About A-Frame Porch Swings

History

• The exact point of invention is not certain when it comes to the porch swing, but people have been using versions of it for hundreds of years. "Porch" is a variation of the Latin word "portico," which is sometimes used to describe the vestibule of a cathedral. In the early 18th century porches started to appear in America, but it was not until the Victorian era when leisure time became more abundant that porches became standard.

Significance

• Besides the porch swing's legendary ability for kindling romance, it creates an area for family, friends and neighbors to spend time together. Instead of a closed door and empty porch it invites people to get outside and tell stories, discuss life, sing or just have a quiet moment and observe. Porch swings were once an item only the wealthy had on their porch, but today they are affordable for most middle-class families.

Function

• A-frame porch swings were designed with the idea of a regular swing which attaches to a porch and made into a self-standing swing which can sit on the porch or in the front or back yard or even inside if one wanted to create a garden-feel living room. They enable a gentle swinging motion similar to a rocking chair and can hold up to four people depending on the model.

Types

• A variety of materials that can withstand the outdoor elements are used to make porch swings. Many are made out of wood such as red or white cedar, treated pine, cherry, birch, oak, teak or cypress. Some are made of steel and some out of polywood, which is a new synthetic wicker that is extremely durable. Porch swings and A-frame swings come in many shapes and designs. Some may have a more rustic and rugged appearance while others may have a shaped fan-back or heart-shaped back and a contoured seat.

Geography

• Porch swings can be found most anywhere but the majority of them can be found in American regions where weather is mild and warm most of the year. Many are in the Adirondack and Southern regions of the United States, but there are also porch swings in all other parts of the country and other parts of the world.

Size

• Porch swings are built in a variety of sizes. Some are meant to hold one or two people and some are meant to hold up to four average-sized people. Some are built with a canopy for shade since A-frame swings are generally not under a porch. They can be custom-built to any size and shape when crafted by hand.