Posts Tagged ‘porch’

Choosing The Best Porch Swing

In your search for furniture for your porch, don't forget to look at the various varieties of porch swings. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a swing for the porch is a wise investment because you have a comfortable seat. There are some different styles to consider and all are reasonably priced. If you feel inclined, you can also build your own.


Depending on what you are looking for in a swing, the most inexpensive kind of swing is the mission style flat bottomed one made of oak. The back is made of slats with spaces in between and for added comfort you can make or buy cushions for the seat. This swing typically costs about $100, but you do have to try it out because the seat is usually short and not meant for lying back. The swing comes in pieces, but is easy to assemble with the instructions included.


The cedar swing is the next swing that costs a little more - about $200. Cedar is an exceptional choice for an outdoor swing because the wood doesn't ort easily and resists insect infestation. These swings usually have contoured seats, but to make it more comfortable, you can add padded cushions. If you buy a swing made from ordinary cedar, then you will have to add a coat of sealant to keep it looking good. You don't need to paint the wood to have it last a long time.


Not all swings are made of wood, as you will see when you take a look at the wrought iron swings available. These add a timeless look to any porch and for the price of less than $200, they are well worth it. They are heavier and have a powdered coat to prevent them from rusting so you can leave it out in the rain.


Although they are more expensive, averaging about $400 each, wicker swings look right at home on a porch. The tight wicker weave performs a cozy place for sitting and enjoying the afternoon sun. The frame is made of metal and the wicker is completely weather resistant. You also won't have to do any assembly because these swings are fully assembled when you buy them.


Visit an online retailer to get a look at the swings you can have for your porch and place your order so that it comes right to your door.


Now that you have your porch completed, you will want to look at the varieties of porch swings to choose one that will compliment your porch and provide a comfortable seat for you to enjoy the view. You can build your own from plans or kits that you can purchase or you can buy a swing that is already made. You can have a freestanding swing or one that is attached to posts in an A-frame support. If you have the time, you can easily build a swing for far less than the cost of one already made.


When choosing the perfect swing for your porch, you want to choose one that will seat two or three people comfortably. The back of the swing should be adjustable so that you can sit upright or lay back when you are feeling kind of lazy. The only tools you will need for this project are a hammer, a saw and a measuring tape. When you purchase the lumber, make sure it is pressure treated so that it will withstand the elements of the weather. The wood of choice is pine for the frame and armrests and hardwood for the seat and back.


Galvanized chain is essential for attaching the seat itself to the frame so that it will swing. You will also need to buy galvanized steel bolts, nails and wood screws. When you buy one of the plans for building a swing for your porch, the instructions will give you the measurements that you need to cut each piece. If you buy a kit, then all the material is already cut to the correct measurements.


You make the frame for the ends of the swing first and then the frame for the seat. Then you make the frame for the back and fit the slats for the seat in place. This is an easy process if you attach a board across the slats so they have something to rest on while you put the slats in place. If you are really talented, you can create curves along the back, but it looks great just straight across. The armrests go in place next and lastly you thread the chain through the armrests and attach it to the frame for the swing. Just make sure you make the holes larger than the chain so that they will move freely.

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To get more DIY advice, and learn more about porches, visit DIY Home Advice

Front Porch Swing Videos

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Front Porch Swing Q&A

I am trying to remember the name of an old country song.?

I know it starts off saying something about walking by and you tried not to notice. It also mentions something about her painting her toenails (or maybe just nails) on the front porch swing. Then later they are sitting in his car and he does his "best james dean" (i think) and she might laugh. Anyways later in the song they may go somewhere...or not. It's been a while since I even listened to country music ans this song has been haunting me for a little while...please help

I believe its Sawyer Brown, Some Girls Do

Here are the lyrics:

Artist: Sawyer Brown
Song: Some Girls Do

She turned up her nose as she walked by my cadillac
From the corner of my eye I saw you and you laughed
You were sittin' on the swing on your fron porch
Paintin' your nails like you were bored
And you yelled "She was sure impressed with you"

Chorus:
Well I ain't first class
But I ain't white trash
I'm wild and a little crazy too
Some girls don't like boys like me
Aww but some girls do

I yelled and asked if you would like a ride
When we pulled out of your yard I balled a tire
You was laughing at me, I was doing James Dean
You was the prettiest girl I'd ever seen
When you rolled your eyes and twirled my pink fur dice

Chorus

Well good ole' boys don't get no breaks
And rich boys think they got what it takes
But there's someone for each of us they say

Chorus x2

I said some girls do
You know some girls do
Like boys like me
You know some girls do

Where can I buy a porch swing?

I want to put a swing on my front porch, but I don't have space for a standing one. I'm thinking I could easily add one that hangs from the roof though (like you used to see in front of old houses). I've tried home improvement stores and such, but haven't found anything but the standing swings. Anybody know somewhere (online or instore) where they sell these?

Also check locally at stores that sell outdoor furniture. But if you can't find anything locally how about porchswing.com (no kidding). Actually there are quite a number of places that sell mailorder porch swings, and in all sorts of materials including teak.

Once you get one, however, you'll have to install it. Always consult the instructions that come with your swing. They will give you important tips about mounting hardware and clearances (you don't want the thing to knock into the house on every backswing!). If you want to know the basics, here's an article from This Old House on how to install a hanging porch swing:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,266157-3,00.html?xid=yahoo-answers&partner=yes