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How to Hang a Porch Swing

Leaving the store with your brand-new porch swing is exciting! You've been dreaming of peaceful summer nights swinging into the sunset. You get home, and reality sets in. How the heck am I going to hang this swing?


If you are replacing an existing swing, the process is relatively simple. Most porch swings are fastened similarly, and all it takes is adjusting the chain length. However, if you are putting a swing in a location that did not have one previously hanging, the job can be a little bit trickier.


Let's start with a general material and tool list

  • Tape Measure

  • Ladder

  • Drill

  • Screw Hooks

  • Screwdriver or turning tool to screw in the hooks

  • Drill Bit (Your hooks will have a recommended size)

  • Pencil

  • Bolt Cutters or Cutting Pliers

  • Flashlight (Can be helpful)


Step 1) Figure out the direction your ceiling joists are oriented

On front porches, most ceiling joists will run perpendicular to the house. Ceilings can be covered with various materials, but each one will have its own unique "tell" that will let you know where those joists are.


Bead Board

Look for nail patterns where the board is fastened to the joist. Sometimes, these holes will be caulked and painted, making them a bit more challenging to locate. You need to find two potential nails. Once you think you have located two, take your tape measure and check for common distances. Joists will be laid out on 16 or 24", so if your two suspects meet these measurements, you've likely found your joists. You can also knock in the area where you think your potential joists are and hear a distinct difference between solid wood and hollow areas.

how to hang a porch swing in beadboard ceiling
Beadboard Ceiling

Tongue & Groove

Like the bead board, look for nails within the grooves of the ceiling. These are usually easy to spot.

how to hang a porch swing in tongue and groove
Tongue & Groove Ceiling

Vinyl

Vinyl siding will require a little bit more effort. You will not be able to locate the joists without removing a panel. You will need a special tool or some sort of hook for this. You can hook the overlapping section, and the panels will separate so you can take a look into the ceiling. Shine your flashlight, and make a mark on the panel where the joist is. While the panel is removed, you should also note if the joists have a 16 or 24" spacing. To put the panel back up, you can usually pop it back into place. Sometimes, the panels take a little "coaxing" to pop back into place.

how to hang a porch swing in vinyl ceiling
Vinyl Ceiling

Step 2) Which direction do you want your swing facing?

Once you have established where the ceiling joists are located, you need to decide on the swing orientation. If you want the length of the swing perpendicular to the house, you just need to use one joist. If you want the swing parallel to the house, you will need two joists. Most of the time, you will use joists 48", 64", or 72" apart. Measure your swing and decide which spacing you will need to put the hooks at.


how to hang a porch swing
Porch Swing Perpendicular to the House

Step 3) Where to put the hooks?

You will want to plan on putting the hooks at least 30" from any wall behind the swing to ensure maximum swing. If you are hanging the swing perpendicular to the house, you will want to measure the space's total width, subtract the swing's width, and divide that number by two. This will determine how far off each side wall you want to put the hooks.

Example

  • Total Width = 96"

  • Swing = 60"

  • 96"-60" = 36"

  • 36"/2 = 18" off each side wall


If you are hanging the swing parallel to the house, you will be limited to putting the hooks at 48", 64", or 72", depending on your joist spacing. Just make sure to put the hooks at least 30" off the back wall.


Step 4) Install the hooks and set your chain

Once you have drilled the holes, install your hooks based on the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are using screw hooks, they should be TIGHT. If you can turn them with your hand, they are too loose. Most standard porch swing chain kits will work up to a 9' tall ceiling. If your ceiling is taller than 9', you might have to purchase an additional chain. We usually start from the top and work our way down. We will hang the chain where the bottom is about 16" off the ground and then attach the swing at the bottom. Keep your ladder handy because it will likely take a couple of trips up and down until you reach the desired swing height.


Step 5) Sit back and relax. You've earned it!

We hope this article on how to hang a porch swing was helpful. Even if you did not purchase your swing from Down Home Dexterities, we would happily help. We would love to install it if you are unsure of your ability to hang it!


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