfair provides an expert assembly service at an additional cost, if required.
This chair has a weight capacity of 260 pounds, and its overall dimensions are 40 by 26 by 25 inches.
Find the Highland Dunes Spurling Porch Swing at Wayfair.
10. Novogratz Sally Heavy Duty Single Chair with Cushions
The Sally chair from Novogratz offers spacious, stylish comfort and heavy-duty construction in a single-seater.
The black woven all-weather wicker is wrapped around a robust steel frame, and four suspension anchor points provide easy balance and added stability.
Novogratz Sally Heavy Duty Single Chair
The removable weather-resistant cushions are upholstered in a contemporary polyester blend for comfort and easy cleanup. A single toss cushion is included in either gray or “rosewater” stripes.
The chair requires no assembly and comes with 2 adjustable poly ropes and 2 suspension carabiners for quick hanging – ceiling anchors are not included.
It measures 36 by 32 by 15 inches, weighs a little over 18.5 pounds, and can support a maximum load of 250 pounds.
This product comes with a 1-year warranty.
Check prices and customer reviews at Wayfair.
11. Charlton Home Northbrook Porch Swing with Stand
If you are renting or are unsure of the load bearing ability of your joists, a standalone porch swing might be just the ticket.
The Northbrook two-seater offers independent suspension for each chair, and can be set up on any level surface – no porch needed.
Each 23-inch wide seat swings independently from the sturdy, rust-resistant, curved black steel frame, which is powder coated for strength and durability.
Charlton Home Northbrook Porch Swing with Stand
Twin canopies can be attached or removed as desired, and a cup holder beside each chair adds convenience.
The beige cushions and canopies are upholstered with a water-resistant and colorfast polyester blend for easy cleaning and long-lasting good looks.
This model measures 53 by 67 by 67 inches, weighs 79 pounds, and has a load-bearing capacity of 485 pounds.
At-home assembly is required, and all hardware is included. This product comes with a 1-year warranty.
Find prices and customer reviews at Wayfair.
Chains, Ropes, and Hardware
Before hanging, ensure your overhead joists have the support needed at both ends for load bearing applications.
All the hardware (bolts, chains, connectors, and ropes) needs to be suitable for outdoor use and should have a load rating of 500 pounds or greater for two seaters, 750 pounds for three seats, and 1200 pounds for king-sized daybeds.
Use heavy-duty galvanized, powder coated, or stainless steel hardware needed for the job – such as eye or lag bolts, hanger mounts, and screw eyes or hooks.
You can also pick up a commercial grade hanger kit, which typically includes combinations of swivel or non-swivel hanger mounts, lag bolts, or heavy-duty springs for a smoother ride.
Levi Innovations Swivel Hanging Mount and Springs
Levi Innovations makes a kit with a swivel hanging mount and springs (but no screws) – and it’s available at Wayfair and Home Depot.
And Everbilt offers a kit that includes zinc-plated steel chain, connectors, and ceiling eye hooks. It is available at Home Depot.
Porch swings are typically suspended by chains or ropes that are included with your purchase.
Steel chains are popular because of their rugged durability, and are often galvanized or zinc-plated for rust and weather resistance.
But rope adds a down-home appeal with natural fibers.
Manila hemp ropes made for maritime applications offer outstanding durability. These should be at least 3/4 inches thick for hanging benches or daybeds.
Marine-grade braided nylon or polyester rope also provide outstanding strength and long-lasting durability.
Materials
To ensure your outdoor furniture lasts as long as possible, the construction materials need to be high quality and resistant to the elements – freezing temperatures, rain, sunlight, wind, and so on.
Recycled Plastic
Patio furniture made of recycled plastics offers lightweight style and rugged strength, with an eye toward eco-friendly sensibilities.
HDPE (high density polyethylene) is made from recycled products like bottle caps, laundry detergent containers, and milk jugs. For constructing furniture, these are transformed into “lumber” that resists cracking, fading, insects, mildew, moisture, saltwater, and UV rays.
A wonderfully low-maintenance material, recycled plastic is stain resistant, cleans up easily with soapy water, and comes in a variety of colors and textures.
However, because of the light weight of this material, unoccupied swings are susceptible to becoming airborne in high winds. Consider covering them or strapping them down when not in use, and avoid installing near windows.
Steel
Steel frames give outstanding durability, heft, and strength, and powder coating provides a powerful rust and weather-resistant finish.
Steel is heavy, but it provides exceptional stability and strength, and endures extreme weather conditions better than most other materials.
Steel frames are found in a variety of styles, and swings with their own steel frame can be set up anywhere without the need for overhead rigging.
Wicker
Do you know the difference between rattan and wicker? These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
Rattan is a vine-like palm used extensively in making baskets and furniture, and wicker is a type of weave – rattan (or bamboo, cane, seagrass, and so on) is the material used to create wicker patterns.
Wicker is traditionally woven by hand, and this method of construction creates sturdy, durable furniture with a classic look.
All-Weather Wicker
All-weather wicker, or resin wicker, is a tough, climate-resistant synthetic material that provides the look of wicker, with exceptional durability.
Blends of nylon, PVC, or high-density polyethylene are pushed through an extruder, creating long, thin strands that are woven and wrapped over a metal frame for superb tensile strength.
Wood
Wood is a historically popular material, typically used on bench-style models. It is revered for its strength and durability.
Whether the wood is robust oak, economical pine, or exotic teak, all of these can add a warm, natural touch that’s not found in metal or plastics.
But wood needs to be treated – painted or stained – to prevent damage from insects, rot, and UV rays.
And many woods harvested from ancient forests face endangerment from non-sustainable logging practices. Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for sustainable wood sources.
Upholstery Fabrics
The upholstery fabric used for covering cushions and seats needs to withstand repeated use, spills, and harsh climate conditions. Canopy fabric needs to be UV-resistant and waterproof.
This pretty much eliminates natural fibers that will sag, break down, and fade from moisture and UV exposure.
However, the synthetics used to upholster outdoor furniture are dyed for colorfastness, are water and weather resistant (to varying degrees), and are much easier to wipe clean than natural fibers.
Upholstery fabrics range from economical polyesters to proprietary brands like Sunbrella, with top quality, marine-grade options. And the prices of these typically reflect their level of quality, with premium fabrics fetching premium prices.
Space Requirements and Measurements
When measuring the space needed for hanging a swing, allow adequate clearance for the front, back, and both sides.
You’ll need a minimum of 48 inches in front and behind the bench, and about 15 inches on both ends for side clearance.
Also, the seat should hang about 16 to 20 inches above the floor.
The mounting lag screws should be installed 2 to 5 inches wider than the seat length. This provides even weight distribution, and keeps the chains or ropes from rubbing against the frame.
Swing on a Star
Whether you choose a model to hang from the rafters, or an all-inclusive unit with its own stand, remember to check your clearance measurements before you install.
And ensure the hanging hardware has the proper rating for your weight needs, and check the load-bearing capacity of any joists you are hanging from.
After that, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy!
And if you’re thinking about adding even more outdoor furniture to your space, be sure to check out these reviews next:
© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Hatteras Hammocks, Home Depot, Plough and Hearth, and Wayfair. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. With additional writing and editing by Clare Groom and Allison Sidhu. First published May 19th, 2020. Last updated February 9th, 2021
About Lorna Kring
A writer, artist, and entrepreneur, Lorna is also a long-time gardener who got hooked on organic and natural gardening methods at an early age. These days, her vegetable garden is smaller to make room for decorative landscapes filled with color, fragrance, art, and hidden treasures. Cultivating and designing the ideal garden spot is one of her favorite activities – especially for gathering with family and friends for good times and good food (straight from the garden, of course)!
