How To Support Porch Roof To Support Chair Swing
Only a joist can safely hold the weight of a swing with people on it.
How to support porch roof to support chair swing. This work will usually require a carpenter who is familiar with what is required as either end of the beam will also have to be supported. The classic chain setup has two chains hanging from the ceiling that each split into two separate chains creating an upside down y shape which attach to the four corners of the swing. Stand a post up in the bracket and hold a level on its side. You can also attach four individual chains to each corner which might make your swing support stronger but requires drilling four holes in the ceiling.
Position a mounting bracket at one of the marks on the bottom of the porch. Make sure that the support beam or joists in your ceiling will support the weight of the porch swing and its occupants. Build the support beams out of 2 8 lumber. Secure each short chain to the rear of the seat.
Connect the short chain to the long chain on each side about 2 or 3 feet above the seat this is variable as desired using small s hooks or quick links. It is not your patio roof that will support your porch swing but the ceiling of your patio that must do the job. With a helper or two hook the long chains onto the hangers in the ceiling or other support. A typical two person swing can be supported by a single 2 x 8 joist two 2 x 6 joists or three 2 x 4 joists.
Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts and lock them together tightly with 7 carriage bolts. Hop on sway for a bit and you re transported to a stress free zone. A porch swing isn t just a piece of furniture it s a state of mind. Before you purchase a swing you ll need to make sure you can safely hang it on your porch.
Make sure the posts are plumb and check if the corners are square. Hanging swings are often added to an outdoor porch or a favorite corner of a quiet room to create a comfortable retreat. Measure off the porch at intervals of 6 feet. If you re unsure of your ceiling s strength have an experienced carpenter check it out.
This is the length in between each post. Just ask suzanne henninger who owns a weekend cottage in seaside florida where the front porch features a swing painted a cool blue. Porch swings should be mounted into ceiling rafters for safety and stability.