Patio swings boosts the curb appeal of your outdoor living space by providing a comfortable and relaxing seating option. After settling on the best patio swing, the next step is to get it installed. And when it comes to installation, it is important to do it right considering that patio swings are meant to hold one or more adults.
To ensure that your patio swing is comfortable and safe, here are the top 3 installation tricks that you can leverage:
1. Know the difference between ropes and steel chains
Galvanized or stainless steel are among the most common materials that are used to hang swing patios. However, if you are looking for a more rustic look, you can always opt for a marine-grade polyester or nylon rope. Whether you choose a rope or stainless steel chain, there are a few aspects that you need to remember to get the most out of your patio swing:
- They should be at least 7 feet long
- The rope should be at least 19-20 millimeters thick
The chain or rope for each end of your swing should be of equal lengths.
2. Adjust the Height of your swing
Your patio swing should hang at a height that’s comfortable for you and other people who will be using the swing frequently. This about 2 feet off the ground for an average adult. To cater for taller people, you should consider adjusting the height above 2 feet. On the flip side, shorter people will be comfortable with slightly lower swings. After installing your patio swing, therefore, remember to adjust its height until it is at level and height that’s comfortable for you and your visitors. To remove the excess chain, you can use bolt cutters.
3. Consider leaving a lot of space
Your patio swing should move through an arc that extends through about 3- feet of space. Put simply, to ensure maximum flexibility, hang your swing at a spot with at least 3 feet of space both in front and at the back. You can easily determine the amount of space that your patio swing needs by using a measuring tape.
When hanging a pre-fabricated A-frame swing, there will be no need of beams and joists in your patio ceiling. However, you should ensure that the porch is deep enough to accommodate the A-frame. As a guide, always compare the depth of your frame against your patio before purchasing a pre-fabricated swing. With the ability to adjust it will be a perfect match for any garden.
Bottom-line
Hopefully, the above 3 tricks will help you install your patio swings the right way. To test the comfort and efficiency of your swing, push it a bit. If it swings smoothly, you can go ahead and sit on it to see how it feels. On the other hand, if it doesn’t swing smoothly, consider revising your installation process and see where you can make a few changes. For instance, if the left side of your swing is lower than the right side, consider shortening the length of the rope or chains that connect the swing screws on the left. You can also invite your family and friends to help you test the comfort of your newly installed patio swing.