How to Hang a Cedar Swing—Or Not!

Hanging a cedar swing can be a challenging task. Check the specifications before you buy a cedar swing; many will include a complete kit of hanging hardware. If not, check your local hardware store for a swing hanging kit.

Pre-drill holes into a beam where you will hang the cedar swing. The distance between these holes should match the length of the swing. Screw the hooks into these two holes. Attach the chains to the chair. Have someone else help lift the swing to you, so you can secure the other ends of the chains on the overhead hooks.

If you don’t have a covered porch, or if you feel nervous about hanging your cedar swing correctly, you have other options. You can purchase A-frames and frames with attached arbors from which to hang swings. Some even include canopies.

Or you can go with my favorite alternative to the cedar swing—a cedar glider. It offers the same attractive look as a cedar porch swing, but it sits directly on the ground. I also enjoy the silky smooth motion of the glider. Remember, the whole point of owning a cedar swing is for relaxation. If the thought of hanging the swing stresses you out, consider an alternative.

Outdoor Swing Decoration Ideas

I have found that an outdoor swing is a relaxing addition to my home. I prefer to keep my outdoor space simple and uncluttered. However, I have also seen some chic patios, whose designs centered on an outdoor swing. If this is the design you’re after, try one or more of these additions to take your outdoor swing and porch to the next level.

• Add outdoor curtains to one side of your covered patio or porch. These are made from materials suitable for outdoor use and may be either opaque or sheer.
• Adorn your outdoor swings with a couple throw pillows, instead of cushions.
• Choose other patio furniture that matches the shade of the your outdoor swing.
• Place a large outdoor rug in front of your swing.
• Pair the outdoor swing with a coordinating rocker or hammock. Place these in a position facing the swing, so a group of people can hold a conversation together.
• Use a wood storage chest for outdoor storage and as a coffee or side table.
• Sprinkle potted flowers or planters around your patio area.

Indoor and outdoor styles of decoration have long been two separate categories. But now, the two are often seen intermingled. As you search for additional ways to decorate the area around your outdoor swing, imagine what indoor elements you could bring to the outdoors. This might open up a long list of possibilities you had never considered before. But when you try them, these ideas work.

Things to Do on Your Cedar Porch Swing

You will read in the following post several ideas for things to do on your cedar porch swing. This post springs from my own inability to sit still. I’m sure it’s good for all of us to have times that we sit quietly and rest. But when I sit down, I want to be doing something with my mind or my hands. I’ve already tried many of these on my own porch swing; some I have yet to try.

• Take dinner out to your cedar porch swing and eat there. Just don’t swing too hard; you might end up with dinner on you instead of in you.
• Read a book, newspaper, or magazine. Combined with the swinging motion, this activity can be very relaxing.
• Talk. Take time to catch up with a member of your household. Especially if things have been tense lately, the cedar porch swing provides a relaxing setting in which to interact.
• Crochet, knit, sew, or work on any other portable handcraft.
• Play “Eye Spy.” This game is especially fun with several children.
• Snuggle up to your sweetie.
• Open mail and pay bills. These are not normally fun tasks for me. Take them to the cedar porch swing to lighten your mood and make your task more enjoyable.

Cleaning Cedar Porch Swings

Cleaning cedar porch swings doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, I would rather spend a little time cleaning here and there than devote an afternoon every year or two to restaining or repainting. It’s a good idea when cleaning cedar porch swings to start with mild soap and water. If that doesn’t do the trick, however, a solution of bleach and water should work.

There are several things to avoid during cleaning. Cedar porch swings are made from softwood. This doesn’t mean that they are flimsy and easily breakable. It means that you should avoid harsh ways of cleaning that can damage its finish.

I know how tempting it is to use a pressure washer to get a job done quickly. But when it comes to cedar porch swings, a pressure washer is not the way to go. The high pressure can damage the wood.

You should also avoid hard, stiff brushes or wire scrubbers. Once again, these can damage the natural finish of cedar porch swings.

Another thing to avoid is letting the bleach solution dry. It’s all right to let the bleach soak for a few minutes on the tougher stains, but don’t allow it to dry before you rinse the swing clean. With summer upon us, it’s a great time to brighten up our cedar porch swings and give them a fresh face . . . or seat.

Health Benefits of Using a Porch Swing

Did you know that a porch swing brings a number of health benefits to your home? They help to relieve stress, boost circulation, and maybe even improve concentration. The back-and-forth motion of a porch swing may help lower stress, some medical professionals believe. Think about rocking chairs and how relaxed they can make you feel. Studies have indicated that the rocking motion reduces breathing and heart rates. A porch swing doesn’t have the same motion, exactly, but you get the picture. Relaxation and reduced stress go hand-in-hand, and are important health benefits that affect every other area of your life.

In some cases, swinging can improve poor circulation. It may even tone down the appearance of varicose veins. Something as simple as a porch swing? Yes, indeed.

Others believe that the motion may stimulate the cerebral cortex. One of the functions of this part of the brain is to help us focus. So that would mean that rocking could improve your concentration a bit.

And, of course, there’s the benefit of getting outside. Fresh air, interaction with other people, sunlight. Moderate sunlight is healthy for you. It helps your body produce vitamin D and can stimulate endorphins. With all these great health benefits, why wait any longer to find a porch swing?

Privacy Arbor Meets Outdoor Swing

There are several ways you can increase your feelings of privacy around your outdoor swing. Some of these ways include installing a privacy fence, planting tall hedges, buying a screen, setting up tall shutters, and growing vines on arbors. A privacy arbor will shield your outdoor swing from the neighbors’ eyes and give you a feeling of seclusion when you want to be alone—or alone with someone special.

A privacy arbor can be a simple project or a time-intensive one. It all depends on your vision. If you want a quick solution, your best bet is to buy a partially assembled arbor, or at least a kit with all the pieces ready to go. If you want to design your own intricate arbor, it will require more time, but you can build whatever you have in mind.

Once you have assembled or built a privacy arbor around your outdoor swing, you need to plant. Any climbing vine or flower should work well. Consider such plants as ivy, sweet pea, roses, honeysuckle, morning glories, and wisteria. Before you buy, evaluate the sunlight around your outdoor swing. If you need help determining which plants will grow well, ask advice from a staff member at your local greenhouse. They should be able to suggest some good plants for you.