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There are few better places to kick back on a lazy summer day, preferably with a glass of lemonade in hand, than a porch swing. This classic piece of porch furniture can consist of a simple wood seat and back or a lavish daybed complete with plush cushioning. Porch swings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 6-foot-long models that allow you to stretch out and take a nap to single-seat varieties for cozying up with a good book. They also come in a variety of materials and styles, including classic wood, sophisticated metal, and more casual wicker.
This guide will examine which characteristics you’ll want to consider when shopping for this hanging furniture while reviewing some of the best porch swings on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Three Posts Amelia Porch Swing
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Best Choice Products 3-Seater Hanging Porch Swing
- BEST WOODEN: Anraja 800-Pound Rustic Hanging Log Porch Swing
- BEST WICKER: August Grove Tarawa 2-Person Porch Swing
- BEST GLIDER: Andover Mills Outdoor Veronica Gliding Metal Bench
- BEST METAL: Andover Mills Kizer 2-Person Porch Swing
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Amish Casual Heavy Duty Roll Back Porch Swing
- BEST DAYBED: Rosecliff Heights Unfinished Carol Daybed
- BEST FREESTANDING: Arlmont & Co. Meiman Porch Swing With Canopy
- BEST SMALL: Christopher Knight Home Hanging Basket Chair
How We Chose the Best Porch Swings
We looked at both form and function when selecting porch swings for our list. First and foremost, the porch swing had to be durable enough to support its occupants safely. With that in mind, we considered smaller models that could support at least 400 pounds and larger models that could handle at least 500 pounds—with some capable of supporting up to 800 pounds.
Since porch swings live outside, it is also vital that they utilize materials that can hold up to rain and the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. In terms of form, we mainly selected swings with simple designs and neutral colors that would suit a broad range of tastes. Also, we favored models that offered multiple color options versus those that did not.
Our Top Picks
Our list of top picks takes into account the above considerations to narrow the field to outdoor swings that are built to endure the elements while providing a sturdy place to sit. This list includes several different types of porch swings and covers many popular styles.
Best Overall
Three Posts Amelia Porch Swing
This simple, well-built, stylish porch swing from Three Posts is a worthy pick to grace many a front porch. Its simple slat design makes it compatible with a wide range of tastes, and with its multiple color options, it’s easy to match this swing to a home’s siding. It’s available in two size options—5 feet or 4 feet wide—making it suitable for both larger and smaller porches.
The swing itself consists of marine-grade lumber that’s weather-resistant while still offering a finish that’s more stylish than standard treated lumber. Its all-wood construction is capable of holding up to 500 pounds. The Amelia porch swing comes with chains that extend 80 inches from the ceiling to the seat base. Hooks are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Size: 21.75 inches high by 50.125 inches or 60.625 inches wide by 17.875 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
- Material: Marine-grade wood
Pros
- A simple, classical, and elegant design in 2 sizes and a range of colors
- Weather-resistant construction using stainless steel fittings; made in the U.S.
- Low-maintenance finish is easy to clean and can be power-washed if necessary
Cons
- Chain is included but not hooks; as is common, some assembly is required
Get the Three Posts porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Bang For the Buck
Best Choice Products 3-Seater Hanging Porch Swing
Adding a well-built porch swing to one’s outdoor living space doesn’t have to be a major investment. This model from Best Choice Products features solid acacia wood construction at less than half the cost of high-end porch swings. At 4 feet wide, it’s on the smaller side, making it suitable for more compact porches.
With its open-slat design and white color, this porch swing coordinates nicely with a variety of styles. It’s also durably built, with a 500-pound weight capacity. While other porch swings typically only include chains, this model comes with all the mounting hardware needed to hang it.
Product Specs
- Size: 22 inches high by 48 inches wide by 20.5 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
- Material: Painted acacia wood
Pros
- Attractive, understated design available in white or natural finish at a very competitive price
- Constructed from rot-resistant acacia wood with 4 anchor points for balance and safety
- All-steel mounting hardware is included with rust-resistant zinc-oxide coating
Cons
- While most owners are happy, the wood on a few seats has split
Get the Best Choice Products porch swing at Amazon or Best Choice Products.
Best Wooden
Anraja 800-Pound Rustic Hanging Log Porch Swing
The Anraja porch swing combines traditional rustic design with modern hardware to deliver a homely style with excellent durability. The 4-foot wide wood frame is constructed from fir and comes either finished in hard-wearing polyurethane or as bare wood so you can apply your own choice of stain or paint color. Rust-resistant hardware ensures that being out in the fresh air won’t cause problems.
The round logs of the Anraja porch swing ensure there are no sharp edges under the legs to cause discomfort. It is also very strong with a weight limit of 800 pounds. Chains are provided, but hanging hooks will need to be purchased separately. Some assembly is required, though by no means as much as building your own outdoor bench. It is estimated to take 30 to 40 minutes.
Product Specs
- Size: 25.98 Inches high by 47.05 inches wide by 24.02 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
- Material: Fir wood
Pros
- Traditional rustic log design is easy to assemble and comes with rust-resistant hardware
- Available with tough polyurethane finish or as bare wood to stain or paint as desired
- Has an outstanding 800-pound weight capacity and a competitive price
Cons
- Problems are rare, but some find the seat a little shallow
Get the Anraja porch swing at Amazonor The Home Depot.
Best Wicker
August Grove Tarawa 2-Person Porch Swing
Wicker has that light, airy feel that reminds us of warm summer days, but unfortunately, real wicker doesn’t last too well when it gets damp outside. The August Grove Tarawa porch swing is an ideal solution. It looks like real wicker, but it’s actually durable waterproof resin that is handwoven for authenticity over a strong steel frame.
The resulting seat has that wicker flexibility that provides comfort and can support up to 300 pounds. There is a choice of four fade-resistant colors, and a wide range of cushions are offered, making it easy to blend in with existing decor.
Although complaints aren’t common, some found the wicker started to unwind after 18 months or so. We also found cushion pricing confusing. The information provided says these are included, but selecting some colors adds to the total cost.
Product Specs
- Size: 23.5 inches high by 51.5 Inches wide by 21 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Steel and resin wicker
Pros
- Classic wicker style combined with the outdoor resilience and easy cleaning of modern resin
- Strong steel frame is hand wrapped and finished with braided trim for an authentic look
- Available in 4 seat colors with a wide range of cushion choices also available
Cons
- Durability is occasionally an issue, and cushion pricing can be confusing
Get the August Grove porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Glider
Andover Mills Outdoor Veronica Gliding Metal Bench
This gliding metal bench from Andover Mills is a stylish piece of outdoor patio furniture that allows people to enjoy the relaxing comfort of a rocking motion, even if they don’t have somewhere to hang a porch swing. The sturdy frame is described as iron (though it is almost certainly steel) with a UV-resistant finish. It is upholstered in PVC-coated polyester mesh that is unaffected by weather and drains quickly after rain.
With no need for hanging, the Outdoor Veronica glider makes a versatile addition to any backyard, terrace, or patio. It weighs just 39 pounds, so it is not difficult to move around, and it can support up to 440 pounds. Foot pads protect decking or tiled surfaces.
This is a very popular outdoor glider, and few owners have reported problems, although rust is not unknown. Assembly is needed, and some found this a little challenging although it shouldn’t take more than 1 hour.
Product Specs
- Size: 33.5 Inches high by 47.25 inches wide by 27.5 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 440 pounds
- Material: Iron and polyester
Pros
- A contemporary design that provides great relaxation when there’s nowhere to hang a swing
- Robust, hard-wearing frame and glider mechanism with weatherproof mesh seating
- Curved back and ergonomic waterfall seat base offer good support and comfort
Cons
- A few people have struggled with assembly, and rust is not unknown
Get the Andover Mills Veronica porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Metal
Andover Mills Kizer 2-Person Porch Swing
With its minimalist look, this metal porch swing with the fleur-de-lis design on the backrest adds elegant style to a porch or yard. The swing consists of welded steel with a weather-resistant finish that protects the metal from rust. With its black color, it’s easy to customize the look of this porch swing with a throw pillow or two.
At just over 4 feet wide and with a weight capacity of 485 pounds, this metal porch swing is capable of comfortably holding two adults. Though it lacks cushions, its curved slatted seat adds comfort. It also includes extra-long 138-inch chains, making it suitable for hanging from higher ceilings or even a stout tree limb.
Product Specs
- Size: 20 inches high by 50 inches wide by 15.94 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 485 pounds
- Material: Steel
Pros
- Combines the unrivaled strength of steel with a delicate fleur-de-lis design
- Durable welded frame and chain with rust-resistant black finish
- Bolts together easily and comes with extra-long chains for versatile hanging
Cons
- Assembly is required, and some buyers have complained of rust where the frame is welded
Get the Andover Mills Kizer porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Heavy Duty
Amish Casual Heavy Duty Roll Back Porch Swing
This solid-wood porch swing from Amish Casual is one of the most sturdy, heavy-duty options you can hang under your porch. The high 700-pound weight limit is a testament to just how well built this porch swing is. It’s made from kiln-dried pressure-treated pine, so it’s well suited to withstand the elements.
At just over 5 feet long, it’s about the same length as the average love seat. With its 27-inch seat depth and 22-inch-high back, this porch swing provides a comfortable, albeit hard, place to sit. It consists of a series of wood slats screwed into a frame, giving it the classic rollback look of a park bench. The swing includes enough chain to accommodate 8-foot ceilings. Hooks are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Size: 21.75 inches high by 62.75 inches wide by 27 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 700 pounds
- Material: Treated wood
Pros
- Roomy, comfortable, and handmade in the U.S. using traditional craftsmanship
- Solidly built from kiln-dried pressure-treated pine for excellent weather resistance
- All wooden components have routered edges so there are no sharp corners
Cons
- A small amount of assembly is required, and hanging hooks need to be sourced separately
Get the Amish Casual porch swing at Amazon.
Best Daybed
Rosecliff Heights Unfinished Carol Daybed
With its rope hangers and simple wood slats, this daybed swing from Rosecliff Heights adds whimsical fun to a porch or bedroom. The bed consists of high-grade knot-free yellow pine and can accommodate a mattress, either twin size or full size. In addition to unfinished wood, the Carol daybed also comes in a variety of colors, ranging from the more ostentatious (canary yellow or lime green) to the more nuanced (olive gray or black).
The swing bed hangs from four ropes, which consist of 100 percent waterproof polypropylene yarn. While that may not sound particularly strong, it is. This bed has a weight capacity of 850 pounds for its full size and 650 pounds for its twin size. The frame and rope are both suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Product Specs
- Size: Twin: 21 inches high by 79 inches wide by 43 inches deep; full: 21 inches high by 79 inches wide by 58 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 650 pounds (twin) or 850 pounds (full)
- Material: Yellow pine
Pros
- An attractive and spacious way to relax that can be hung indoors or out
- Handcrafted in Pennsylvania from 100 percent solid knot-free yellow pine
- Available unfinished or in a range of over a dozen paint colors
Cons
- Choosing a finished daybed increases price considerably, and a mattress also costs extra
Get the Rosecliff Heights porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Freestanding
Arlmont & Co. Meiman Porch Swing With Canopy
The sleek lines of its frame and arched canopy, coupled with the midcentury modern look of the gray cushions, make the Meiman from Arlmont & Co. one of the more sophisticated-looking freestanding patio swings available.
Thick back and seat cushions create comfort for lounging, while built-in cupholders on the arms add a bit of useful function. Best of all, the seat and back fold flat, creating two separate daybeds, each with an inclined back. Of course, style and comfort don’t amount to much if the swing isn’t built to endure a life outdoors, and this one is—thanks to powder coating on its metal frame and weather-resistant olefin fabric.
Product Specs
- Size: 73 inches high by 97 inches wide by 63 inches deep
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
- Material: Powder-coated steel and polyester
Pros
- Clever multipurpose design can be used as a swing or a daybed
- Strong and durable steel frame is powder coated for rust prevention
- The comfortable polyester cushions included are both weather- and fire-resistant
Cons
- A fairly expensive option, and at 170 pounds, also quite heavy
Get the Arlmont & Co. porch swing at Wayfair.
Best Small
Christopher Knight Home Hanging Basket Chair
Whether in search of a small nook in which to curl up and read a book or a place to binge on TikToks, this wicker chair from Christopher Knight Home creates a plush place to relax outdoors. The Layla consists of an egg-shaped wicker chair suspended from a metal frame by a chain. Inside the wicker seat are plush, weather-resistant cushions that buyers can sink into.
At about 37 inches wide and 26 inches deep, the chair has just enough room for one person. The large frame provides sturdy support, allowing the user to set up the chair virtually anywhere. A powder coating on the metal frame and all-weather paint on the wicker protect it from the elements. The Layla basket chair comes in black or brown.
Product Specs
- Size: 47.25 inches high by 37.75 inches wide by 26.5 inches deep (chair)
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Steel, faux rattan, and polyester
Pros
- Ideal relaxation for 1 that can be positioned either indoors or outside
- Sturdy steel frame with durable, weatherproof, faux rattan weave for the basket
- The comfortable foam cushions included have rain-resistant polyester upholstery
Cons
- Some assembly is required, and larger people may find the seat a little cramped
Get the Christopher Knight Home porch swing at Amazon, Target, or Overstock.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Porch Swing
While finding the right style to suit the porch is key to choosing the right swing, it’s also vital to pay attention to other factors, such as material, weight capacity, and weather resistance. Ahead, learn more about these and other important characteristics of porch swings.
Types of Porch Swings
The three types of porch swings are freestanding, hanging, and daybeds. The classic hanging porch swing suspends from joists in the porch ceiling via hardware and chains. Freestanding models consist of the swing itself and a freestanding frame from which it hangs. This type of porch swing typically has a canopy top that helps shield the swing from rain and sun. Freestanding swings can be used on a porch, patio, or out in the yard. Daybeds are hanging porch swings that are longer and wider to create a place where you can lie down. Some daybeds use a standard twin or even full-size mattress. A swing chair can be a nice alternative if space is limited.
Material
Most porch swings are made from either wood or steel, which are strong enough to support the weight of several occupants. While steel trumps wood when it comes to durability, it isn’t comfortable to sit on for long periods. Some porch swings feature cushioned seats, making them a more comfortable place to lounge. Wicker porch swings aren’t quite as durable as steel or solid wood, but the material flexes, making for a more comfortable seat.
Size and Capacity
As porch swings tend to take up a significant amount of space, it’s important to consider measurements when choosing a model. Most porch swings are either 5 or 6 feet wide and about 22 inches deep. Single chairs are smaller; daybeds can be as large as a full-size bed.
And while porch swings don’t operate like playground swings, they do still require some room for gently swaying back and forth on a summer’s day. Make sure there is a couple of feet of clearance behind and in front of the swing to allow for this motion.
Of course, the size of a porch swing also determines how many people it can hold. Most porch swings are capable of seating two people comfortably. Larger daybed-style porch swings, per their name, are generally longer to allow the user to comfortably lie down on them. Who doesn’t like letting a porch swing rock them to sleep on a cool early-fall day? Porch swing weight capacity ranges from 400 pounds for smaller models to up to 800 pounds for larger ones.
Hardware and Hanging Materials
Unless the porch swing is a freestanding model, in which case it comes with a porch swing frame designed to support that swing and its occupants, it will require hardware to hang it from the ceiling of the porch. Most porch swings come with chains for hanging but do not include the hardware required for attaching the swing to the ceiling. This hardware typically consists of an eyebolt that screws into a ceiling joist and connects to a chain that attaches to the swing.
Weather Resistance
Although a porch swing may hang under the porch, it’s still subject to abuse from the elements due to humidity, rain swept under the porch by wind, and exposure to the damaging UV rays of the sun. Most porch swings are coated with paint or sealant (if bare or stained wood) that resists damage from the weather. They also typically feature cushions with weather-resistant fabrics such as Sunbrella. If the porch swing is freestanding and does not have the shelter of a covered porch, it should be built to withstand full exposure to the weather. The frame should have a water-resistant powder coating, and any fabric should be weather-resistant.
Style
Porch swings come in many styles, ranging from classic slats to cottage wicker to midcentury modern and sophisticated metal. Many porch swings also offer a variety of different colors, making it easy to match the swing to the exterior color of the house or other outdoor furniture that may accompany it on the porch. Some have convenient cupholders included or they can be bought as accessories.
FAQs
Wondering how much weight a porch swing can hold or whether the porch can accommodate a swing? Then read on for answers to these and other common questions about this outdoor seating.
Q. Is my porch compatible with a hanging swing?
Whether your porch is compatible with a hanging swing has a lot to do with the size and framing of the porch. A porch needs to have ceiling joists capable of supporting the weight of the swing and its occupants. Of course, the porch must also be large enough to accommodate the dimensions of the swing that is being considered. If the porch was built at the same time as the house, there’s a good chance it has the same structural strength and won’t have a problem supporting your chosen swing. However, if it was added later, this may not be the case. If in doubt, you can either consult a builder or structural engineer or buy a freestanding swing.
Q. How much weight can my porch swing safely hold?
This will depend on the porch swing chosen. Nearly all porch swing manufacturers list a weight capacity for their swing to help you pick one that is appropriate. Weight capacities range from around 250 pounds for a single seat up to 800 pounds for heavy-duty models. While most can easily support the weight of two or three people, the available space is also an important consideration. Narrower seats often have a high capacity, but larger people sometimes find them a little cramped.
Q. How can I make my wooden porch swing waterproof?
Many wooden porch swings already come with a protective coating. Exterior paint is popular, as is polyurethane, which is particularly tough. If your chosen wooden porch swing is not protected, you have a couple of options. Painting it with several coats of an exterior primer and paint can offer a long-lasting waterproof finish, and water sealer can work, though it may need periodic reapplication. Varnish can do an excellent job, and marine or yacht varnish is particularly suited to wood that will be kept outdoors.
Q. How do I secure the porch swing from wind?
One popular best way to prevent an outdoor swing from potentially causing damage in high winds is to attach a bungee cord or rope to the swing and fix the other end to a permanent structure, such as a guard rail or a part of the house front. This may require more than one piece of rope or cord to fully secure it. Of course, this will need to be removed before use for free movement to be restored. Another option is to install some form of windbreak. It doesn’t have to be solid, and an attractive decorative screen could do the job. In extreme circumstances, the swing could be taken down, though this is a last resort.
Q. Do porch swings need springs?
No, porch swings do not need springs. However, some people do like to install them, and with good reason. Fitting springs between the ceiling support and chains can often create a softer feel to the swing. Remember that the springs are likely to need occasional lubrication or they might squeak and disturb your quiet time.
