How to Hang a Porch Swing
for Safety and Comfort
Hang a porch swing correctly for both safety and comfort. Hanging porch swings is not hard to do but doing it incorrectly could
cause great harm.
Front porch swings are great additions to any porch and some come with the necessary hardware. Often times; however, you
may have to purchase swing hangars, eyebolts, or other hardware. Our hanging suggestions are for information only; always follow the instructions
that come with your swing.
Photo courtesy of mricon
Not all ceiling joists are created equal. Ensure the support beam or joist is sufficient to support the weight of the swing and those sitting on it. Your joists should be at least a 2x6 or larger. Do not hang the swing from the ceiling covering, like plywood or bead board. If you aren't sure, have a professional check it out for you. 
Mark the position of your porch swing hangers for the most relaxing swinging experience you can have (shown here). These hangers are meant to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use. To do this leave a minimum of 2.5 feet behind the swing for ample swinging room. Three feet or more is even better. Measure from your wall (or railing depending on your swing's location) 3 feet from your wall (minimum). Mark two points on your ceiling joist locations accordingly.
Drill pilot holes (these are holes slightly smaller than the porch swing hangers holes you will be installing) to ensure you do not split the wood. Screw the porch swing hangers into the joist or overhead beam, and hang your chains. Position these marks an inch or two wider than your swing length to disperse the weight. For example, if your swing is 5 feet long, position the chains hooks 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches apart. We recommend that you use comfort springs for extra bounce and smooth swinging (shown here). Place them between the porch swing hangers and chains. Comfort springs are tightly coiled together for effective shock absorption enhancing the comfort of your porch swing with every movement.
Hang Swing from a Tree Limb
Choose a very strong, heavy limb that will support the weight of the swing AND the people on it.
Use a rubber hose to protect the tree limb from chain abrasion.
Do not screw fasteners into the tree.
Fasten the chains around the limb with a heavy, rust-resistant bolt, remembering to add an inch or two to the swing length when positioning the chains.
Always use common sense and follow all safety instructions.
Hang a Porch Swing - Installation Diagram from PorchSwings.com
A-Frame Option
If you discover that your ceiling can't sustain the weight of your porch swing and you don't have a sturdy tree limb, you can hang a porch swing easily from an A-frame. You can use the A-frame on your porch or in your yard as well. 
Great American Adirondack A-Frame Stand from PorchSwings.com
Looking for the perfect swing? We have lots of swings you can choose from - start with these:
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