Home Garden

How to Refurbish an Old Wooden Porch Swing

Old wooden porch swings are treasures. They add an inviting and functional feature to your home's entry area. If you already have an older porch swing or find one at a yard or estate sale, you can take steps to update its look and safety. The potential benefit of a wooden porch swing is greatly reduced if it causes harm due to splintering or faulty hardware.

Things You'll Need

  • Work gloves
  • Goggles
  • Sandpaper
  • Damp cloth
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your porch swing from its hanging apparatus. Check all hardware. Tighten any loose pieces, and replace any unsafe pieces.

    • 2

      Don your work gloves and safety goggles. Sand the swing to remove any old paint, splinters or mold. Wipe the sawdust away with a damp cloth.

    • 3

      Check the chain. If the chain looks to be in sturdy condition, a simple cleaning should restore it. If it is too rusted or looks like it will not hold up, take it off and replace it. Measure the current chain so you can cut the new chain to the proper length. A hardware store may also carry a replacement porch swing chain kit.

    • 4

      Paint the swing, using an outdoor paint. Wait for the first coat to dry to see if a second coat will be necessary.

    • 5

      Re-hang the swing from your porch. Sit carefully on it to make sure you fastened all hardware and/or the chain securely.