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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What Makes Cypress Swings Different?

There are many different options for of what wood you want your porch swing to be made. It can be somewhat overwhelming if you are shopping for a new swing, especially if you’re like me (before I did my research, of course) and know nothing about the different types of wood.
One option you need to consider when buying a porch swing is cypress wood. Cypress is slightly different than other wood choices for porch swings. Cypress swings are known for their strength and their durability.
Cypress creates “cypressene,” a natural preservative in the form of oil. Its heartwood naturally resists insects, rot, chemical corrosion and other similar potentially damaging elements. Therefore, cypress has been a smart choice for outdoor furniture for thousands of years.
Cypress is also an incredibly stable wood that is exceptionally resistant to warping and cracking. The dimensional stability also allows cypress to easily be painted and stained with incredible results. It will take the color extremely well, and resist chipping and fading. However, cypress is naturally beautiful and many people choose this wood because of its honey-like hues. For a completely natural cypress look, you can use or clear sealant, or you can allow the wood to weather to a dark gray.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Should I Get a Glider or a Swing?

If you’re looking to add a log porch swing to your patio, there are several options to consider. The two main choices you have are a suspended swing or a glider.
Suspended swings hang down from either the roof of your porch or from a free-standing frame. These supports are typically made from rope, chain-link, or wood. If you choose to hang your swing from the roof, you will need to make sure it is well-attached with a strong enough screw or hook. Don’t skimp on quality if you don’t want your swing to fall down one day in the middle of use. If you want to be able to move your swing around, you may want to choose a swing that hangs from a self-supporting frame.
Another option to consider is a buying a glider instead of a suspended swing. A glider is a bench that is mounted on a mechanical glider base which allows it to move back and forth. Gliders usually need less space than suspended swings do, and they are even easier to move than suspended swings with self-supporting frame.
When deciding which kind of swing you want to purchase, be sure to consider the space you have, how permanent you want the location of your swing to be, and what you find to be most aesthetically appealing. Both swings and gilders are excellent additions to your porch.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Enjoying Beverages from Your Swing

Your porch swing can be a great place to pass time and entertain your guests. It can also be the perfect spot for a date. If you want to spend a significant amount of time on the porch, you are probably going to want more than one drink. Instead of having to run inside and back out, interrupting your relaxation, placing a teak beverage cooler on your porch is the perfect solution.
Not only are these coolers convenient, they also are very stylish. This is not your traditional Coleman ice box! A teak beverage cooler will definitely add to the aesthetic appeal of your porch, and give also gives your patio a classy look and feel.
There are many different options for the sophisticated socialite. Some coolers are small and designed to sit on top of your patio table. Others are freestanding and hold many different beverages. Small coolers which hold a single bottle of wine are also available. Basically, if you can imagine it, it exists. It all depends on your personal taste and your needs.
Make your porch swing the perfect haven for relaxation or a romantic spot for you and your significant other by adding a beverage cooler to the décor of your patio.

Pillows Add Comfort and Style to Your Swing

Wooden glider porch swings are beautiful and are a great addition to any porch. However, the wooden beams can become uncomfortable if you sitting on them for a long period of time. A perfect solution to this problem is by adding pillows or cushion to your swing.
You can choose pillows that accent your other porch decorations or reflect the style of your house. Carefully styled cushions on your front porch can be an early introduction to the color scheme and design of the interior of your house.
However, purchasing pillows can be expensive, and it can be difficult to find the exact pattern for which you are looking. One way to save money and get exactly what you are wanted is to make the pillows yourself.
Start by measuring your porch swing and deciding exactly what size you want your cushions to be. Then purchase the supplies you will need. You can even make these pillows from a table cloth or other such material. For detailed instructions on how to sew these pillows click here. Making cushions for your swing is incredibly easy, and does not require you to be a master seamstress. It is a fun activity with great results that will spruce up your porch.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Improve the View from Your Swing

So now you have your perfect porch swing set up and you’re ready to enjoy your porch. However, if you don’t have anything pretty to look at, even the best of swings is wasted. It is just important to cultivate a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere on your porch or deck as it is to have a nice swing.!
One way to improve the view is by using deck railing flower boxes. These planters are fastened on top of the railing of your porch or deck, and you can fill them with the flowers of your choosing. Decorate your railing with several of these boxes and create a garden right on your porch
Another way to make your porch a prettier place is to decorate with attractive patio furniture and accessories. For example, garden clocks and thermometers are good adornments for your patio. You can put gazing balls or sundials in your yard within view of your swing.
A fun enhancement to your swing view is a bird bath. Many bird baths are lavish and beautiful on their own, but once the birds start flocking to it, you can enjoy hours of bird-watching. Bird feeders will have a similar effect.
By making a few simple improvements to your yard and porch, the view from your swing can become much more entertaining.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Swing Dimensions are Very Important!


If you are looking to add a swing to your porch, it is very important to consider sizing before you make your purchase. You need to make sure that your new swing dimensions are proportional to the size of your porch. Swings come in all shapes and sizes, and it is crucial to consider what size will work best with your porch. If you have a smaller porch, you don’t want to overwhelm it or completely fill it with a giant swing set. Likewise, if you have a larger porch, a tiny swing would look silly and out of place. There are so many different options, so be sure to investigate them all.
For small porches, you may want to consider a glider instead of a hanging swing. Gliders take up less space, and can even be purchased in chair sizes if you have a really tiny porch. For a larger porch or patio, I would recommend going all out and having fun with the many available options. You can even get a hanging swing with an attached stand and a canopy! Swings with attached stands take up more space, but if you have the room, they are definitely easier to move around when you want to redecorate. Before you buy your new swing, be sure to consider the swing dimensions and investigate all your different options to find what works best for your porch.