Porch Swings Are The Perfect Christmas Gift!

The Perfect Christmas Gift!

As of today, there is a little more than a month before Christmas.  If you have a loved one that enjoys being outdoors, you might consider giving them a porch swing for Christmas.  What better way to enjoy being outdoors than relaxing in a patio swing with a cup of coffee in the morning, or swinging and watching the sun go down in the evening?  We have seven different models of swings to choose from, from 3ft to 7ft wide.  This Christmas give a gift that is sure to be around and enjoyed for years, a durable cypress porch swing!

See all of our outdoor swings @ www.CypressMoonPorchSwings.com

Thank you!!!

Things To Consider When Buying Porch Swings

 

Well, Autumn is finally upon us and that means cooler temperatures which are ideal for front porch swinging!  Therefore, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to consider before you purchase a Porch Swing for your outdoor enjoyment.

WOOD TYPE Obviously, this is the biggest factor to consider because the type of material used to build your porch swing will determine its looks, strength and longevity. It is a fact that certain species of wood are better suited for outdoor use than others. The following are some wood types to consider if your chairs are going to sit outside, and some to avoid:

Wood types to consider. Ash, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, Redwood and treated Pine are probably the most practical. Western Red Cedar is the least dense of these woods, so be sure to look for at least 1″ board thickness if you are considering a cedar chair. Treated pine is an affordable alternative, however pine boards have a tendency to warp over time, and there has been controversy over the years regarding the chemicals used to treat them. CCA (copper chromium arsenic) was used for years to treat pine until it was replaced by ACQ, a preservative which does not contain chromium or arsenic, which studies have suggested to be hazardous.

Teak and Ipe are exotic hardwoods which perform well in outdoor applications, however they are expensive. They are also heavy woods which can make shipping costs a factor to consider.

We use Cypress for our products. Cypress is the only species that contains cypressine, a chemical found in Cypress that naturally protects it from decay and insects. Cypress is a medium-density, straight-grained wood that is resistant to warping, works easily and accepts paints and stains exceptionally well.

Wood types to avoid. Untreated yellow Pine, whitewood, Poplar, and certain species of Oak all have a tendency to decay when exposed to the elements. Unless you are purchasing your chair for indoor use, it would be best to avoid these species.

TIP: Also avoid any patio swings that do not specify the wood type, i.e., “This swing is made from solid wood.” If the website or manufacturer won’t specify the wood type, more than likely it is NOT made from a species suited for outdoor use. We’ve found that swings which do not specify wood type are usually made from the least expensive materials available to achieve the lowest price points.

WOOD THICKNESS Our experience has shown that outdoor swings made from wood at least 3/4″ thick performs the best in terms of support, appearance and longevity. Try to avoid swings made of 1/2″ material as the seating surfaces will bow (and sometimes fail) over time.

FASTENERS The first choice is stainless steel, especially in coastal environments. Stainless steel will last the longest with no signs of discoloration or red rust. Dacrotized screws undergo a process (similar to galvanization) which produces a finish highly resistant to rust and corrosion as well. Galvanized fasteners perform well, however over time the galvanized finish can chip off. Brass is also a good option. Fasteners to avoid? Stay away from zinc-plated or hardened steel screws. These fasteners are not suited for outdoor use and will shows signs of corrosion after a short time period.

FINISHES This is the part of shopping for a porch swing which you will probably find the least amount of data in the swing’s specifications. For paints we like acrylic latex gloss. Acrylic paints are flexible; they allow the wood to expand and contract through temperature and seaonal changes without cracking. Oil-based finishes will become more brittle over time and crack as the wood moves. The paint should be suited for exterior use, and we prefer a gloss finish simply because it’s easier to clean.

For stains, try to find out if the finish contains water, mildew, uv and insect protection (like a waterseal), or if the finish is merely a stain. Having the features of a waterseal is only to your advantage and will increase the life of the chair. It is important to mention that even if the stain contains uv inhibitors, the wood underneath the stain will turn gray over time, which will change the appearance of the chair. This often provides a unique appearance which many find appealling, and the graying of the wood underneath will not effect it’s structural integrity if the wood is suited for outdoor use.

How long should paints and stains last? About as long as a good paint job on a house, and longer if the piece is out of direct exposure to the elements, such as under a porch or awning.

WHERE IS IT MADE? American consumers utilize many fantastic products each day that are manufactured overseas. Imported products are usually of high quality and are oftentimes affordably priced.

HOWEVER, we should not forget that purchasing American-made products do in fact support the lives and families of our fellow Americans. American furniture is usually made by small companies throughout the country, many with a unique story to tell. These small companies symbolize American capitalism and entrepreneurship which are the backbone of this great land of ours.

To see our collection of American-made Porch Swings, visit our website – http://www.CypressMoonPorchSwings.com.

Thank you!

Wooden Porch Swings – Types of

Outdoor Furniture (including porch swings) can be constructed from various styles of wood.  Some are exotic, while others are grown and harvested here in North America.  Some are expensive, while others are much cheaper in price.  However, the most important characteristic of these wood types should be their durability.  After all, your outdoor furniture will be exposed to the environmental elements.  Here’s a list of the types of wood used in building outdoor furniture.

• Alder
• Ash
• Aspen
• Cedar
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
• Ipe
• Jarrah
• Mahogany
• Oak
• Pine
• Poplar
• Redwood
• Roble
• Shorea
• Teak
• Willow
• Wicker

Ash, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, Redwood and Pine (treated) are probably the most practical to use when constructing a porch swing.

Treated pine is an affordable alternative, however pine boards have a tendency to warp over time, and there has been controversy over the years regarding the chemicals used to treat them.  CCA (copper chromium arsenic) was used for years to treat pine until it was replaced by ACQ, a preservative which does not contain chromium or arsenic, which studies have suggested to be hazardous.

Teak is an exotic hardwood which performs well in outdoor applications, however it is expensive.  They are also heavy woods which can make shipping costs a factor to consider.  In addition, purchasing teak products is NOT considered to be environmentally friendly.

We use Cypress for our products! Cypress is the only species that contains cypressine, a chemical found in Cypress that naturally protects it from decay and insects.  Cypress is a medium-density, straight-grained wood that is resistant to warping, works easily and accepts paints and stains exceptionally well.  Read more about cypress wood.

WOOD TYPES TO AVOID:  Untreated yellow Pine, whitewood, Poplar, and certain species of Oak all have a tendency to decay when exposed to the elements.

Visit Cypress Moon and browse all of our Wooden Porch Swings!

The End of Summer

This week will bring the first day of September and hopefully cooler temperatures.  Here in the South it can get almost too hot in August to enjoy being outside on your porch swing.  We usually see our slowest times here at Cypress Moon during the latter part of summer.  However, once fall starts approaching and the temperatures start cooling off, more people want to get outside!

Once the heat breaks and you are able to enjoy the outdoors again, please consider Cypress Moon for accenting your patio with any of our patio swings or other outdoor furniture. Cypress Moon features beautiful, cypress furniture that is handmade in Louisiana. Our famous Porch Swings are available in many different models, including: The Classic Porch Swing, Rollback Porch Swing, Flip-down Console Porch Swing, Decorative Porch Swing, Swing Chair, Swing Beds and Engraved Porch Swings.

Thank you!

Cypress Moon

Rollback Seating for Porch Swings

Cypress Moon offers the option of contoured seating in our Rollback Porch Swing.  The curved shape of this design conforms with your body and provides maximum comfort.  You’ll like it so much you may never want to get off your swing!  Visit us at Cypress Moon Porch Swings to see this model, as well as all of our porch swings!

Most Popular Size of Porch Swings

Cypress Moon sells many different sizes of porch swings, from our 2ft Swing Chair to our giant 7ft swing.  The biggest factor that seems to influence the customer’s choice when choosing the swing width is the size of their porch.  Out of all the hundreds of patios swings we sell a year, the most popular continues to be our 5ft porch swing.  It’s just about the right size for a standard front porch.

In addition, Cypress Moon can custom make any width of porch swing to fit your needs.  Just tell us what you are needing and we will build it!

Visit us @ Cypress Moon Porch Swings to see all of our patio swings!

Thank you!

SwingMate© – Porch Swing Springs

Swing-Mate© Porch Swing Springs

The SwingMate® spring locates between the overhead support and swing chain to provide a more comfortable, softer feel to porch swings and patio swings.  They are probably the most popular porch swing accessories on the market.  As you can see from the pictures, the SwingMate Porch Swing Springs are heavy-duty barrel shaped springs approximately 2” in diameter and 8-1/2” in length.  It is zinc plated and clear coated to provide additional protection against the elements. These springs come in a set of two.  As with all Cypress Moon Furniture, price includes FREE SHIPPING!

• Zinc plated and clear coated
• 2″ in diameter; 8 1/2″ long
• Weight capacity 600 lbs.
• Instructions included

Cypress Moon carries 7 models of Handmade Porch Swings.   All of our wooden swings are handmade in the USA of durable cypress!

How to Hang a Porch Swing

A porch swing isn’t just a piece of furniture, it’s a state of mind. Hop on, sway for a bit, and you’re transported to a stress-free zone. Just ask Suzanne Henninger, who owns a weekend cottage in Seaside, Florida, where the front porch features a swing painted a cool blue. “I get my cup of coffee and head there first thing in the morning,” says this health-care company vice president. “I listen to the birds, smell the ocean air, and slowly rock. It’s heaven.”

Even the simplest porch swing offers a taste of gracious living, perhaps because it’s a reminder of more genteel times. Such swings became popular in the mid-1800s, an era known for houses with wraparound porches, when Americans began enjoying more leisure time. They were particularly favored in the sultry South, where they provided a much-appreciated artificial breeze.

While metal and wicker versions are available, most porch swings today are wooden, made from teak, cedar, pine, maple, or oak. Seeing a beautiful antique swing in Newport, Rhode Island, led This Old House master carpenter Norm Abram to craft his own, out of plantation teak. “Teak is very strong as well as rot resistant, so it can hold up to the outdoor environment. And it weathers beautifully,” says Norm, whose design was inspired by a classic English garden bench. Indeed, swings made of teak ($500 to $1,000) or cedar ($250 to $400) are meant to weather in the elements, turning silvery or dark gray. Some homeowners may prefer a painted swing, either crisp white or a color that complements their porch or exterior trim. In that case, a less expensive pine, oak, or maple swing ($150 to $400) can be coated with exterior trim paint or high-gloss porch enamel to suit.

For the most part, swing seats come 4 or 5 feet long; they may be contoured or flat. Seat depth varies widely, from 18 to 36 inches. The porch swing Norm built measures 4 feet long and has a seat that is 18 inches deep, dimensions he finds just right. Since comfort comes down to personal preference, it’s a good idea to test-drive a swing before you buy.

Style differences emerge mainly in the swing’s back: It may be squared off or curved, and constructed with horizontal or vertical slats, which may be set close together or spaced wide apart. While the peaked back of an Adirondack-style might seem more appropriate for the porch of a clapboard cottage than a brick Georgian, most swings can adapt to their architectural surroundings with the addition or omission of fabric-covered cushions.

Whatever way a porch swing is personalized, its appeal remains universal. When Suzanne Henninger bought her cottage four years ago, “the swing was the very first thing I added,” she says. “When friends come to visit me, they rock on that swing, then go home and buy one. It’s contagious.”

©2009 ThisOldHouse.com – How to Hang a Porch Swing

Be sure to check out our handmade cypress porch swings at WWW.CYPRESSMOONPORCHSWINGS.COM!

Where To Buy Porch Swings!

When shopping for porch swings, there are several sources available.  It seems that many patio swings today are being bought on the internet.  However, there are still places available that allow you to see the product before you buy it.  Below we’ve listed the most common places where you can purchase a porch swing.

• Furniture Stores While there are a few retailers that carry outdoor furniture, most furniture stores only carry indoor furnishings.

• Hardware Stores Many of today’s hardware stores carry outdoor furniture, in addition to hardware supplies.

• Independent Crafters In rural areas, it is not uncommon to find woodcraftsmen who still make porch swings. These crafters may sell their products along the side of the road, or in their front yards. The best way to locate a local porch swing builder is to simply “ask the locals”.

• Arts & Crafts Shows Scattered throughout the country are trade shows that feature independent artists, such as woodworkers. You are almost guaranteed to find outdoor furniture makers at these events, including handmade porch swings.

• Online Retailers The invention of the internet has opened the doors for just about every type of commerce available, including outdoor furniture. There are literally hundreds of retailers on the web that sell porch swings.  Many are mass-produced, but a few companies still sell handcrafted patio swings like Cypress Moon Porch Swings!

• Previous Owners Sometimes when you’re traveling down the road you will see items in people’s front yards for sale. If you’re lucky, you might find a porch swing. However, these situations are very few, because once you buy a porch swing, you’ll never want to be without one again!

Decorative Porch Swings

Decorative Porch Swings differ from traditional swings by their unique design and adornments.  Some may possess ornate shapes or characters carved into the wood, while others may have a non-typical design pattern, such as the back or arms of the swing.  Some Decorative Porch Swings are distinguished by their unique colors, such as those that are red, white & blue like the American Flag!  We have designed one called  The Hourglass! Handmade from Louisiana cypress, The Hourglass’ unique pattern is bound to accent any front porch or yard.  As with all Cypress Moon Furniture, price includes FREE SHIPPING! Made in America!   Contoured seat for supreme comfort Four-Brace System across back and bottom Available unfinished or your finish choice of 8 color STAINS Easy assembly Constructed with galvanized and zinc plated hardware (no rust!) Option to add CUP HOLDER ARMS Available in 4ft – 6ft widths!

* Click here to see more Wooden Porch Swings!