A porch swing is an excellent addition to the front, back, or side of the home. Most porch swing products will come with the hardware necessary to hang the porch swing. If your porch swing does not come with hardware, chains, or ropes, then you can purchase a hanger kit that is suitable for the installation, or simply purchase the necessary hardware at a local home improvement store. Find out how to hang a porch swing by following the steps provided in this guide.
Tip
If you are worried about whether the porch roof can support a full swing, you can install a porch swing with an A-frame or by hanging it from a bulky tree limb.
Before You Begin
Porch swings are typically held by metal chains or by thick rope, so before jumping into this project, it's important to decide which option you prefer. Chains are easier to install, and stronger and more durable than rope, making them the most popular option. Ropes can be a good choice if you want a rustic-style hanging porch swing, just make sure to invest in marine-grade braided nylon rope or polyester rope that is at least 3/4-inch thick.
You should also consider the hanging style. A porch swing is often installed with two chains or ropes that extend down from the ceiling, then split to connect to the swing on all four corners, creating an upside down Y-shape. You can also install the porch swing with four chains or ropes, with each connecting directly to a corner of the swing.
Choosing a Location
The location of the porch swing is key to a successful installation. Ideally, the swing should have about three to four feet of space to the front and back of the swing. It should also have about one to two feet of space on either side, giving the swing space to move freely. You can set up the swing on the porch or in the yard as long as it has enough space to swing or sway without hitting anything.
Additionally, the selected location must be able to safely hold the weight of the swing and anyone who is using it. Load-bearing beams and ceiling joists work best for a porch installation, but tree limbs and A-frames are also a good option.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Porch Ceiling Method
- Ladder
- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Saw
- Chain cutter
- Drill
- Drill bit set
Tree Limb Method
- Ladder
- Measuring tape
- Chain cutter
- Drill
- Drill bit set
A-Frame Method
- Ladder
- Measuring tape
- Chain cutter
- Drill
- Drill bit cet
Materials
Porch Ceiling Method
- Porch swing hanging kit
- Hanging hardware kit
- Rope or chain
- Chain connectors
- Lumber (optional)
- Wood screws (optional)
Tree Limb Method
- Porch swing
- Hanging hardware kit
- Rope or chain
- Chain connectors
- Chain cleeves
A-Frame Method
- Porch swing hanging kit
- Hanging hardware kit
- Rope or chain
- Chain connectors
- Porch swing A-frame
Instructions
How to Hang a Porch Swing From a Porch Ceiling
-
Locate the Joists
The first step in the process is to find the joists or load-bearing beams that you will use to hang the porch swing. If the ceiling of the porch is exposed, then this is relatively simple, but if the ceiling is finished, then you will need to open it up to access the joists.
For a vinyl ceiling, remove the panels one by one to uncover enough of the ceiling for the installation. If the ceiling is wood or another material that cannot be removed in sections, use a stud finder to locate the joists. Have at least two 2 x 6 joists from which to hang the swing.
-
Take Measurements
Use a tape measure and a pencil to accurately measure and mark the location for the hanging hardware. Ideally, the hardware in the ceiling will sit about two inches wider than the hardware on the swing. If you are using two chains or ropes, then you should measure and mark two mounting locations in the ceiling mid-way between the front and back of the swing.
If you are using four chains or ropes, measure and mark four mounting locations in the ceiling, set to extend down to each of the four corners of the swing. Make sure the marks are in the center of the joist to prevent wood splitting.
-
Add Additional Structural Support (Optional)
In some cases, the joists don't line up with the position of the swing, so you may need to add additional structure support for the porch swing. Locate a strong crossbeam that crosses through the location where the swing will be installed.
Measure the distance between the two joists where you will be adding structural support, then use a wood saw to cut a board that fits snugly between the two joists. Fit the support beam into position and use wood screws and a drill to secure the beam. Just keep in mind that at least one side of the swing should be attached to the center of a joist.
-
Attach the Hanging Hardware
Drill pilot holes through the joists or beams. Pilot holes help to prevent the wood from splitting when the hardware is installed.
Also drill small pilot holes into each corner of the swing if it doesn't already have prefabricate swing connections. After drilling the pilot holes, you can attach the hanging hardware to the ceiling and to the swing.
-
Connect the Chains
Measure and cut the chains to the desired length. If you are using a two chain setup, you will need three lengths of chain for each side of the swing. Connect a short length of chain to the front corner of the swing, then connect a second short length of chain to the back corner of the swing. Extend the two chains up and toward the mid-point between the front and back of the swing. Where the chains meet in a sharp peak, attach the third length of chain to form an upside down Y-shape.
If you are using a four chain setup, measure and cut four lengths of chain. Connect each chain to one of the four corners of the porch swing. In some setups, it may be easier to drill a hole through the front and back of the armrests to allow the chain to pass through, though this isn't strictly necessary.
-
Hang the Porch Swing
With the chains attached to the swing, the final step is to connect the chains to the ceiling mounts. Have at least two people for this part of the job. Lift the porch swing to a height of about 17 to 19 inches off the ground.
Hold the swing steady while connecting the ends of the chains to the mounting hardware installed in the ceiling. Once this is completed, you can test the swing. To alter the pitch of the swing, adjust the length of the chains by moving changing the link that connects to the fasteners.
How to Hang a Porch Swing From a Tree Limb
-
Locate a Suitable Tree Limb
If the porch doesn't suit your needs, then you may prefer an alternative hanging location. Older trees with strong, thick limbs can be a great option for hanging a swing. But you should select a limb that is strong enough to support the weight of the swing and the people on it.
-
Take Measurements
After deciding on an appropriate tree limb for the project, use a measuring tape to ensure there is enough room for the installation. The swing should have about three to four feet of space at the front and back, as well as one to two feet on either side.
-
Attach the Hanging Hardware
If the swing does not come with pre-installed hanging hardware, then you will need to attach the hardware before proceeding. Use a drill to drill pilot holes for the hanging hardware in each of the four corners of the swing. Attach the hanging hardware to the swing.
-
Connect the Chains
Measure and cut the chains or rope that will be used for this project. Slide chain sleeves onto the chains to protect the tree limb from damage.
If you are using a two chain setup, you will need three lengths of chain or rope for each side of the swing. Connect a short length of chain to the front corner of the swing, then connect a second short length of chain to the back corner of the swing. Extend the two chains up and toward the mid-point between the front and back of the swing. Where the chains meet in a sharp peak, attach the third length of chain to form an upside down Y-shape.
In a typical four chain setup, you need to measure and cut four chains, but when you are installing the swing on a tree limb, you only need to measure and cut two long lengths of chain. The chain should measure about double the length from the porch swing to the tree limb. Connect one end of each chain to one of the two front corners of the porch swing.
-
Hang the Porch Swing
The porch swing should hang about 17 to 18 inches off the ground. If you are using a two chain setup, use the chain to create a loop around the tree limb and fasten it with a bolt, then repeat this process with the other chain.
If you are using a four chain setup, simply loop the chain over the tree limb, then connect it to the corresponding back corner of the swing. Repeat this process on the other side to secure the swing.
How to Hang a Porch Swing From an A-Frame
-
Take Measurements
When you want a porch swing, but the porch ceiling is looking a little shaky or the porch simply doesn't have a ceiling, you can still complete this project by purchasing a porch swing A-frame. The frame provide a sturdy, durable place to hang the porch swing.
Use a measuring tape to take measurements and mark where the mounting hardware will be installed on the A-frame. Keep in mind that most A-frames are not designed for a four-chain hanging style, so it's best to measure for a two-chain setup.
-
Attach the Hanging Hardware
Drill pilot holes into the A-frame support beam and attach the hanging hardware. If the porch swing does not have pre-installed hanging hardware, then you will need to drill pilot holes into the swing, then attach the necessary hanging hardware before proceeding.
-
Connect the Chains
For a two-chain setup, you will need three lengths of chain for each side of the swing. Connect a short length of chain to the front corner of the swing, then connect a second short length of chain to the back corner of the swing. Extend the two chains up and toward the mid-point between the front and back of the swing. Where the chains meet in a sharp peak, attach the third length of chain to form an upside down Y-shape.
-
Hang the Porch Swing
Ideally, the porch swing will hang about 17 to 19 inches above the floor.Have one or more helpers hold the swing in position, then connect each chain to the mounting hardware in the support beam of the A-frame structure.
How to Build a Porch Swing