The Nitty Gritty on Outdoor Swings

Unfortunately the fountain of youth is still a flight of fancy and we can’t go back in time, but that doesn’t mean one can’t feel young again. Outdoor swings are a delightful way to recapture one’s youth without too much physical exertion or mid-life crisis impulse buys! However, the term “outdoor swings” is a little broad. For our purposes, we won’t delve into the realm of actual children’s swings, like the ones you’d find in parks and on play sets. This is mainly for the benefit of the inner child. Let’s now break down the different types on the market and see how to best get you moving.

Swings

These are the classic outdoor swings, the ones you’d see dotting charming Deep South plantations and positioned in romantic rose gardens. Made traditionally from woods like western red cedar and Java teak, outdoor swings can seat one or more people. Comprising either a basic bench or the popular Adirondack design, the main seat is connected via fulcrum to an overhead crossbeam or the underside ceiling of a covered porch. The connectors on either side are made either from chain link or solid wooden beams, the latter of which has a slightly more controlled swing. Either way, the gentle back and forth swaying motion is calm enough for even the most fragile of constitutions. The sides of these swings traditionally have an A frame construction, though some owners prefer latticework supports that are pretty and allow the growth of creepers like ivy. Some more modern outdoor swings are made from lightweight metals like aluminum and polyethylene resin and can often be quite colorful and ornate. Canopy tops are an especially nice touch on outdoor swings to provide shade from sun and protection from rain.

Gliders

Although technically operating with a different motion, as the name would imply, gliders deserve a special mention since they are similar in look and design to outdoor swings. Operating instead on a sliding base, gliders also typically have the basic bench design, though larger four-seaters are available in which two benches face one another.

Hammocks

When it comes to swinging, nothing evokes the pleasantness of a relaxing afternoon like a hammock. Hammocks are basically soft-bottomed outdoor swings which have been turned on their side. The original model for a hammock is a woven rope netting cradle with strings on either side that are tied around two tree trunks or other large standing object. The only problem was you were lucky to find two properly spaced trees and even then, if your knots weren’t sound, you were in for a fall. Today’s model of hammock is much more user friendly. The same rope netting or canvas-type fabric makes up the seat, but the ends fit easily onto a standing base, often made from aluminum and light enough to move around. The main drawback about hammocks is that they’re not the easiest to get in and out of, and with a lack of hard backing support, it’s not the best choice for people with lower back or lumbar troubles.

Canopy Hammock Swings

Possibly the best option is to combine choices and get the best of both worlds. Take outdoor swings, make them more lightweight and compact, add some soft cushions, top with a canopy cover and hang from two chains. What you’ve got then is the coziest seat possible, which unlike a hammock, you won’t flip over in. Most canopy hammock swings take on an ergonomically C-shaped seat which is easy to get into and more comfortable once you’re in. There’s also an added mobility from this design, which allows you to turn, bounce and fit the chair into small spaces.