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Your new porch swing was just delivered and you need a basic guideline on how to install your new piece of outdoor furniture.
To Hang from Ceiling
Not all ceilings are created equal. Make sure that the support beam or joists in your ceiling will support the weight of the porch swing and its occupants. If you're unsure of your ceiling's strength, have an experienced carpenter check it out. Once you're sure, drill pilot holes to prevent wood splitting, screw eye-bolts or large hooks into an overhead support beam, and hang your chains.
For crash-free swinging, leave a minimum of 2.5 feet behind the swing for ample swinging room. Three feet or more is even better. Position the swing chains an inch or two outside the swing length to efficiently disperse the weight. For example, when hanging a 5-foot swing, position the ceiling chain hooks about 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches apart.
If you're using our comfort springs for extra bounce and smooth swinging, they hang (either side up) between the hanging hooks and the swing chains.
To Hang from Tree Limb
Wimpy tree limbs won't support a porch swing. Choose a strong, sturdy limb when hanging your swing. Protect the limb from abrasion by padding the hanging chains with a rubber hose. Then fasten the chains around the limb with a heavy, rust-resistant bolt, remembering to add an inch or two to the swing length when positioning the chains. Keep your tree happy: never use hooks to attach a chain directly to a tree limb.
The Swing Stand Option
If you discover that your ceiling can't sustain the weight of your porch swing and you don't have a sturdy tree limb to hang it from, take a look at our free-standing A-frame swing packages. They come with a stand for convenient placement anywhere on the lawn, in the garden, or on a large porch or patio surface.
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*Note on chains
If possible, use four chains to hang your swing from its hooks - two chains descend from each hook or eye bolt, one to the back of the swing and one to the front. Hanging chains length will vary from craftsman to craftsman and the normal range is 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This is the standard height range of comfort. Taller people tend to like the 24 inch height and shorter people tend to like the 18 inch height. Some of our manufacturer sell additional matching chain to allow you to find your perfect personal height.
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