Porch, Patio and Pergola Swings!
Swings, sliders and gliders…there’s something wonderfully comforting about the to-and-fro motion that can calm and soothe a frazzled psyche. According to Playground Professionals, swinging stimulates our bodies’ sensory systems, and helps settle our brains. We found swings you can buy and swings you can DIY for a relaxing addition to your porch, patio or pergola.
Swing Into Crystal Valley
You can get your hands on a swing to hang or a free-standing model for anywhere from $161 on Overstock for an acacia wood slat swing that hangs from silver chain links, to $4853 for a rattan malia daybed from Frontgate, with your choice of solid or print Sunbrella cushions. The options are varied and variably priced, depending on your outdoor space, your preference and your budget.
If you want one NOW, Lowe’s in Castle Rock has a healthy selection of swings, gliders, hanging baskets and hammocks. There’s the Lautan, a two-person free-standing swing with a canopy made from Chorea wood – similar to teak and resistant to rotting – priced at $436 before tax. Or the two-person bronze powder coated steel swing, one less expensive option, available for $143.
If you want the look of real wood, but without the maintenance (no sanding, staining or painting required), check out the Highwood Weatherly Porch Swing – also at Lowe’s and made in the U.S., for $516.
Venture over to Walmart to check out the Belham collection of porch swing beds with cushions. These white FSC-certified sustainable eucalyptus wood swings have a white finish with a blue cushion and matching bolster pillows. Walmart carries an entire line of Belham suspended seating – some that look like living room couches hung by sturdy chain link, and others that look like floating patio benches. They range in price from about $300 to $1300.
Unique, Hand-Crafted and DIY
If you want something more unique and one-of-a-kind-ish, head over to Etsy where you’ll find all sorts of hand-crafted cedar porch swings, hung with chain link and/or rope – a nice rustic touch. You’ll also find chair and daybed swings, and sliders, too – and something called a joggling board that’s made to rock and bounce – and if you’ve never heard of one (we hadn’t), watch this YouTube video to get an idea. (Kind of makes you want one – they look super fun.)
If you have some basic carpentry skills and a few power tools, you might want to DIY your own unique porch or patio swing. The Family Handyman has step-by-step instructions for a swing that you’ll have the satisfaction of completing on your own! A few of these make-it-yourself swings could easily be first-time woodworking projects because the steps are simple cuts and basic assembly techniques.
You’ll also see a few swings by Hayneedle, and Pawley’s Island, the latter one – available at Overstock — looks like a hammock, with a definite beachy vibe.
Country Living has 16 porch swing plans to peruse, and The Spruce another 12 – including a free-standing number that can be made in a weekend using cedar, redwood or pine. You find a list of materials, tools, diagrams, written instructions and tips.
If you’re not sure how to install a porch swing, let the DIY Network show you how with eyebolts and a drill. If you use rope instead of chain, make sure it’s thick marine grade so it’ll stand up to Colorado weather.
Welcoming Porches in Crystal Valley
We can see it happening, people sitting on their porches and interacting with neighbors passing by on walks with their dogs, strolls with their kids – outdoor seating for the summer of 2020. What’s inside are brand new homes in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley in rolling hills and surrounded by nature. Make an appointment to visit the models from Richmond American Homes, Kauffman Homes, Century Communities and D.R. Horton and choose from ranch or two-story models — priced from the $300s.
