Garden swing: assortment overview, selection and self-assembly

Garden swings have long become not an attribute of a luxurious country house and not only children's entertainment. Today, such a structure is an attribute of almost any summer cottage or garden plot. They are installed on terraces and inside gazebos, placed near the porch or in the back of the garden under the canopy of trees. The demand for such products is increasing every year, so on sale you can find a huge number of swings of different material, size and shape for any wallet. To choose a suitable model or make it yourself, you need to understand their differences and purpose.

The main difference between garden swings and all the others is their location outside the residential building. Due to this feature, they are not connected to a power source and cannot be electrically driven, like some models of small children's swings installed in the room. Such structures, which do not have power sources and swing solely due to human movements and inertia, are called mechanical.

• Sun loungers. This is a one-seater device, the chair of which has a suspension at one point. The seats themselves in this case can be of various shapes: in the form of a folding chair, round and square, with a net or a soft seat. They are suspended on a rigid spring and can withstand a weight of up to 200 kg.
• Cocoons. Such swings are made in the form of a sphere with a hole, they have an additional stand, therefore they do not require fastening and erection of a frame. The construction of the stand and cocoon is most often made of metal, and the filling of the empty space is made of threads, rattan or fabric. Such cocoons can be not only single, but also accommodate up to 4 people.
• Hammocks. A feature of such swings is that they are not fastened to a horizontal crossbar, but to two vertical supports. Classic hammocks are made of fabric or threads, however, there are also wicker models. An ordinary hammock is the simplest, cheapest and at the same time reliable option for organizing a place to relax in a garden area.

• Benches. Most often, such structures are intended for a large number of people: from 3 to 5. They need an additional frame with a horizontal crossbar, to which a bench is attached on rigid or flexible crossbars. The simplest version of such a swing is a simple plank attached with ropes to a thick branch of a tree.
• Sofas. A kind of modification of the swing-bench, which, unlike the previous one, has not only a seat, but also a back. Most often they are made of metal or wood, and are covered with soft mattresses on top. More expensive models can be folded out and turned into a kind of hanging beds, which can comfortably accommodate two people. Due to the fact that they are designed for a large number of people and are quite heavy in themselves, such structures require a metal-reinforced frame, to which they are most often attached on rigid crossbars.

Depending on the purpose and maximum permissible weight, a garden swing can be conditionally divided into children and adults. Their main difference is their load capacity. In addition, children's swings most often have a lighter collapsible design so that they can be moved around the area of ​​the site and removed for the winter. Adult swings are most often non-separable, as they have a more complex design.

Depending on the place of installation, the following can be mounted:

• freestanding hanging bench or chaise lounge;
• a small hammock right on the open veranda or inside a large gazebo.

Hanging benches on chains inside the pergola (a canopy of climbing plants) look especially beautiful, but for this it must initially have a fairly strong frame that can withstand the weight of the swing itself and the people sitting on it. Depending on the possibility of movement, structures can be stationary and portable. A stationary swing is securely anchored in the ground, most often it has a small but sturdy canopy or roof. All soft seats and mattresses from such structures are removed for a period from late autumn to early spring. Portable products have a lighter frame and for the period of cold weather, usually, they are stored in a garage or pantry. To ensure greater reliability, such a swing can have a metal frame, but be collapsible.

Garden swing size depends on how many people they have to accommodate.

• Single structures are most often small in size. They are designed for a quiet and relaxing stay. However, such a rest involves not just sitting, but sometimes lying on an armchair or bench, in this regard, such structures have a smaller width, but a greater depth of sitting. They can have a fairly wide range of motion in order to swing vigorously, and not just sit low above the ground. Children's options are even smaller and most often have a lower height so that the child is not afraid and comfortable to swing on them.
• A double swing is ideal for a couple in love or close friends. They can have as a seat either a wide bench or double seats, each suspended from its own crossbars or chains.
• Hanging benches or sofas for large groups of people. They rarely have separate, delimited chairs, most often it is a one-piece wide seat. Multiple structures have a smaller range of motion, but are more massive and taller. Most often, such models are not mobile and require more thorough preparation of the area. In addition, they almost always have a small visor or canopy to prevent snow and rain from damaging the seat material; they are made with a backrest so that the elderly can sit comfortably on them.

Even swings from the same manufacturer, having the same size and design, can look completely different. This is due to the fact that manufacturers offer a variety of different accessories to choose from (both included in the kit of the finished product, and mounted separately on the model). In addition, the variety of design and decor of such garden furniture is simply amazing.

Children's swings are more varied in shape and design of the chair.Depending on the age of the child, they can be equipped with additional attachments in the form of belts or solid bars. This is done so that the child cannot fall out of such a chair while rocking. Outside, the chairs can be decorated with various beads and ribbons, have small attached toys and handles that kids can hold onto.

Benches can be made in the form of various vehicles (cars, rockets, carriages), in the form of flowers or fruits, in the form of various cartoon characters. The frame can accommodate not only the swing itself, but also various stairs and rungs, along which small tomboy can climb and descend. A rope or bungee can hang next to a regular swing.

Swing for adults is equipped with more functional accessories than children's models. These can be various awnings or mosquito nets. Cup holders or plate holders, various shelves located on the armrests are an excellent modification, convenient for country barbecue and holidays. The swings for seniors can be supplemented with small footrests to keep them off the ground.

Soft swing sofas often come with removable covers that are easy to remove and machine wash. The most requested accessory for garden structures is the lighting system. In such a swing, you can sit with an interesting book until the evening.

The exterior design of garden furniture can be either completely simple (unpainted metal or wood), or include many different decorative elements (beaded pillows, lace trim of the awning).

Another important parameter by which garden furniture can be divided is the material from which it is made.

• Plastic. Such lightweight and unreliable structures are rarely placed on the street, but some swing models for very young children can also be made of durable plastic. The advantage is the ease of storage and transportation of such furniture.
• Aluminum. Such structures are lightweight, while they themselves can withstand a fairly large load. Their main disadvantage is their high cost.

• Wood. One of the most popular materials, ideal for garden swings. It is lighter than metal and yet strong enough. The tree is easy to process; the installation of such a structure will require the very minimum of tools. The disadvantage is the complexity of the fasteners and the fragility of the structure. To extend the service life, you will have to apply special anti-corrosion compounds to them annually.
• Metal. The strongest and most stable swing is made from the heaviest and most durable material. If you build a small canopy or canopy over them to protect the structure from precipitation, they can stand for many years. Unfortunately, metal swings have many drawbacks. They are difficult to transport and manufacture. For self-installation, you will need a lot of specialized equipment. The high strength and durability of metal is much more expensive than other materials, so not everyone can afford such a swing.

To find a suitable swing, you need to determine some parameters that allow you to determine the material, size and purpose:

• the size of the site on which they will be installed;
• the need to rearrange the structure;
• the number of people who will use the swing;
• acquisition budget;
• how long the family spends time in the garden (visit only in summer or all year round);
• preferred material;
• the possibility of self-production.

To choose a quality product, it is enough to study customer reviews left on various sites and forums. In addition, you can take a closer look at the finished products installed in neighboring areas and with friends. There are many ratings of summer cottage furniture on the network, including a swing.

The metal four-seater model, welded from pipes and strong mesh, can withstand a weight of up to 400 kg. Soft backs and seat add comfort, while water-repellent fabric and a small built-in awning will allow you not to worry about the safety of your furniture.

Three-seat frame swing made of galvanized steel will withstand any temperature drops and loads up to 350 kg. The lightweight design will allow you to easily move furniture around the site, and a small awning will keep the soft fabric surface dry even after a long rain.

The unusual design of the swing, made in the form of a theater box, will emphasize the sophistication and sophistication of a luxurious country house. Each chair is complemented by a small cushion on the back, which will not let your back get tired during long periods of sitting. The product transforms into 2 positions, the set includes an awning, a lighting lamp with LEDs and even a small tent.

The wooden swing made of pine is protected by a special impregnation, which gives it the noble color of milk coffee. This model is easy to transport and very stable. The swing does not need a prepared surface and can be installed in any small and level area of ​​the garden.

The street swing itself is not a cheap purchase, and transportation and professional assembly from the seller can cost almost the same. In order not to hack at the root of the idea of ​​arranging such a recreation area in your garden, you can refuse to buy ready-made options and assemble a simple model with your own hands.

A small A-shaped swing with a hanging bench can be made from a hewn timber quickly enough and without much effort. And if after the construction of the site there were wooden pallets on which bricks or blocks lay, then they make a wonderful bench with a back.

A more sophisticated version of wooden furniture is a swing made of whole logs. To slightly simplify your work, you can dig in a couple of logs at some distance from each other and pull a fabric hammock between them.

Round metal pipes are one of the most popular materials for making garden swings. They are durable and lightweight, require fewer tools to work with than forging or casting, and all work takes a little time. Metal structures can be decorated with figured forging. Most often, calm natural colors are chosen for a summer residence and a country house: blue and green, pale yellow or brown. People who spend most of the year in the bright flickering of city lights want to rest their eyes on pastel and muted rustic colors.

Often on sale you can find additional thematic decor for a garden structure: for birthday, wedding or any professional holidays.These can be various streamers with congratulations, ribbons and balls that are attached to the sidewalls or the top crossbar. Bright colors of both the seat and the frame itself are not so rare. Most often they are chosen in accordance with the design of the house or yard structures.

Working with a profile is much more difficult than with round pipes. We'll have to think over the fasteners more carefully, and it is better to have experience with this material.

You can make a metal frame, and the swing itself can be made of wood or weaved from a rope. The main thing is the strength and reliability of the fasteners.

The process itself is carried out in several stages and looks like this:

• choice of model and sizes;
• construction of a drawing or diagram;
• purchase of the necessary materials and tools;
• preparation and processing of blanks;
• trimming to size, cuts and preparation of fasteners;
• treatment with chemical coatings against corrosion and pests;
• assembly and installation of the frame;
• assembly and installation of seats;
• topcoat and product design;
• manufacturing and installation of additional accessories.

An unusual hanging swing in the form of a complex geometric design will interest all guests, and a round wicker swing with a soft mattress and a large number of pillows will create an atmosphere of home comfort.

The modern design and laconic design of the frame will emphasize the natural fabric and the elegance of the construction, and a small awning will protect you from the sun. On the contrary, a swing made of natural wood, decorated in antique style, gives the feeling of a children's fairy tale.

Bright children's swing can have a completely simple design of a circle, suspended both on a frame and on a strong branch of a tree. Or they can be designed in the form of a small boat or other transport. For those kids who are afraid of swinging on ordinary chairs and benches, you can purchase special accessories in the form of a special support for arms and legs.

For information on how to make a garden swing with your own hands, see the next video.