If you love spending time at your dacha, turn it into a piece of paradise. To make your vacation a joy, install a swimming pool in a country area, put up a small and cozy gazebo or arrange a patio, and install a garden swing. By the way, you can get more benefits from a swing than it seems at first glance. The main thing is to choose the appropriate model, installation location and beautiful decor.
In this material you will learn how to arrange an area with a swing in your country house. We’ll tell you what parameters to choose a model for, where it’s best to install it, and how to arrange the site before installing the structure. And so that the garden swing is not only functional, but also beautiful, we will share the best tips from designers on choosing decor.
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.
Materials used for manufacturing
The market offers different options for making garden swings. A review of the existing assortment will allow many to navigate and find something suitable for themselves. For sale there are forged products made using metal processed by high temperatures of a welding machine. Anyone who owns such technology creates truly unique masterpieces that can be classified as works of art. The advantages of this choice are obvious: almost all options are very decorative, and with proper use they can last indefinitely. They have one drawback - a massive, heavy frame. It will be impossible to move the swing to another place or put it in the utility room for the winter.
Swing attached to a suspension without springs Source kovmet.org
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.
What components will you need to buy?
Before starting work, the home master must prepare the following:
- Three-meter beam (with d from 10 to 15 cm) in the amount of 4 pieces
- Bars with d 8 cm and d 4-5 cm
- Pine and birch boards 10x2.5x250 cm (about 15 pieces)
- Board 15x5x300 cm
- 100 self-tapping screws 80x4.5
- Self-tapping screws 51x3.5 (200 pieces)
- Eye bolts (4 pieces)
- Welded chains with a thickness of 0.5 cm, the length of which corresponds to the height of the swing (2 pieces)
- Galvanized screws 12x100 with rings (2 pieces)
- paints and varnishes
- Saw
- Electric drill
- Screwdriver/screwdriver
- Hand drill/shovel
- Brushes
- Roulette
- Building level
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.
Metal frames
Before you start making such structures, you should make sure that you have the necessary tools and equipment. Having welding equipment and the skills to work with it, you can build a rather beautiful and elegant frame.
Thanks to the strength of the material, all parts are small and compact, and they will take up minimal space in the yard. The design, in general, does not differ from the wooden versions, but there are still some differences.
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.
Types of models
Do-it-yourself garden swings are a budget option for arranging a summer cottage and improving your recreation. In addition, you can buy finished products in a store that sells garden furniture.
A home craftsman can install a swing he made himself or bought with his own hands; it won’t take much time.
The designs differ in design, size and complexity of execution; popular types include the following:
- Models with A-frames
- Portable models on chains
- Models with a bench on a U-shaped frame
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
Generalization on the topic
Garden swings are very popular. Swaying in them, each of us calms down a little. Such pastime causes drowsiness. And it, in the best possible way, helps relieve fatigue and heaviness caused by constant stress. Scientists have concluded that swinging is good for health. Today you can find not only a comfortable, safe, beautiful model, but also choose its color that will match the surrounding landscape. The main thing is to take into account the recommendations presented in the article when purchasing.
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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
Rack locations
There are ready-made diagrams for working with swing supports for a dacha with your own hands; they can be easily found on the Internet in a video version or as illustrative examples. All sorts of materials are offered for constructing a frame, but most people trust massive logs or high-quality timber in this matter.
Among the varieties, one can distinguish both designs with a lower frame and without it, but both versions are quite famous among carpentry connoisseurs. For a tight fit to the ground, auxiliary supports are added, nailed with pins; if the base is quite strong and stable, then you can do without them.
Contact with soil
The frame can be either portable or stationary, but usually the owners try to secure the frame to the plane as securely as possible.
The work may require certain drawings and precise measurements of all workpieces. Due to the light weight of the finished structure, it is not particularly stable, so the main supports are tightly attached to the asphalt or the pillars are concreted into the ground.
Such manipulations give the structure reliability and stronger fixation at the moment of swinging. They also think about safety locks on the crossbar to prevent the seat from unplanned overturning over it at intense speeds.
For children
The design for a child can be quite simple and unique, since the age and size of a person will change over the years, there is no need to concrete such products.
Some parents decorate the yard with swings and balance beams made from scrap materials, such as car tires. Thanks to such solutions, your beloved child will practice coordination and have fun with friends.
