The following are simple steps to installing our Outdoor Republic swings or Hanging Chairs
Step 1: Attach Swing Hangers to Support Beams
In order to know where to attach the swing hangers, measure the swing from side to side (use the distance between the hanging hardware on the swing). Mark this distance on the overhead support beam with a pen/pencil being sure to center the marks, if desired, and to accommodate the needed clearance of 2 feet on either end of the swing. Drill pilot holes into the marks using a drill bit one size smaller than your hanging hardware (i.e. if your hanging hardware is 3/8” you will use a 5/16” drill bit for the pilot holes). Screw the hanging hardware into the pilot holes until they are secure.
Step 2: Attach Chain or Rope to Swing
If your swing came with the hanging assembly pre-attached, you can skip ahead. Otherwise, you will need to attach the chain/rope to the swing using the instructions provided with your swing. Different swings will have different assembly instructions for this step depending upon the hardware used in both the construction of your swing, as well as the hanging assembly you chose. Attaching the chain/rope to most swings is an easy process.
Step 3: Connect Chain/Rope to Overhead Support Hangers
This step will often require multiple people in order to ensure the swing is level once in place, as well as keeping both yourself and the swing safe and sound during installation. One person will need to stand on a sturdy step ladder as the other lifts the swing up for them to attach the chain/rope to the hanger now firmly attached to the support beam. If having an extra set of hands is not an option, you can hang the swing alone; however, extra care will need to be taken. Simply place the swing on a level surface such as a table, saw horses, five gallon buckets, etc., then use the step ladder to attach the chain/rope to the hanger on the support beam.
Step 4: Check Your Work
Once the chain/rope on either side is attached to the hanger in the support beam, check the swing to make sure it is level. If the swing is not completely level, you may need to adjust the chain/rope length on either side accordingly. The ideal distance between the bottom of the porch swing and the ground is between 17 and 19 inches. This leg-swinging height can be lengthened or shortened based upon the swing user’s preference/height. For instance, taller individuals may want to hang their swing a bit higher in order to give more leg room.
Step 5: Porch Swing Trial
Your swing should glide smoothly back and forth when pushed gently. If not, you may need to check your chain to make sure there are not any kinks in the chain, or the chain could be hung at either the top or bottom connection point.
If your swing glides smoothly when pushed, sit down carefully, applying a little bit of weight at a time. Once you’re fully seated, try a few swings back and forth. You should glide smoothly to and fro; if not, check your chain/rope connection points again.