While parts and accessories for assembly are included, just keep in mind that you’ll need a wrench (or two) to screw the pieces in properly. We found it pretty hefty, so you’ll likely need another person to help assemble and hang it up (like we did). They are perfect for warm days when you want to soak up the sunshine or sway to the sound of light afternoon rain (with a book and an icy drink). And in the South, porches are an extension of our interiors, so we try to make them as homey as possible. For this update, we added the Backyard Discovery Endeavor II Outdoor Playground Set, which replaced an out-of-stock swing set. We also added pros and cons to each set and answered some frequently asked questions.
The Swing Set Of Their Dreams
Our baby and kids gear team is made up of experienced parents, journalists, editors and product reviewers. Swing, wave, flourish, brandish, thrash mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down.
- Having a variety of play features such as swings, slides, sandboxes and clubhouses provide kids the opportunity to play the way that excites them.
- This set is just right for younger kids who need a place to play and explore in their yard.
- You can also angle the canopy at the top to get the sun exposure or shade you want.
- One of the first steps to ensuring safety is making sure your swing set meets ASTM standards.
- My dream is to one day have a huge wraparound porch with several outdoor sitting areas and a cozy front porch swing right up front.
There are many reputable swing set brands, including KidKraft, Gorilla Playsets, Step2, Creative Playthings and Backyard Discovery. When choosing a brand, make sure they follow ASTM standards to ensure the swing set is designed safely. You’ll also find porch swings made from metal, which is also a good choice if you’re looking for something durable and long lasting.
The Porchswing Company Centerville Amish Porch Swing
My family had a hand-me-down Step2 swing set that we have now passed down to a third family—and it’s still in great condition. The Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center includes a variety of play features such as a climbing rope, a slide, a clubhouse, two swings and a basketball hoop. If your children are nearing 8, you may want to choose one of the larger and more adventurous sets. To get the most use out of a swing set, look for something that has a variety of play features. Dr. Brown explained that kids can have varied play interests, so try to cater to their interests when choosing play features. Common play features include swings, slides, rock walls, sandboxes and clubhouses.
- Having a swing set in the backyard makes it so easy to send the kids outside to play and burn off their energy.
- With so many swing sets available, finding the one that’s right for you requires you to consider your preferences, needs and available space.
- The Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center includes a variety of play features such as a climbing rope, a slide, a clubhouse, two swings and a basketball hoop.
- According to Sirna, porch swings can vary in size, but on average, they are typically around 4 to 5 feet long.
- Also, because some of the holes didn’t line up when assembling it, we had to use a power drill to get them to fit.
- The white paint held up very well with no chipping during our tests, and the solid wood material hadn’t shown any signs of wear and tear, like warping.
Trekassy Two-Seat Swing Set
McKenzie also recommends soft swing seats, capped screws and bolts and guardrails or barriers on ramps and platforms. Additionally, check to make sure your child’s head can’t get stuck anywhere; any space between railings or other components should be less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches. My kids have been using the Bijou Build Mainstay And Sway for about a year, and they still can’t get enough of it.
Play Features
The Juniper is ideal for younger tots, because it’s low to the ground, has four play elements and can fold for storage. You can also opt to use it indoors during cold and rainy seasons or just on a smaller enclosed porch where you can keep an eye on the little ones. This swing set is best for people looking for an inexpensive, low-maintenance option or those who have limited space. Metal sets like this one require less maintenance than wooden sets and often take less assembly time than more complicated swing sets. This particular set has a lot of play features, including two swings, a trapeze bar, a rock wall, a clubhouse, a slide, a fireman’s pole and a sandbox. It’s definitely a more expensive set, so this would be best for a family who doesn’t plan on moving anytime soon.
This porch swing has a solid iron frame and comes with two heavy-duty steel chains to hold up the sides. Just keep in mind the weight capacity is just under 500 pounds, so you probably only want to have two people on it at a time. Although the manufacturers state that the swing is rust-resistant, you might have to take certain precautions to keep it from oxidizing, as it’s naturally prone to rust over time. Kids are naturals at play and exercise, but offering them a safe space and the tools to jump into it can encourage even more movement. “The play urge is often very personal, very particular, very much like one’s own fingerprint in that it is sort of embedded in who we are,” explains .
It’s recommended for kids ages 3 to 7, so you’ll want to choose a different set if your kids are older. Finally, you can find single-seater porch swings, as well as daybed swings that can accommodate twin or full size mattresses. We particularly like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is made from recycled plastics and won’t rot, splinter, or fade. These are especially great if you live in coastal areas where there is high humidity.
This is a great swing set for medium to large backyards and families with multiple kids. You’ll need to coat the wood with a sealant, and the brand recommends reapplying every two to three years. Overall, we like that it is lightweight, so it will be easy to lift up when you want to install it. But a wide-open space on the seat back—and between the handles and seat—makes us think that it’s probably better to sit and swing on this hanging porch swing rather than recline on it.
We found that the seat and the chains were quite sturdy and its back provided plenty of support. The metal parts and seat never deteriorated during our tests, despite being subjected to the elements. The Polywood Vineyard 60-Inch Porch Swing is our clear favorite because it’s built to withstand both heat and wintry conditions. Plus, it is one of the Plus500 Review most spacious options on our list and comes with a 20-year warranty. You can also angle the canopy at the top to get the sun exposure or shade you want. Other beneficial features include foldable tables on either side to hold cool drinks and snacks.
Instead, they are an all-in-one unit that can be placed anywhere on your porch or in your yard. On hot summer days, there’s nothing like catching a cool breeze while swinging in your yard. With the Purple Leaf Deluxe, you can do just that plus have a glass of sweet tea on the side, just in case you get thirsty. That said, we didn’t like that we had to buy mounting brackets separately and would have preferred if all the accessories needed for installation were included. Also, because some of the holes didn’t line up when assembling it, we had to use a power drill to get them to fit. Be sure to read all the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance and safe use.
Not to mention, the unique structure looks beautiful in our backyard, especially when the solar lights come on at night. Every time other kids come over to play, they’re immediately drawn to our swing set. Porch swings fall into two broad categories—hanging and stand-alone—and can be broken out even further from there.
Great For Younger Kids
We continued to use the swings for six months, considering how well they performed long-term, if they developed wear and tear, and if any maintenance was required. To round out our list, we also researched other highly rated swings we haven’t yet tested. One of the first steps to ensuring safety is making sure your swing set meets ASTM standards.
Some sets have more unique features like flower boxes, chalkboards, rope ladders and telescopes. The KidKraft Appleton Wooden Swing Set is a more compact set, but it still includes swings, a slide, a clubhouse, a sandbox, a rock wall, a chalkboard and a climbing ladder. It’s made of pretreated wood, and the brand recommends applying a water repellent or stain annually. This set is just right for younger kids who need a place to play and explore in their yard. Toddlers love to be adventurous on swing sets, too, but many of the larger swing sets aren’t safe for kids under 3.
Our top pick, the Gorilla Playsets Outing III is a high-quality wooden swing set with a variety of features to interest kids with diverse play styles. Kids can also enjoy a rock wall with a rope, a telescope, a sandbox, a trapeze bar and more. If you’re looking for additional play features, you can also purchase the Gorilla Playsets Outing III with a tube slide. When you have a lot of kids or a popular backyard, a large swing set is ideal. No matter what type of play your kids are into, they’ll likely find something they love in this swing set.
Before you buy a hanging porch swing, you should check to see if your porch ceiling has joists on it to hold it. “The size of the joist (or number of joists) you need is going to depend on how big the swing is and how many people you intend to support,” Meacham says. We tested a handful of porch swings, including wicker, wood, and recycled plastic options for six months in Alabama. First, we assembled each porch swing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.