Step 1

Installing a Porch Swing

Installing a Porch Swing

Step 1- Determine Swing Location Keep in mind you’ll want to allow four feet of room in front and behind the swing for adequate swinging motion. Locate the ceiling joists above the area, ours were exposed underneath a deck. You MUST install your swing into a structural beam of some sort for safety.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Determine Swing Location

You'll want to allow four feet of room in front and behind the swing for adequate swinging motion. Locate the ceiling joists above the area (ours were exposed underneath a deck). You must install your swing into a structural beam for safety.

Step 2

Step 2- Prep for Eye Bolts Pull your measuring tape across the middle of the swing to get an average width then make two marks that many inches apart along the joist with a pencil . Drill pilot holes using a drill bit thinner than the thickness of your eyebolt in preparation for installation PRO TIP- Never use a drill bit as thick as your eye bolt, as it will render the swing UNSAFE.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 1

Step 2- Prep for Eye Bolts Pull your measuring tape across the middle of the swing to get an average width then make two marks that many inches apart along the joist with a pencil . Drill pilot holes using a drill bit thinner than the thickness of your eyebolt in preparation for installation PRO TIP- Never use a drill bit as thick as your eye bolt, as it will render the swing UNSAFE.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Step 2- Prep for Eye Bolts Pull your measuring tape across the middle of the swing to get an average width then make two marks that many inches apart along the joist with a pencil . Drill pilot holes using a drill bit thinner than the thickness of your eyebolt in preparation for installation PRO TIP- Never use a drill bit as thick as your eye bolt, as it will render the swing UNSAFE.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 3

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 3

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Prep for Eye Bolts

Measure for the middle of the swing to get an average width, then make two marks with that measurement along the joist with a pencil (Image 1). Drill pilot holes using a drill bit thinner than the eye bolt (provided in swing kit) in preparation for installation (Images 2 and 3). 

Pro Tip

Never use a drill bit as thick as your eye bolt, as it will render the swing unsafe.

Step 3

Installing a Porch Swing

Installing a Porch Swing

Step 3- Install Eye Bolts Install the eye bolts by hand until the threading is out of sight. Use a screw driver for more leverage if needed. At minimum, use a .5 inch thick x 5-inch long eye bolt. Use a tiny bit of soap or oil to lubricate the eye bolts as needed to get them started in the hole.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Install Eye Bolts

Install the eye bolts by hand until the threading is out of sight. Use a screwdriver for more leverage if needed. At minimum, use a 1/2x 5" long eye bolt. Use a small amount of soap or oil to lubricate the eye bolts if needed.

Step 4

Installing a Porch Swing

Installing a Porch Swing

Step 4- Add Threaded Links Once the eye bolts, are in place, add what’s called a “quick link” with a threaded opening to each eye bolt. This is what you’ll attach the chain to in the next step. Close it securely by turning the nut by hand.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Add Threaded Links

Once the eye bolts are in place, add a quick link (provided in the swing kit) with a threaded opening to each eye bolt. This is what you’ll attach the chain to in the next step. Close it securely by turning the nut by hand.

Step 5

Step 5 – Hang Swing & Adjust ChainHang the swing by attaching each chain to the threaded link hanging off the eyebolt above . As a general rule, a swing is most comfortable with the seat hung about 17-19inch off the ground Many swings come with chain and hardware included cut if you’re buying your own chain, make sure it’s WELDED, for safety and buy a little extra just in case you need it. Adjust the swing to your comfort, making sure it’s level. Remove any excess chain using bolt cutters PRO TIP- If you use rope, make sure it’s super thick and MARINE grade, so it’ll stand up to the weather.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 1

Step 5 – Hang Swing & Adjust ChainHang the swing by attaching each chain to the threaded link hanging off the eyebolt above . As a general rule, a swing is most comfortable with the seat hung about 17-19inch off the ground Many swings come with chain and hardware included cut if you’re buying your own chain, make sure it’s WELDED, for safety and buy a little extra just in case you need it. Adjust the swing to your comfort, making sure it’s level. Remove any excess chain using bolt cutters PRO TIP- If you use rope, make sure it’s super thick and MARINE grade, so it’ll stand up to the weather.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Step 5 – Hang Swing & Adjust ChainHang the swing by attaching each chain to the threaded link hanging off the eyebolt above . As a general rule, a swing is most comfortable with the seat hung about 17-19inch off the ground Many swings come with chain and hardware included cut if you’re buying your own chain, make sure it’s WELDED, for safety and buy a little extra just in case you need it. Adjust the swing to your comfort, making sure it’s level. Remove any excess chain using bolt cutters PRO TIP- If you use rope, make sure it’s super thick and MARINE grade, so it’ll stand up to the weather.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 3

Installing a Porch Swing

Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Image 3

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Installing a Porch Swing

Installing a Porch Swing

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Install Swing

Attach each chain (provided in swing kit) to the threaded link hanging off the eyebolt above (Image 1). As a general rule, a swing is most comfortable with the seat hung about 17-19" off the ground (Image 2). If you're buying your own chain, make sure it's welded for safety and buy extra in case you need it. Adjust the swing to your comfort, making sure it's level. Remove any excess chain using bolt cutters (Image 3). If you use rope instead of a chain, make sure it's thick and marine grade, so it'll stand up to the weather. 

Pro Tip

Periodically check your swing, chain and its hardware/fasteners for wear and fatigue from the elements. You will periodically need to re-paint, stain or seal a wooden swing to keep it from deteriorating.