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The 12 Best Porch Swings of 2024

Enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature from these cozy porch swings

In This Article

In This Article

Collage of a porch swing we recommend on a green background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Whether you curl up on a spacious daybed or a simple wicker loveseat, a porch swing can be a cozy oasis for enjoying beverages, reading books, or watching the neighbors pass by. Porch swing designs have also evolved with decorating trends, so you can find modern frames with cushions in addition to the classic wooden silhouette.

Before you search for a porch swing, we recommend considering the size of your space and what type of installation you want for your swing—handing or freestanding. These factors will prioritize the swings that will be best for your space. We researched the best porch swings on the market and created a list of various styles, weight capacities, and materials to help you find the perfect piece for your home. 

What We Like
  • Classic silhouette

  • Very durable plastic made from recycled items

  • Contoured seat for comfort

  • Multiple color options

What We Don't Like
  • No brackets included

The Polywood Vineyard Porch Swing combines a charming silhouette with extra durable material for the ultimate cozy retreat. Featuring a classic park bench shape, the swing is made of Polywood lumber, a proprietary blend of plastics from sources like recycled milk jugs and detergent containers. You won't need to treat the material over time, as it naturally resists rotting, chipping, and corroding. Rain or shine, you can enjoy this bench for a long time and do so knowing that it consists of sustainable recycled materials. 

Besides resisting the elements, this vintage-inspired porch swing can also hold its fair share of weight. Its 55-inch seat can hold up to three people and has a weight capacity of 1,200 pounds. The seat even has a slightly contoured design for added comfort. You’ll be able to choose from seven different colors, including white, green, and mahogany. 

While the porch swing set comes with zinc chains, you'll need to source brackets for installation. Another thing to consider is that this porch swing is one of the pricier options available. However, we believe it's a durable, long-lasting piece perfect for various lifestyles and decor tastes.

Dimensions: 23.25 x 60.5 x 24 inches | Material: Plastic, high-density polyethylene, zinc | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds

What We Like
  • Wood is weather- and rot-resistant

  • Comes with hardware

  • Versatile color options

What We Don’t Like
  • Seat depth may be a little short

  • May need to consider adding a coating or sealant

Porch swings can cost a pretty penny, but you can certainly furnish the front of your home without breaking the bank. This 48-inch wood swing from Best Choice Products is a sturdy pick with classic appeal. The swing is made of weather- and rot-resistant acacia wood and has zinc oxide-coated steel chains for durability. It’s pretty spacious too, with a 500-pound capacity and 45-inch seat, you can seat up to three people. We appreciate that it also comes with anchor bolts and mounting fasteners, so you don't have to make additional purchases. It's available in a warm brown or classic white finish. 

You may need to use pillows or cushions for extra comfort on this swing, and it's important to note that the seat is only 20.5 inches deep, which is narrow compared to other picks on our list. We also suggest adding a coat of sealant or protectant to maintain the swing, as the wood may become vulnerable to the elements over time.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 48 x 22 inches | Material: Metal and wood | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

What We Like
  • Mattress repels water and resists mildew

  • Durable aluminum and resin wicker frame

  • Can deep clean with soap and water

What We Don’t Like
  • No hanging hardware included

The Serena & Lily Springwood Daybed has a gorgeous coastal aesthetic and plenty of space for relaxing. At nearly $3,500, this porch swing is an investment piece, but the luxury price tag is backed up by the high-quality design. It can support up to 500 pounds and features a weatherproof Sunbrella mattress that's water-repellent and mildew-resistant. Plus, the mattress can withstand damage from sun, heat, and rain. We also love that everything is easily removable for spot cleaning—you can even hose everything down with a soapy solution if you'd like a deeper cleaning. 

The mattress sits on a sturdy resin and aluminum frame, featuring stylish steel end caps. The set includes four heavy-duty ropes, but you'll need to buy hanging hardware and we recommend having the swing professionally installed.

Dimensions: 74 x 35 x 23 inches | Material: Resin and aluminum, polyurethane foam, and polyester fibers | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

What We Like
  • Features a durable poly lumber frame material

  • Easy to clean

  • Multiple color options for just the right look

What We Don't Like
  • Need to get your own anchors

This low-maintenance porch swing was built to endure the elements. The bench, which comes in either a 4-foot or 5-foot-wide size, is made of poly lumber, like our best overall pick, the Polywood Vineyard Porch Swing, accomplishing the aesthetic of real wood with extra durability and weather resistance. You can easily wipe messes off with soapy water and a brush—if you want to, you could even power wash it with a hose. It also has a zinc-plated steel chain and 304-grade stainless steel hardware that resists splintering, cracking, and peeling. 

You can choose from 11 colors, including rustic red and a more traditional white. When it comes to assembly, the only thing you need to run out and grab are anchors. You could pair this swing with outdoor cushions if you want something plush to sit or lean on. 

Dimensions: 22 x 50 x 24, 22 x 61 x 24 inches | Material: Plastic, high-grade poly, zinc, and steel | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

What We Like
  • Canopy is UV resistant

  • Features side tables for beverages

  • Can hold up to 600 pounds

What We Don't Like
  • Thin cushions

For a stand-alone porch swing where you get a reprieve from sun and rain, the Red Barrel Studio Brentley Porch Swing will make a lovely addition to your patio or yard with its outdoor cover. The adjustable canopy is made of UV-resistant polyester and comfortably provides shade for up to three people. It's also fairly easy to clean with a wet cloth and power washer.

The metal frame has cushioned seating, but you can also remove the cushions. The cushions may be too thin for some users, but you can always swap them out for a different set.

The porch swing features two foldable side tables, making it easy to enjoy beverages on a warm day without worrying about where to put them. The weight capacity is also an impressive 600 pounds.

Dimensions: 67.3 x 57.9 x 46 inches | Material: Metal, polyester, and cotton | Installation Type: Standing | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

What We Like
  • Features a full-size twin bed

  • Attractive design

  • Moisture and insect-resistant eucalyptus material

What We Don't Like
  • Extra fees for shipping and professional installation

This daybed swing from Ballard Designs will usher you into the sweetest dreams from your porch. It features a slat-rail bed made of 100 percent FSC-certified eucalyptus that resists damage from moisture and insects. You can choose between a warm-toned whitewash or a cooler graywash. It features a large, deep cushion covered in sand twill. Ballard Designs also includes hanging chains for assembly. 

With this porch swing, you'll want to take note of a few potential drawbacks. You'll need to have it professionally installed and pay shipping fees for oversized items, both of these factors mean extra money on top of your order. However, we love it's design-forward style and think it's perfect for a larger porch or back deck.

Dimensions: 22 x 81.75 x 43.25 inches | Material: Eucalyptus and sand twill | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: Not Indicated

What We Like
  • No need to install any anchors

  • Solid wood construction

  • Slatted details

What We Don’t Like
  • No canopy for weather protection

A porch swing with a stand ensures stability without requiring you to install any anchors into your porch roof. This lovely, freestanding porch swing from Millwood Pines features a classic look with its solid wood frame and warm, natural finish—it consists of dark red meranti wood treated with teak oil to withstand various weather conditions.

We recommend regularly applying teak oil to maintain its color over time. The galvanized and adjustable steel chains fixed to the stand can support up to 350 pounds. The seating area is spacious and ideal for two adults, measuring 44.2 inches wide.

There are a few things to consider before you select this swing. If you opt to keep this swing on a porch, you may want to consider an outdoor rug to prevent the frame from sliding and prevent scratches to your porch. Plus, unlike other standing swings on the market, this design doesn't feature a canopy for shade or shelter.

Dimensions: 65 x 63 x 48 inches | Material: Wood | Installation Type: Standing | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

What We Like
  • Durable material

  • Colorfast and UV-resistant cushion and pillow

What We Don’t Like
  • Hanging model does not feature a stand

Consider a hanging swing like this cozy swing egg chair from Bulexyard if you don't have a large front porch. It's made from a tough polyethylene wicker material for durability in harsh weather, and you even get a colorfast and UV-resistant cushion and headrest pillow for extra comfort when you're hanging out on the porch. You can choose from beige, brown, dark gray, and gray and you can even opt to purchase an outdoor cover with the chair. 

Installation should only take a few minutes—all you have to do is drill a hole in your ceiling and insert the hooks. With a 265-pound capacity, it’s best for one person. That said, what it lacks in capacity, it makes up for in compactness. If you want to use this as a stationary chair, note that there are sets with and without stands—the hanging models do not have stands.

Dimensions: 29.2 x 25.6 x 42.5 inches | Material: Aluminum, polyethylene wicker, and aluminum | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds

What We Like
  • Durable frame with attractive wicker

  • Comfortable cushioning and support

  • Multiple color options

What We Don’t Like
  • For one person only

This cozy chair swing from Novogratz looks just like an indoor accent chair, but you can keep it on your porch for the perfect reading nook. The chair features a weather-resistant steel frame wrapped in woven resin wicker for a simple but elevated vibe. It has an olefin back and cushions with a rounded bottom. Plus, there's a lumbar pillow, too. The available color options include rosewater, gray, taupe, and aqua. 

One drawback is that this swing is created for one with its 250-pound weight capacity—you'd maybe be able to sit on it with a small dog or cat in your lap, but it probably won’t fit two people. It's also a little pricey for a single chair, but its steel and resin wicker frame offers a relatively sturdy foundation compared to the more precarious single-seat braided hammocks on the market.

Dimensions: 15.2 x 36.2 x 32.3 inches | Material: Steel, resin wicker, and olefin | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

What We Like
  • Durable metal frame

  • Parts are easy to store

  • Adjustable canopy made of weather-resistant fabric

  • Side trays for food and beverages

What We Don’t Like
  • Big size not ideal for small spaces

  • Instructions can be unclear

For a stable and gentle swinging motion, consider a freestanding glider chair. This glider swing from Veikous offers comfort, durability, and high capacity. It has a rust-free, powder-coated steel frame that resists wind and provides stable support. For comfortable sitting, there are plush cushions that are removable and detachable for easy storage. The canopy is also adjustable and removable, featuring weather-resistant and fade-resistant fabric. The swing even has plastic side trays for any food and drinks you might enjoy while sitting on the swing.

This glider swing can hold up to 750 pounds, making it perfect for up to three people. Note that because of the great capacity, this is a fairly large product: Measuring 78.5 x 44.6 x 71.5 inches, this glider swing isn't necessarily for smaller backyards. You may also need patience while assembling.

Dimensions: 78.5 x 44.6 x 71.5 inches | Material: Steel, iron, and polyester | Installation Type: Standing | Weight Capacity: 750 pounds

What We Like
  • Classic design

  • Easy assembly

What We Don’t Like
  • Wood is prone to weathering

Sometimes, you may want a traditional wooden swing without bells or whistles. This light brown cedar wood porch swing from Backyard Discovery is our go-to wooden option. You might notice some weathering over time with the wooden frame, but you can always use a sealant to slow wear—this is a requirement for your warranty. 

While you might need to take extra care of your wooden swing, these basic precautions will ensure a lasting product in the long run. This sturdy swing can accommodate two people and hold up to 600 pounds. At just under $200, you get a long-lasting piece of furniture for your porch. Plus, assembly is easy. This swing set comes with pre-cut and pre-drilled lumber, and you can even get a setup visualizer with the interactive BILT app.

Dimensions: 55 x 28 x 22 inches | Material: Wood | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

What We Like
  • Charming fleur-de-lis design

  • Powder-coated frame for resisting rust

  • Easy to assemble

What We Don’t Like
  • Material can be uncomfortable to sit on for a long time

For a sturdy metal frame that exudes old-fashioned charm, this sophisticated 2-Person Metal Porch Swing from Best Choice Products will do just the trick for relaxing evenings on the porch. Reminiscent of a traditional park bench, it features an attractive fleur-de-lis backrest with armrests and a powder-coated metal frame that resists rusting.

The weight capacity is relatively strong, too—the bench can hold up to 485 pounds. Assembly shouldn't be tricky, as the bench set includes four interconnecting parts, mounting hardware, and clear instructions. 

You can purchase this metal porch swing in either bronze or black. You might want to consider adding cushions or pillows to your setup, as it can feel uncomfortable to sit on metal.

Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 52 inches | Material: Powder-coated metal | Installation Type: Hanging | Weight Capacity: 485 pounds

Final Verdict

The Polywood Vineyard Porch Swing is our overall best pick because of its weatherproof design, weight capacity, and model range. Its sturdy material makes it well worth the investment. If you're looking for more economical options, another top-rated porch swing we love is the Best Choice Products 48in Wood Porch Swing, a high-quality choice for under $200. 

What to Look for in a Porch Swing

Size and Weight

When choosing the perfect porch swing for your space, two of the most important factors to consider include size and weight. First, consider how many people you want your swing to accommodate—you can choose from single, two-person, three-person, or bed swings.

Additionally, take note of your porch size to ensure you have room for your desired swing. “Check the width and swinging depth of the area. You don’t want your new swing to be banging into the house or porch railings because it is too large for the space,” says Chris Hewett, founder of My Old House Fix.

For safety reasons, you also want to consider your swing’s weight capacity and use chains and hardware that can adequately support your weight. Many swings can handle anywhere between 250 to 550 pounds of weight. Some exceptions, including the Red Barrel Studios Khaki Brentley Porch Swing (best with canopy), can accommodate up to 750 pounds, so it’s great for large families. 

Material

You can find porch swings constructed from various materials: wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. Here’s what to know about each type.

  • Wood: With wood swings, you might want to look for weather- and rot-resistant wood like acacia. Be sure to also look into models with protective coatings or apply a sealant once you finish assembling your wooden swing. 
  • Metal: While metal swing sets tend to be sturdy, consider models with powder-coated finishes, like the Best Choice Products Black Metal Porch Swing, our best metal option, to avoid dealing with rust and corrosion. 
  • Plastic: If you have concerns about weather damage, a high-density polyethylene swing may be a great option, even though it may not offer as much charm as a wooden or metal swing. Many thicker plastic swings actually resemble wood like our best overall pick, the Polywood Vineyard Porch Swing.
  • Wicker: Rattan can make for an attractive swing material, but it can also be very fragile. If you have a rattan swing, it may be best to keep it behind a screened porch so that it’s not exposed to dry air and sunlight. Alternatively, you can also opt for a resin wicker swing for better durability, like our best cushioned pick, the Novogratz Sally Porch Swing.

Installation Requirements

Porch swing installation requirements will vary from model to model. While a DIY tire swing may be secured to a tree branch, installing a porch swing will be more involved as you figure out how to attach it to your porch ceiling. Your ceiling structure will determine what hardware you need and your chain length.

“Whether you DIY or hire out the installation, read and be familiar with all manufacturer’s warnings, specifications, and instructions," Hewett says. "The swing must be mounted to a suitable porch ceiling structural member and/or ceiling joist. Larger swings will need added overhead structural support.”

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, you can look for more practical safety hardware and bonus finishing touches. Hewett recommends investing in a comfort spring kit and safety chains. Comfort spring kits are mounting hardware kits with springs to absorb shock for a smoother swinging experience. You should also install safety chains as a backup hanging system.

According to Hewett, safety chains are “basically two short pieces of chain that bypass the spring on each side of the porch swing. They keep your swing connected to the rope or chain, should a spring ever break.”

Besides mounting kits and chains, consider pieces that make your swinging experience cozier and more comfortable. Non-technical additions to your swing set can include supportive cushions and pillows, as seen in the Novogratz Sally Porch Swing.

FAQ
  • What are the different types of porch swings?

    The main types of porch swings include classic hanging porch swings and freestanding porch swings—in either case, you’ll usually find a seat that’s a bit more spacious than your typical tire swing. With the first type, you'll need to attach your swing to support structures on your building. A swing can come in many different forms, including chairs and daybeds. Freestanding swings don't need to be attached to a building structure and have their own support structure. You may find them with features such as canopies and gliders.

  • How tall should a porch swing be?

    The general rule for installing porch swings is to keep your seat height 17 to 19 inches above the ground. This clearance should keep your swinging comfortable, but you can adjust the space to suit your height.

  • Can I install a porch swing myself?

    Hanging a porch swing by yourself may require patience, but it's feasible and not overly complicated. That said, you want to pick the ideal location for your swing, ensure it has sufficiently safe structural support, take careful measurements, and use the correct hardware for your installation. Even if you're DIY-ing your porch swing installation, you may need to buy chains, ropes, or hardware if your swing set doesn't already come with them. 

    If you want to outsource the installation to a contractor, costs can run the gamut. Depending on how much work your contractor needs to do, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $1,000. Before installation, you can always ask for a quote.

  • Are porch swings safe?

    A porch swing's safety ultimately depends on what it's made of and what type of hardware is used to support it. Your seating material, plus ropes, chains, or connectors, should resist wear from weather and support your swing's weight capacity. You also want to look at your porch. It should have joists that can accommodate your swing and the people who will sit on it. Additionally, provide adequate space around and beneath your swing. 

    Of course, a major part of porch swing safety lies in maintenance. “Make sure all hardware is in good condition. Replace ropes if they begin to rot or fray, as well as chains and hardware if they become excessively rusted or corroded,” says Hewett. “Also, inspect the mounting locations yearly to make sure the hardware is staying securely mounted into the porch ceiling joists.”

    It’s also important to always follow the safety guidelines of your patio swing, including the weight capacity, to ensure the safest experience for everyone involved. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

Stacey Nguyen, a freelance writer, has been covering home and lifestyle topics for The Spruce since 2021. She evaluated dozens of porch swings to create this list, researching various materials, durability requirements, and designs.

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