Types of garden swings
Modern swings are a common attribute of landscape design; According to their functional purpose, garden swings can be divided into the following types:
Hanging swing
Known to everyone since childhood, suspended structures have become more complex; they are often equipped with a comfortable backrest and armrests. Models are available with seats and backs made of metal, wood and rattan. Plastic seats, although they reduce the cost, are less popular due to their low mechanical and thermal strength.
A hanging swing looks great under a canopy, on a terrace or in a gazebo. Using hooks, metal chains or ropes, suspended models are mounted on ceilings; This method of fastening fasteners requires periodic maintenance and inspection. You can also use a branch of a fairly strong tree as a crossbar.
Hanging swing on the veranda Source decoor.net
Portable (on supports, standard) swings
Such designs are characterized by mobility; they can be installed anywhere on the site and, if necessary, moved. Small models (swing chairs) are convenient because they are compact and cozy; light varieties woven from rattan will serve as an additional decoration for the garden or terrace.
The disadvantage of such designs is the limited load (most of them are designed for 100-120 kg); they can be used by one adult and a child at the same time. Many hanging swings can be dangerous for small children if left unattended.
Rattan swing chair Source pinterest.com
Baby swing
This swing has a reduced size. Since such a structure is intended for active recreation of children, the safety of the restless younger generation comes first. When choosing a children's swing for your dacha, pay attention to its stability and reliability of connecting parts of the structure. Responsible manufacturers use environmentally friendly materials, carefully smooth corners, and equip the seat with adjustable seat belts.
Wooden swing for children Source weller.ru
Family (swing-sofas)
Such garden swings are intended for joint relaxation; They come in a variety of sizes, have a comfortable wide bench and usually have a protective awning. The sofa swing is a massive structure that will require enough space. The advantages of such garden furniture include the following:
- Comfort . The sofa swing is designed for relaxation by the whole family (manufacturers offer options designed for 2-4 people); Most often these are folding models. They are preferable for older family members as they are comfortable and have a limited range of motion.
- Variety of designs . In addition to ordinary sofas, manufacturers offer wide models (swing beds) with a canopy and mosquito net, allowing you to relax comfortably in the fresh air. The swing gazebo is made in the form of an original structure (for example, a Chinese pagoda), inside of which there is a hanging bed for two. Some areas are decorated with forged and carved wooden swings, real works of art.
Metal swing for three people Source yandex.uz
- Accessories . This functional garden furniture can be supplemented with a variety of pillows, a mosquito net, and a cover can be purchased.
- Easy care . Only mattress and pillow covers need periodic washing.
- Mobility . The swing is easily transported from place to place, at the end of summer they are dismantled and hidden until the next season (if it is not a forged version).
The disadvantage of swings is the requirements for the place of their installation - for the structure to be stable, a flat and hard surface is required. Another common problem is improper use, and does not relate to the quality of the swing, but to the way it is used. Reading the instructions and regular inspection will protect them from damage and extend their service life.
Based on the material used, the following models are available:
- Metal . This includes luxury forged models and popular options made from metal pipes of different diameters. Metal swings are durable and stable; they look modern, are equipped with an awning and are designed for significant loads. Forged products are expensive and massive (which makes them difficult to move from place to place).
For stability you need a solid foundation Source ogunstroy.ru
- Wooden (swing benches). These are often premium products that use high-quality wood (often pine or larch). Such garden swings fit harmoniously into any landscape; as a rule, they are produced without pillows. For some models, you can choose the color of the paint and the color of the awning. The disadvantage of wooden swings is their shorter service life (compared to metal models), which can be eliminated with timely maintenance.
- Made from rattan . There are swing chairs (for 1-2 people) and swing gazebos. The frame of such products is made of aluminum or steel pipes, the hanging part is made of artificial rattan. In winter, rattan swing chairs will look impressive on a closed veranda or in the living room of the house.
Garden and terrace swing made of natural pine Source pinterest.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in garden furniture.
Sofa swing for a summer house and its location
As for the location of the rocking sofa, it is best to install it on an open terrace or inside a gazebo. In this case, you can save money by abandoning arches and additional fasteners, because the structure can be attached to the ceiling. In order for the interior of the space to match the furniture, it is enough to paint the walls or swing in a suitable shade. Bright textiles with an original pattern or design will also help change the visual perception of the structure.
To attach the swing, you can use thick rope threads, chains or thin metal pipes. As for the height of the sofa, it is better when it is suspended at a low height, because it is more comfortable and safer. If the swing is located inside the house, then it is important that it is combined with other furniture, but a garden sofa swing should complement the garden plot or serve as its key element. It is best to place such a structure on the wide porch of the house or closer to the garden; alternative options are an area near the facade of the house or a space behind the house, hidden from prying eyes.
Choosing a garden swing
The choice of garden swing will be successful if it is made taking into account the following factors:
- Budget . Having determined the amount you are willing to spend on a garden swing, you can focus on a narrower segment of proposals.
- Manufacturer . You should contact a trusted manufacturer whose build quality is beyond doubt.
- Type and size of structure. Ease of use depends on this; swings can be designed for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. Pay attention to the height of the seat from the ground (it cannot always be adjusted).
- Frame material . The wear resistance and service life of the product depend on the quality of the wood or whether anti-corrosion treatment of the metal was carried out.
- Maximum (permissible) load . It is indicated in the product description and can reach 300, 500 and 700 kg. It is better to purchase a swing with a safety margin for this parameter.
Metal constructions
Swinging gazebos made of metal profiles have the following advantages:
- the material is very durable;
- is characterized by wear resistance and high strength due to the anti-corrosion coating;
- withstands any weather and temperature changes.
The metal gazebo is durable and wear-resistant Source infomebli.ru
Disadvantages of the material - massiveness and coldness Source psk-remont.ru
When planning to purchase a metal swing with a canopy, you should take into account that they are much more expensive than their wooden counterparts.
In all other respects, such structures are not inferior to wooden ones. And even surpass them.
Soft part
The soft elements of the swing provide much of the comfort and determine the appearance. The following types of materials are used in production:
- Filler for mattresses and pillows . In most cases, the contents are foam rubber or holofiber. Foam rubber is known for its elasticity, hypoallergenicity and good air permeability. The only thing that can ruin the quality of foam rubber is high temperature and humidity. Holofiber is a more expensive alternative to filler, but it also has more advantages. This is an environmentally friendly, elastic, waterproof textile material.
- Mattress covering . Sometimes cotton or polyester is used for covering. Natural material is pleasant to the skin, but absorbs moisture and therefore quickly loses its presentable appearance. The use of polyacrylontrile (Dralon) is considered more practical. This coating easily withstands solar ultraviolet radiation, allows air to pass through and does not become electrified. Another plus is that dralon is easy to wash and dries quickly.
Video description
In the video you can see a gazebo-swing for a summer house:
Aluminum profiles and plastic are mainly used to create children's swing gazebos. Such structures can be easily moved into the house during bad weather.
Gazebo-swing for a summer residence Source sr.toolboxprodhouse.com
Some models are additionally equipped with removable covers and pillows.
Useful little things
When buying a swing, you should pay attention to the additional features of a particular model. The little things that can make your stay more comfortable include the following:
- Folding backrest . Such a backrest can have several degrees of freedom. During a tea party or a picnic, the most comfortable position of the backrest is vertical. If you want to rest, you can fold it back.
Sofa swing with folding back Source pinterest.ru
- Locking function . An important detail for most users. Drinking tea when the seat is rocking under you is not an easy task, and often fraught with minor household injuries.
- Anti-mosquito net . Saving on this extremely useful device can nullify hopes for a languid evening rest.
- Shape of the racks . If the structure will be installed on a solid area, you can safely choose classic designs with four legs. If there is soft ground under the swing, pay attention to models with arched legs. Such garden furniture will take a stable position and will not sink into the ground.
- Protective case . Extends service life; it must be purchased separately.
What is needed to make an outdoor swing-gazebo
The set of building materials depends on what type of street structure it is decided to create.
For the frame of a wooden gazebo and the support posts of the swing, a beam is needed. The optimal cross-section is 100x100 or 150x150 mm. For swing benches, tables, and gazebo roofs, timber of a smaller cross-section is used. Sheathing is done with boards 20-25 mm thick. It is preferable to use hardwood. It withstands weather conditions better. Pine is easier to process, but it quickly disappears in dampness.
If it is decided to weld the gazebo and swing from metal, a profile pipe is chosen for the frame of the attraction. However, the seats of the benches and the tabletop (if provided for by the design) are still made from boards.
Advice! The choice of material determines what tool you will need. For metal structures, first of all, you need a welding machine and an angle grinder. A set of carpentry tools will be needed in both options.
Choosing an installation location
If you decide to purchase a garden swing for your dacha, then you have already chosen a place where you can install (or hang) them and know who will use them, because:
- If a swing (free-standing by design) is purchased primarily for children , there is no place for it on a stone-lined or paved area.
- If the swing is planned as a place for adults to relax , then, on the contrary, they try to place it on a hard surface. Otherwise, the supports of the structure will inevitably begin to go deeper into the ground.
- A hanging swing on a tree is an option exclusively for children, unless it is a particularly massive tree with strong branches.
- A hanging swing on a terrace with a canopy is the most comfortable relaxation option; covers on pillows and mattresses will be protected from direct sunlight. Sometimes the suspended structure is placed in a glazed veranda, which allows you to enjoy a cozy stay not only in the rainy summer, but also in the winter.
Hanging sofa swing on the veranda Source pinterest.nz
Swing sofas: heavenly pleasure in the home garden
You can relax on the swing not only while sitting, but also lying down. Proof of this are special hanging sofas, which in an instant turn from comfortable soft seats into a spacious bed. Often, sofas are transformed into a double bed.
How to extend the service life
No matter how simple a swing for a summer house may look, they also need some attention. In order for such garden furniture to function as long as possible, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules:
- Do not exceed the permissible load . Ignoring this important condition will lead to premature wear of the mechanisms and structure frame.
- Avoid shock loads . It is worth knowing that the passport implies a static (distributed) and not a point load. In other words, the swing was not designed for sudden jumps, sitting down and swinging to the sides, even if they are performed by a user suitable for the parameters.
- Do not increase the swing amplitude . One can hardly call a comfortable vacation that ended with the swing overturning.
- Proper care . Information about what and how to clean, wipe and lubricate can be found in the passport or description.
- Protection . Swings of any kind must be protected from moisture. To do this, during bad weather or the absence of the owners, they are covered with a cover or hidden under a canopy. Wooden structures are regularly treated with special impregnation.
A cozy place for an evening relaxation Source stroymix-v.ru
Wooden models
They have the following advantages that influence their choice:
- The most environmentally friendly of all available on the market,
- All parts are easy to assemble,
- Strong and stable structures.
Wooden gazebo-swing for a summer residence Source zoubi.net
Disadvantages:
- require regular maintenance (scheduled treatment with pest control agents) and the choice of high-quality varnish;
- need appropriate exterior design (classic, modern, Provence).
A wooden gazebo with a swing will look good next to a house made of timber or brick. Some of them act as pergolas.
Before purchasing, you must take into account that transporting massive models, for example, with a moving platform made of timber, will require special equipment for transportation and professional installation. While a small swing with a gazebo can be easily moved by two or three people.
