Porch Swing Buyer’s Guide

Porch swings come in a variety of prices, styles, and sizes.

There are so many options out there, and so many of these are available at LeisurePorchSwings.com, that you are certain to find something to suit your tastes and budget.

Let’s start with the hanging chair.

For smaller or more affordable options, check out swing chairs. Built for one, these chairs come in a variety of colors and styles to suit most tastes. Hanging chairs are meant for solo relaxation, and generally come in more casual styles and flexible materials than traditional porch swings.

Hanging chairs are typically made from canvas, woven fiber, or sometimes natural materials like wicker or rattan. A weather-proof canvas chair will last longer than other materials, and can usually be had at a mid-range price, from $100 to a few hundred dollars. Natural fiber chairs, like rope or woven cotton, are usually the cheapest option, but also do not last more than a few seasons if exposed to variably wet and sunny conditions. Wicker or rattan chairs are among the most aesthetically pleasing, often shaped into functional and beautiful styles. These are more durable than cotton or untreated fabric, but are still prone to damage from weathering. These are also among the most expensive options, and it is not unusual to see these chairs go beyond the $1,000 mark.

Porch swings are meant to share

Porch swings are often made of wood, typically cedar or treated cypress. You can get these styles in natural or painted finishes. Country cottage, Adirondack, or Asian designs dominate this kind of porch swing. This category composes the type of swing most people envision, a whitewashed slatted wood affair with a few throw pillows, perfectly at home in front of a modest Southern house. Of course, even in this area there are creative options, including hammock-style porch swings, which offer a softer construction and fully padded seating area. These offer a more relaxed and contemporary feel than the traditional porch swing.

All of these porch swing options can be mounted to rafters or used with a specialty porch swing stand. Material also has an influence on price. Sealed or stained natural woods like cedar are more expensive than painted woods, and intricate designs are more costly than simple ones.

For something really different, check out the “swing bed.”

Swing beds are a fun and exciting new option in porch swings. These are full size beds suspended from the ceiling or overhead beams. You can use them for relaxing outside or even as a substitute for a traditional bed. Swing beds from LPS come with quick-dry foam mattresses, so the occasional rainstorm won’t ruin your favorite relaxation station. Swing beds are typically going to cost as much or a little more than a traditional bed—often in the $1,000-plus range.