The Best Wooden Porch Swings for Relaxing Outdoors
Although summer is the perfect time to relax on your outdoor porch swing, you'll be happy to use it all year long.
A wooden porch swing is a callback to the summers of yore: ice-cold lemonade, a relaxing Sunday morning with a book or watching the rain fall from the safety of the patio. Luckily, nothing is stopping you from buying a wooden porch swing and enjoying these simple pleasures all year long. Not only do they look great, but they're also such a nice addition to your outdoor space. Interior Designer and Prop Stylist Kate Leonard of Studio Leonard says an understated, simple look is exactly what works best for a wooden porch swing. "I like classic outdoor wood porch swings. I try to avoid contemporary and trendy designs for this category, as I find they're typically needed in a more cozy environment."
Plus, wood is actually a great material for a porch swing; it's naturally weather-resistant, durable and holds up well over time. And wooden porch swings are not terribly difficult to install, either. All you need is a helper and some patience. We've rounded up some of our favorite wooden porch swings below.
What to Consider When Buying a Wooden Porch Swing
Installation Requirements: While these porch swings don't require you to hire someone to ensure proper installation, you will likely need to have another person to help you with the task (just a friend or family member!). Most also don't require power tools, with many of the wooden porch swings coming with all of the basic tools needed for a smooth install (although some will require a standard tool set). One thing to keep in mind is the length of the chain and if that chain is adjustable. Make sure it'll safely swing from your porch and won't be too low to the ground, either.
Materials: In this list, we cover porch swings made from cedar, teak, acacia, mahogany and pine. All of these materials are durable, weather-resistant choices, with some deviations in functionality that may affect your purchase choices. Cedar is known to withstand wetter, more humid weather, and as an added benefit, it has natural oils that repel bugs like termites. Teak is great for both hot and cold weather, has great resistance to water and develops a natural silver-grey patina over time. Acacia is a beautiful, warm wood that's more resistant to scratches. Mahogany has a deep, rich color and natural oils that prevent warping over time. Pine is a softer wood that can scratch more easily, but is affordable and incredibly durable. While these woods would all stand up to the great outdoors, some might fit your aesthetic, price point or needs more than the others. Leonard calls cedar and teak "great material options," and notes that she prefers "a bottom cushion [that] is necessary for comfort purposes."
Maintenance: Outdoor furniture does require maintenance to ensure longevity. For wooden porch swings, check to see if the material used might require an oil to keep the wood looking and feeling fresh. If you're using a fabric pillow or cushion, make sure you're washing it according to instructions, or buy a cover to offer some protection in particularly bad weather. Most of these can simply be cleaned with a wet rag, however.
Porch Swing Buys From Our Experts
This beautiful porch swing from Birch Lane features a strong mahogany wood frame and a cozy, thick seat cushion for extra comfort. The natural wood grain offers beautiful color variation so every swing is unique, and both the cushion and the frame are weather-resistant. It comes with the hanging chain, the cushion and the frame.
This gorgeous mahogany wood swing features a water-based finish that makes it weather-resistant. The design touches of this bench make it extra special; the chain wrapped in jute rope, the aged finish and the intricately carved back give it rustic appeal. The six-inch cushion is made of easy-to-clean, durable fabric, too.
Teak wood is a durable material known for its weather resistance and sturdiness. This simple, classic and clean swing from Cambridge Casual is made from Indonesian teak wood that's been finely sanded. It's made to sit two people and comes with everything you need to properly install it.
Made from Acacia wood, the Beachcrest Home Erkerd Porch Swing is a four-foot-wide white porch swing that's the perfect addition to a beach cottage or country porch. The lovely rope swing adds charm, while the weather- and UV-resistant frame and slightly curved back will offer comfort and durability through the years.
This affordable option is made with strong, durable cedar wood and features a farmhouse design. The pieces are pre-drilled for easy installation, and the light brown stain provides even more weather resistance. It's a simple but beautiful option for any outdoor space.
A great option for a beach house or coastline cottage, this teak and wicker porch swing also has a three-inch cushion for comfortable lounging. That cushion has a removable cover, and the chain is also covered by a stylish rope to complement its beachy style.
Made in the USA by Amish woodworkers in Pennsylvania, these lovely porch swings have cupholders. Comfort was top of mind during its creation, with 18.5 inches of lumbar support and a contoured, ergonomic seat. The yellow zinc-plated hardware is rust-resistant, and the swing itself is made from kiln-dried, pressure-treated pine wood, free of knots and cracks. It comes in a number of sizes and finishes, too.
We love the handmade appeal of the August Grove Wood Porch Swing and could see it being the perfect place to cozy up in the fall and winter with a hot cup of cocoa. The swing is crafted from high-quality wood with a protective finish and seats up to three adults. Choose from either a brown or natural finish to best fit your space.
