This porch swing buying guide comes down to three decisions: a swing that fits your porch with room to move, a wood that suits your climate and budget, and a ceiling that can safely carry the load. Measure first. Home Depot’s hanging guide calls for at least 18 inches behind the swing, 14 to 16 inches of clear space on each side, and a seat height of about 17 to 19 inches off the floor. Then pick cedar, treated pine or acacia, and plan to hang from a sound joist with hardware rated for 500 pounds or more.
Below we walk through porch swing size, wood types, styles and how to hang a porch swing, using swings we carry from Creekvine Designs and Benzara.
Porch swing size: measure the space, not just the swing
A swing needs more room than its length. Using the clearances in Home Depot’s how to hang a porch swing guide, the space you need looks like this:
- Width: swing length plus 14 to 16 in on each side. A 4 ft (48 in) swing needs roughly 76 to 80 in of clear porch width; a 5 ft (60 in) swing needs roughly 88 to 92 in.
- Behind: at least 18 in between the back of the swing and the wall or railing.
- Height: the seat should hang about 17 to 19 in above the floor, so check that your ceiling height leaves room for the chain once that is set.
- In front: keep the path in front of the swing clear of doors, steps and planters so nobody walks into the swing’s arc.
Seat length and how many people it holds
Check whether a listing gives seat length or overall length. The Creekvine Mountaintop Fanback, for example, comes in seat lengths of 22, 45, 55 and 69 in, with an overall depth of 26 in, a height of 31 in and an 18 in deep seat. The 22 in option is a single seat; the longer sizes make room for two or more adults side by side. If you want a swing for two people to sit without touching shoulders, the 55 in or 5 ft class is the comfortable choice; a 4 ft swing is a cozier two seater.
Porch swing wood: cedar vs treated pine vs acacia
| Wood | Example swings we carry | Price range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western red cedar | Creekvine Classic Cedar, Mountaintop Fanback Cedar | $499 to $949 | Listed as solid or western red cedar built to handle the outdoors; optional cedar stain or sealer is offered on several models. |
| Treated pine | Creekvine 53 in Starback, High Crossback | $479 to $599 | Treated pine for outdoor use; the High Crossback adds a high back, deep seat and lower lumbar support. |
| Acacia | Benzara Mania, Benzara Annah | $203.83 to $478.43 | White or teak toned finishes; listed at up to 800 lb capacity with 8 ft chains included. |
For a deeper look at hardwoods outdoors, see our acacia vs teak guide. Whatever the wood, a covered porch protects it far better than open sky, and resealing on the schedule the sealer maker suggests helps slow graying.
Porch swing buying guide: styles and comfort
The back shape decides how the swing sits. A fanback leans you back to lounge; Creekvine describes the Mountaintop’s gently angled backrest as made for slow mornings. A rollback or classic slat back is more upright for coffee and conversation. A high crossback supports the shoulders, and an Adirondack style swing such as the Creekvine Cedar Adirondack Chair Style Porch Swing ($949) gives you contoured, chair like seats that swing together.
Comfort tips that apply to any style:
- Sit in the back angle you like before you set the chain lengths. The short rear chains control tilt.
- Add outdoor cushions only if you can bring them in or cover them in bad weather; see should you cover patio furniture.
- Rounded, sanded edges, which every Creekvine swing above lists, are kinder to the backs of your legs.
How to hang a porch swing safely
This part matters most. A swing with two or three adults puts a moving load on your porch ceiling. Home Depot’s guide gives these basics:
- Find a sound joist. Only a joist can safely hold a swing with people on it. Do not use a joist with rot or cracks, and think about other loads it already carries. Joists can be reinforced by sistering or blocking.
- Use rated hardware. Chains or rope, hooks and connectors should be suitable for outdoor use with a working load rating of 500 lb or more. Rope should be at least 3/4 in thick.
- Use the right fasteners. Screw eyes, hooks or eye bolts should be at least 1/2 in in diameter with a threaded shank of at least 4 in. The guide shows a 6 in machine threaded eyebolt through the joist, secured with a flat washer, lock washer and nut.
- Space the hooks. Set them 2 to 4 in wider than the swing so the chains do not rub the arms and the weight spreads evenly.
- Set height and tilt. Connect the long front chain and short rear chain on each side, then adjust links until the seat is about 17 to 19 in off the floor with a comfortable lean.
Note that Creekvine swings ship with free zinc plated chains but no hanging hooks, so buy rated hooks or a hanger kit separately. If you are unsure of your joists or you have a finished ceiling, have a carpenter or contractor check the structure before you hang anything.
No porch ceiling? Use a swing stand
A freestanding frame skips the ceiling entirely. The Creekvine 5 ft Cedar Country Hearts Porch Swing with Stand ($1,519) is solid red cedar and is listed as needing no anchors, so it can sit on a patio, deck or lawn. Place it on level ground and keep the same side and back clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What size porch swing should I get?
Measure your clear porch width and subtract 28 to 32 in for side clearance; that is your maximum swing length. Most two person swings are 4 to 5 ft long. Leave at least 18 in behind the swing.
How high should a porch swing hang?
About 17 to 19 in from the floor to the seat, per Home Depot’s guide, which is close to a standard chair seat height.
Is cedar or pine better for a porch swing?
Cedar costs a little more and is valued for its natural weather resistance. Treated pine is a solid value and is treated for outdoor use. Both last longer under a covered porch with periodic sealing.
Can I hang a porch swing from a ceiling without joists showing?
Yes, but you have to locate and inspect the joists first, which may mean removing some trim or paneling. If a joist does not land where you need it, add blocking between joists rather than screwing into ceiling boards.
Shop porch swings
Browse all Creekvine Designs swings, read our guide to patio furniture materials, or see the double egg chair for another two person hanging seat. Questions on sizing or hardware? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and orders below that ship for a flat $200. See our return and refund policy for return details.
