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Things To Consider When Buying Porch Swing


WOOD TYPE  Obviously, this is the biggest factor to consider because the type of material used to build your porch swing will determine its looks, strength and longevity.  It is a fact that certain species of wood are better suited for outdoor use than others.  The following are some wood types to consider if your chairs are going to sit outside, and some to avoid:

Wood types to consider.  Ash, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, Redwood and treated Pine are probably the most practical.  Western Red Cedar is the least dense of these woods, so be sure to look for at least 1" board thickness if you are considering a cedar chair.  Treated pine is an affordable alternative, however pine boards have a tendency to warp over time, and there has been controversy over the years regarding the chemicals used to treat them.  CCA (copper chromium arsenic) was used for years to treat pine until it was replaced by ACQ, a preservative which does not contain chromium or arsenic, which studies have suggested to be hazardous.

Teak and Ipe are exotic hardwoods which perform well in outdoor applications, however they are expensive.  They are also heavy woods which can make shipping costs a factor to consider.

We use Cypress for our products.  Cypress is the only species that contains cypressine, a chemical found in Cypress that naturally protects it from decay and insects.  Cypress is a medium-density, straight-grained wood that is resistant to warping, works easily and accepts paints and stains exceptionally well.

Wood types to avoid.  Untreated yellow Pine, whitewood, Poplar, and certain species of Oak all have a tendency to decay when exposed to the elements.  Unless you are purchasing your chair for indoor use, it would be best to avoid these species. 

TIP:  Also avoid any chairs that do not specify the wood type, i.e., "This chair is made from solid wood."  If the website or manufacturer won't specify the wood type, more than likely it is NOT made from a species suited for outdoor use.  We've found that chairs which do not specify wood type are usually made from the least expensive materials available to achieve the lowest price points.

WOOD THICKNESS  Our experience has shown that chairs made from wood at least 3/4" thick performs the best in terms of support, appearance and longevity.  Try to avoid chairs made of 1/2" material as the seating surfaces will bow (and sometimes fail) over time.

FASTENERS  The ideal choice of fastener is stainless steel, especially in coastal environments.  Although more expensive, stainless steel will last the longest with no signs of discoloration or rust.  Dacrotized screws undergo a process (similar to galvanization) which produces a finish highly resistant to rust and corrosion as well.  In addition, other good options are galvanized & zinc-plated fasteners, which we use on Cypress Moon Porch Swings

Fasteners to avoid?  Stay away from hardened steel screws.  These fasteners are not suited for outdoor use and will shows signs of corrosion after a short time period.

FINISHES  This is the part of shopping for a porch swing which you will probably find the least amount of data in the swing's specifications.  For paints we like acrylic latex gloss.  Acrylic paints are flexible; they allow the wood to expand and contract through temperature and seaonal changes without cracking.  Oil-based finishes will become more brittle over time and crack as the wood moves.  The paint should be suited for exterior use, and we prefer a gloss finish simply because it's easier to clean. 

For stains, try to find out if the finish contains water, mildew, uv and insect protection (like a waterseal), or if the finish is merely a stain.  Having the features of a waterseal is only to your advantage and will increase the life of the chair.  It is important to mention that even if the stain contains uv inhibitors, the wood underneath the stain will turn gray over time, which will change the appearance of the chair.  This often provides a unique appearance which many find appealling, and the graying of the wood underneath will not effect it's structural integrity if the wood is suited for outdoor use.

How long should paints and stains last?  About as long as a good paint job on a house, and longer if the piece is out of direct exposure to the elements, such as under a porch or awning.

WHERE IS IT MADE?  American consumers utilize many fantastic products each day that are manufactured overseas.  Imported products are usually of high quality and are oftentimes affordably priced. 

With that being said, we should not forget that purchasing American-made products do in fact support the lives and families of our fellow Americans.  American furniture is usually made by small companies throughout the country, many with a unique story to tell.  These small companies symbolize American capitalism and entrepreneurship which are the backbone of this great land of ours.