Buy ready-made swings
This option is easier, since it does not require any construction skills or creative work from the owners of the garden plot. Future owners of a swing will only need to choose a model and external design, as well as assess their financial capabilities.
What you should pay attention to when buying a garden swing:
- Frame color. It is worth giving preference to darker tones, since dirt and dust are not so noticeable on such shades.
- Availability of a cover for a garden swing. They try to keep portable structures away for the entire winter period, and a durable cover will protect against dust accumulation, moisture and pests.
- Maximum permissible load on supports.
- Strength of fastening of the seat to the frame.
- Material of the frame and the seat itself.
- Contents: It is worth finding out in advance whether the swing and pillows, covers and auxiliary elements are included in one set.
A large selection of garden swings, different in texture, shape and color, is presented in the largest construction hypermarket - Leroy Merlin.
Garden swings: characteristics, types, types
Material of the mattress standardly supplied with the product. In this case, as a rule, we mean the outer material of the mattress; the filler is indicated separately (see the corresponding paragraph).
— Acrylic
. Synthetic acrylic fiber fabric. It has good performance properties, resists dirt quite well and is easy to clean. At the same time, many are wary of completely synthetic materials, and such a surface may not be very pleasant to the touch (in particular, it may be slippery). Therefore, acrylic is relatively rare.
— Cotton
. Various varieties of cotton fabrics (except calico, which is usually listed separately - see below). Cotton is a natural material, which many consider its key advantage. However, in addition to this, this option also has very practical advantages: such fabric looks good, is pleasant to the touch, wicks away moisture well and allows air to pass through, which provides comfort to the person sitting on it. On the other hand, cotton is quite difficult to clean from some contaminants, and can cost significantly more than synthetic and mixed materials.
— Calico
. A type of cotton (cotton) fabric. Calico has a smooth matte surface, quite pleasant both in appearance and to the touch; such a surface “breathes” well and allows moisture to pass through, making it quite comfortable to be on. In addition, this material is considered hypoallergenic and has a fairly long service life, without losing its presentation. The disadvantage of calico is its rather high cost.
— Polyester
. Synthetic fiber based on polyester. Such fabrics are strong and durable, resist wear well and retain their presentation for a long time. On the other hand, synthetic fiber is less permeable to air and moisture than natural cotton, making it less comfortable.
— Cotton/polyester
. Another variant of the name is polycotton. A combined material consisting approximately equally of cotton and polyester. See above for more details on each of these materials; and their combination makes it possible to achieve higher wear resistance and ease of cleaning than pure cotton, at a lower cost. On the other hand, polycotton does not “breathe” as well and allows moisture to pass through, and therefore is less comfortable and is considered more of a budget material.
— Blended fabric
. Fabrics of mixed composition, consisting of fibers of different materials. Among other things, the cotton/polyester combination described above is also a mixed fabric, although, of course, the matter is not limited to this. The specific properties of such fabric depend on the type and composition; these details should be clarified separately in each case. However, most often this option involves a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. This, on the one hand, reduces cost and increases wear resistance, on the other hand, it worsens permeability to air and moisture.
— Dralon
. Material based on acrylic fiber (see above) with some modifications, in particular, Teflon impregnation. It is highly hygienic and practical, resists stains well, is easy to clean and dries quickly, and does not fade in the sun. The disadvantages of this material include the relatively high cost and synthetic origin, which does not suit everyone.
— Greta
. Blended fabric based on a combination of cotton and polyester (see above). In fact, it is a type of polycotton, with all its characteristic properties: on the one hand, durability, reliability and resistance to stains, on the other, slightly lower moisture and breathability than natural cotton. O is a trademark of fabrics produced by certain factories, and specifically such fabrics are extremely rare among garden swings - “regular” polycotton without special designations is more often used.
— Gabardine
. Classic gabardine is a fabric made of fine wool with a texture in the form of a characteristic oblique rib on the surface. This fabric is pleasant to the touch, but quite difficult to clean; it is advisable to protect it from contamination. In addition, some types of polyester fabrics are sometimes called gabardine (see above); This option is considered budget and is used mainly in inexpensive mattresses.
— Oxford
. Oxford is a special fabric that has a matting type of weaving (“Panamanian”), which is why a characteristic pattern of small squares is formed on the surface. The original Oxford has a natural composition and was originally used for sewing men's shirts; however, in addition, such fabric can be woven from synthetic fiber - nylon or polyester. In the case of garden swings, the specific composition of Oxford should be clarified separately.
— Tapestry (jacquard fabric)
. A material specially designed for furniture upholstery, which is based on synthetics, which can easily withstand high mechanical loads, and also has water-repellent properties and UV resistance. Most often, the tapestry is represented by a heavy, dense fabric, on the surface of which a complex pattern is made, which is called jacquard weaving.
Texilk
. Fully synthetic olefin fabric. This material has a high level of wear resistance. The fabric is non-hygroscopic and UV resistant. Thanks to the synthetic base, texilk is not susceptible to mold development. Great for outdoor placement.
Homemade swing: basic requirements
In the case where you plan to make a garden swing with your own hands, you must comply with a number of specific requirements regarding:
- Choosing the location of the structure.
- Main characteristics of the swing.
- Selection of material and fastening mechanisms.
Each item on this list is important for making a swing yourself, since the design must meet basic safety requirements.
Choosing a location for the structure
It is necessary to place the garden swing on a fairly wide garden plot, where there is a platform for the swing of the seat.
Before installing the structure, it is imperative to prepare a foundation - a strong, strong platform, cleared of debris, and safe in terms of ground subsidence.
If the swing model includes soft fabric seats or pillows, it is mandatory to install the structure away from water and dampness.
Classic swing
Cables or ropes with a crossbar for sitting and fastening to the ceiling - this is what a regular swing looks like in a home version. They can be made for both children and adults: the main thing is to make sure that the structure can withstand the required weight. In urban environments, swings most often need to be attached to a concrete ceiling. The easiest way to do this is with anchor bolts. In a country house, where the ceiling is most often wooden, the fastening can be done using self-tapping screws or the swing can be firmly tied to the ceiling beams.
Such a swing will need a lot of space, so if you have spacious rooms with high ceilings, this is an ideal option.
Main characteristics of the swing
Absolutely any device intended for recreational purposes must meet the following requirements:
Safety. All fastening mechanisms must be durable and manufactured to quality standards. It is best to use the services of a professional construction engineer.
Mobility. The main purpose of the swing is movement, so special attention should be paid to the design of the rotation mechanism.
Another feature worth paying attention to is that the mechanism must dampen vibrations to avoid excessive swinging.
Compliance with these requirements will allow you to build a high-quality and reliable garden accessory.
Choosing material for a swing
Today, craftsmen have access to the following materials for making swings themselves:
- Metal. Allows you to create a durable and reliable structure. Before starting work, it is necessary to treat the material with an anti-corrosion coating to prevent rapid deterioration of the product.
- Wood. A good basis for the manufacture of original and beautiful models, however, it requires timely treatment of the material from pests, fungi and dampness.
Plastic swings are available only in finished form, but the variety of shapes, colors and manufacturing technologies meet all the specified requirements.
Types of designs
Swings can be suspended or floor-mounted, depending on the method of their installation in the room. If you follow the usual logic, then you need to hang lighter models from the ceiling, and install large and solid ones as a floor structure.
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But for the designer, everything unexpected is an interesting technique that makes the interior more original and attractive. So you may well see, even in your friends’ small living room, a whole bed with pillows suspended from the ceiling, or a light board attached to the posts with strong ropes.
Photo: freshome.com
Photo: brit.co
Making a drawing
Engineering specialists will help you make a professional drawing for a garden swing. But if you wish, you can use ready-made diagrams for constructing similar structures from web networks.
What must be shown on the drawing:
- Layout of the supporting structure.
- Fastening mechanisms.
- Swing area for the moving part.
- Basic relationships between the elements of a swing.
Careful display of all these parameters will make it possible to make the swing high-quality and reliable in practical use.
Making a swing with your own hands
Step-by-step construction instructions can be seen using the example of a simple wooden swing:
- Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare 4 beams 3 meters long, and make two structures from them in the shape of the letter L. The angle of connection of the beams is 50 degrees.
- Be sure to make smooth surfaces for supporting structures.
- At the border of the lower and middle third of the length of the supports, wooden puffs are made, two on each side.
- The resulting supports are connected by a crossbar made of strong material (oak beams can be used).
- The “legs” of the frame are dug into the ground to a depth of 60 cm.
- The bench itself is made according to the principle of an ordinary bench with a high back.
- Eye bolts of sufficient size and strength are installed in the crossbars of the backrest and armrests. The same bolts are secured to the top crossbar.
- Hang the bench on a thick, strong chain and attach it to the upper beam.
The final stage of construction work is the decorative finishing of the swing: painting, varnishing, forming a pattern (if you have wood carving skills).
Wooden garden swing
A swing made of natural wood matches any interior design. In manufacturers' catalogs you can find stationary and portable frame structures, A-shaped or curved, with carved details and decorative elements. Models suspended under a wooden pergola - a gazebo for climbing plants - can become a real decoration of a garden plot.
On the Russian market, wooden models are represented by Russian and European brands: Leda (Russia), COMPRED (Ukraine), Best Pokhod (Russia), LetoLux (Russia). With all the variety of models, when purchasing you need to pay attention to the general requirements for wood products:
1) Presence of impregnation, varnish or painting. Almost any tree, with the exception of conifers and teak, in an open area is susceptible to moisture, rot, fungi, and pests. Wooden elements are protected by a special coating: paint or moisture-resistant lacquer with antiseptic properties: “Tiprom U”, “Tikkurila”, “Pinotex”, etc.
2) Low risk of injury. Rounded corners of a swing are just as important as secure fasteners.
3) Fastening elements of a wooden frame. These can be metal bolts or wooden dowels. The last type of fastener is considered the most reliable - the wood absorbs moisture and swells, firmly holding the structural parts together.
4) A big plus is the presence of fire-prevention treatment of wooden elements. If this is not indicated in the instructions for the model, for safety you can treat the surface with fire retardant compounds “MIG-09”, “Pirilax-Prime”, “Biopiren PirilaxPrime”, “Ogneseptic 600” or similar means.
In addition to the aesthetic appearance, wooden models have the following advantages:
- You can swing without a mattress (pillows) - the wooden surface hardly heats up or cools down from the external temperature;
- Easy to repaint in a different color;
- It is easier to repair at home; you can replace the broken part.
The disadvantage of a wooden frame is the need to regularly maintain the structure by painting the surface with a moisture-resistant coating.
| ||
| "O-Zone" wooden double (Russia) | "Valencia 1 Premium" (Russia) | |
| Frame material | Wood (solid pine) | Wood (laminated larch timber) |
| Size | 120 * 153 * 57 cm | 264 * 180 * 207 cm |
| Weight | Not specified | 57 kg |
| Color | White, brown (natural) | brown, dark brown, beige, grey, light brown, grey-beige, light gray |
| Maximum load | 250 kg | 300 kg |
| Compact model made of environmentally friendly material, resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. Hanging seat 120 * 126 cm made of plank wood lattice. Included: · Tent-roof · 2 soft chair cushions | Premium collapsible model made of environmentally friendly material. The wood is resistant to moisture, fading, fungi, rot, and insects. Folding wooden seat with 4 backrest adjustments. Included: · Waterproof awning roof · Comfortable wooden armrests · Cup holders Mattress sold separately. | |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
Interesting ideas for garden swings
Today there are many models of garden swings, both ready-made options and ideas for making them yourself.
- Forged swing.
- Combined metal and wood structure with a canopy.
- Swing-sofa.
- Swing with fabric seats and mosquito net.
- Decorative swing in the form of driftwood.
- Wide design with soft mattresses.
- Single model: cocoon swing.
Each of the ideas presented can be brought to life if you have sufficient construction skills, or you can use the help of a specialist.
Manufacturing process
To make it comfortable to ride on the swing, it is important to make a comfortable bench. For an assembly example, consider a swing with an A-frame, a large bench-like seat that is secured to a support with chains.
Here's a step-by-step build plan:
It is necessary to connect two 10*10 cm beams with a length of 3 m together. The result will be two structures similar to the letter “L”. The angle between the bars should be about 50-55 degrees. Furniture bolts are used for fastening.
Below mark 0.6 m, which will be buried underground. The remaining length is divided into three equal parts. In these places it is necessary to secure the spacers from the board with bolts.
The resulting parts are connected using a wooden beam with a section of 10*10 cm. It is best to use oak beams, since this type of wood is very strong and durable. Additionally, they are secured using crossbars.
The lower 0.6 m is treated with bitumen mastic to protect against rotting. The structure is buried to a depth of 0.6 m. Crushed stone and sand are poured into the bottom of the hole. A height of 10 cm will be sufficient.
The frame is concreted with a mixture of cement, crushed stone and sand. At this stage it is very important to level the frame using a level and a plumb line, which should hang strictly perpendicular to the top crossbar.
A frame for the seat and back is made from 4.5*5.6 cm timber. The length of the bench will be 2 m. The width of the bench is 0.5 cm, and the height of the back is 0.65 cm. The seat and back are secured with a steel strip so that an angle of 120 degrees is formed between them. The frame is sheathed with boards 2.6*4.6 cm.
Eye bolts are attached to the upper part of the backrest and the lower part of the seat. Bolts are mounted on the upper beam of the frame, onto which the chain is secured. It should be strong and have thick links. Be sure to check the evenness of the seat using a level.
For ease of relaxation, you can purchase an awning for a garden swing, which is fixed above the frame. It will protect the bench from direct sunlight and make the riding process more comfortable.
That's all the steps you need to perform to install the swing. In winter, most likely no one will use the swing.
To protect them from exposure to adverse weather conditions and extend the life of the structure, you can make a cover for a garden swing. They cover the swing as soon as the cold weather sets in and remove it when spring comes.
The swing is a very cozy place to relax. Surely everyone will like the swing. On the swing you will relax comfortably and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Forged swing
This metal garden swing model is distinguished by its elegant structure and original decorative design. Such designs are most often made to order.
A distinctive feature of the texture is twisted patterns on the back and the seat itself, a single color scheme, and a strict style. The manufacturing technology provides a strong frame, reliable fastening and stable support.
Swing sofas
Most of all, sofa swings are similar to country swings for the garden. The same designs, only more elegant, can be installed at home. Sofas can be attached to the ceiling with cables, which is more compact, or used with a base.
These can be either benches with a backrest or full-fledged upholstered furniture. Try to choose the lightest product and attach it to the ceiling as securely as possible.
Combined design with canopy
Outdoor swings for country houses can also be combined, for example, using a wooden frame and a metal seat. An original solution is to decorate the bench with fabric pillows.
A canopy is a practical addition that allows you to hide guests and home owners from the rain. Most often, the canopy is made of polycarbonate, and always has a round shape. This design is as practical as possible - it is easy to wash away dirt and blockages.
Swing with mosquito net
The swing itself can be made in any style and shape, but its distinguishing feature is the presence of a mosquito net. This small detail plays an important role: it protects against mosquitoes and midges on summer evenings.
The net can be installed either on the top bar of the swing or at a certain distance from the structure. The second option requires a frame and tension fabric.
Decorative swing in the form of driftwood
A very interesting option that fits perfectly into the garden interior. You can make such a swing for a summer house only on order, since independent work will require sufficient experience and skill.
The frame is made of durable wood, treated with antiseptic and antifungal solutions, and covered with acrylic varnish or paint. The seat is made in the form of a continuous bench with elegant decorative trim.
How to hang a hanging swing for an apartment
A swing in an apartment can be placed in several ways; there are many types of this piece of furniture on sale:
- it could be a hammock version, reminiscent of a garden structure;
- a simple seat made of wood and laces;
- hanging wicker swing chairs for apartments made of rattan or technorattan;
- plastic hanging chair egg;
- various designer chairs and swings.
Thus, you can freely choose and buy a swing for your apartment from the many options offered in stores or make a swing for your apartment with your own hands, which will fully match the style of your apartment or house and your needs.
Single model: cocoon swing
This model is an analogue of a cocoon chair. Wicker structure, rounded shape, cozy soft pillows. The main difference from a chair is that there is no stationary supporting structure. Instead, there is a hanging chain and a holding mechanism.
