Inflated costs for furniture needlessly and confusing descriptions from manufacturers aren’t helpful when you’re looking to buy your first glider deck swing.
Given the variety of styles, materials, and material prices you can choose from when searching for a new glider, it can be overwhelming.
There are many different factors to strive for within your buying decision. These include materials, safety features, looks, and even size. Check out this guide to make an informed decision before buying one.
What is a Glider Swing?
A glider, also known as a platform rocker, is a sort of rocking chair that glides like a swing seat and has a heart tied to the bottom by a double-rocker four-bar coupling. As this chair swings back and forth, the non-parallel support arms of the linkage replicate a rocking chair action. The best part is that glide deck swings can be beneficial for people with dementia.
Main Types of Glider Deck Swings for Your Porch
There are three main types of glider deck swings for your porch. The first type of glider deck swing is swing seats that are secured to the porch floor. They come with a base attached to the bottom and a swing seat that attaches to the ground.
Most modern deck swings utilize fiberglass rods and spring steel to support the small porch swivels. The other two types of glider deck swings include deck swings with attached porch railings and deck swings that go the opposite direction, connecting to the base with crossbars.
The rails make the swinger easier to balance on, and the anti-flip features make porch railings safer.
Which Design Is Best for A Deck Swing?
The type of deck swing (swing with base vs. swing with rails vs. attached porch railings) will determine how easily they can be moved and stored and affect their overall usefulness.
An attached porch rail is best for holding the swing steady when in use. Modern deck swings built this way use magnets to hold the indoor and outdoor components. So, they are easily disassembled for help if the original rails are damaged, removed, or destroyed.
Glider Swing Materials
The frame of a glider deck swing is typically made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum frames are found in less expensive models, but steel frames are found in higher-end models. In addition, the chains that suspend the glider are typically made from stainless steel.
There Are A Variety of Sizes to Choose From
The larger models are ideal for more extensive front porches, while the smaller models can be great for small porch areas or Christmas tree stands. These swings also come in different styles: circular and rectangular.
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Circular Swings
Circular swings have the most seasonality, allowing you to stand upright with your hands-free. They can also be moved around easily, which makes them ideal for yard maintenance.
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Rectangular Swings
Rectangular swings are also great options because you can reposition them to create different angles, depending on where you want them. These also come in various lengths to choose from.
How to Pick the Right Material
When picking between a wooden, metal, and plastic glider deck swing, the most important thing to look at is the weight capacity. The weight capacity refers to the maximum weight a swing can safely hold.
The weight capacity is typically displayed on the swing itself or in the swing’s product description. Most general-purpose deck swing weights come in under 250 pounds, heavy enough for many adult children to sit up straight on them.
How Much Do Glider Deck Swings Cost?
The price of a glider swing will depend on its size and materials. In general, the cost of a glider deck swing is $90 to $1000. Wooden swings can usually be found for as little as $50 and go as high as $1500. A backyard A-frame metal swing can range in price from as little as $45 to up to $600. At the same time, a commercial-grade metal swing set costs $500-$4,000 or more.
Money Saver Tips
To get the best deal on glider deck swings, online research prices, and check out their reviews. It is important to note that you should ask questions about what type of wood they use for certain parts. Also, keep an eye out for deals and discounts offered by the retailer if there is a demand in the market.
Final Lines
A deck swing is one of the best ways to enjoy your porch or patio for a leisurely afternoon. You can purchase a deck swing online, through a local brick and mortar store, or your local retailer. No matter your budget, you can find an excellent glide deck swing with the right amount of style and comfort for your porch.
