How to Hang a Porch Swing through Vinyl | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva adds structure to a porch in order to safely hang a swing
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Time: 3-4 hours
Cost: $200
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Hanging a Porch Swing:
Hammer [amzn.to/2JmGkEY]
Prybar [amzn.to/2V9dVnU]
Wrench [amzn.to/2LvSduP]
Drill [amzn.to/302tbH0]
Shopping List:
Porch swing [amzn.to/2Yc7LFC]
2x4” boards [amzn.to/2WwmWJo]
Lag screws [amzn.to/2WvBJE6]
Wood screws [amzn.to/2H3m60f]
Thick drill bit [amzn.to/2JotRk7]
Thin drill bit [amzn.to/2VSntYV]
Steps:
1. Start by removing the vinyl ceiling using a hammer and a prybar up until the furthest point the swing will hang.
2. If the swing cannot be hung on structure, structure will need to be added. Cut the 2x4” to size and then hammer it into position, preferably over the furring strip (if there is one) to accommodate the additional _” depth it creates. Secure the structure with wood screws.
3. Reinstall the vinyl ceiling up until the panels fall just over the added structure.
4. Drill a pilot hole through the vinyl, the furring strip, and the added structure using the drill and a drill bit. To keep the vinyl from cracking, it helps to start with a thicker drill bit just for the vinyl, then switch to the thin drill bit to drill the rest of the hole.
5. Mount the bracket that comes with the swing to the pilot holes. Hand tighten the bracket through the pilot hole using a lag screw and a wrench.
6. Install the vinyl ceiling up until the next location for the other side of the swing and repeat the process.
7. Install the rest of the vinyl ceiling.
8. Hang the swing onto the mounting brackets.
Resources:
Depending on which direction you’d like to hang the porch swing, additional structure may need to be added to ensure the swing is installed safely.
To add structure, Tom took a piece of 2x4” and hammered it into place. He then secured it with wood screws. To secure the brackets from the swing, Tom used lag screws. All of these tools and hardware can be found at home centers.
The swing the homeowners had picked out was the Coral Coast Casco Bay Resin Wicker Porch Swing with Optional Cushion, which comes from Hayneedle (amzn.to/2Yc7LFC). The swing comes with the green hanging brackets, but does not come with hardware to attach the brackets to the ceiling.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Hang a Porch Swing through Vinyl | Ask This Old House
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[@vincetaylor8264]

Tom is the man when it comes to construction. I don’t think anyone has taught me half as much about building things has he has. Thank you Tom.

[@EDHBlvd]

“Now you have a place to hang out.” That was worth watching the 5 minutes.

[@atomicsmith]

That was a cold burn....

[@hexiangjiang5677]

These hangers are even more solid and sturdy than I thought. They install quickly with the hardware included. I am hanging equipment from my rafters for storage and theses work great. Highly recommend! www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/A3MGZHBCGI80GD

[@alexill]

Take a drink every time Tom says “structure” and you will enjoy the remainder of your evening

[@Ronny_Cordova]

I did this with grain alcohol and now I don't remember math.

[@alexill]

Ronny Cordova I did it with Red Bull and now I can fllyyyyyyyy

[@damndirtyape6971]

"Struck-Shua" Now drink!

[@mashjet]

I bet Brandon was glad Tommy swung by.

[@hernandez.3964]

Keith Powers 😂😂

[@davestout8471]

Come for the tips and ideas, stay for the dad jokes.

[@frep420]

I love how they show the issues and preparation. That polarizes people into "I could do this!" and "I'll never do this!". This distinction is important in deciding which jobs you want to agree to complete over the next 2-3 years.

[@kevinriddle9829]

This short how to videos are so full of information! I love watching them, thanks guys!!

[@tycox8704]

The most difficult and mysterious part of this situation is how to detach the vinyl ceiling…which they omitted!

[@davepritchett]

That’s where I am myself! I don’t see a good place to start…

[@tycox8704]

@@davepritchett I found this video describing how. But when I stuck my phone’s camera through a hole where a ceiling speaker was mounted, the picture revealed nails. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vcoZR5bbWmipY

[@JacobKarasch]

Same here. I guess I'm going to have to just rip a piece down and make more problems for myself. I can't find a way to start it. I also think they used plywood instead of furring strips, so I'm hoping I'll be able to find the rafters.

[@sp2907]

For the vinyl ceiling, squeeze two sections together at their seam, then get your fingers in there to pry them apart. Once you do that, the vinyl pieces separate fairly easily. Don’t be shy; you have to manhandle it a bit to make it work.

[@davidbogolin3411]

Now they could ask him to come back out to replace the window they bust out when they swing

[@ontogeny6474]

Was thinking the same thing. Don't see why it wasn't hung between the windows.

[@warrenranstrom4462]

That’s funny as hell

[@fernandahda]

Thanks for sharing this video, Mr. Silva! I been looking for guidance on how to hang a yoga swing/trapeze on the ceiling of my house, and through your video I could see that a 2x6 can hold it. I will show this to my husband :)

[@dpav7994]

yep, as long as you hit the ceiling joists, you can hang your adult swing anywhere you want.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Great & needed info as most videos don't go as far as to show how to hang the swings which requires a bit of ingenuity & thought. Thanx 4 the much needed info.

[@natetomaszewski2995]

Just what I was looking for. Nice job.

[@tinderbox218]

For pete's sake they're not going for the swing height record, it's just to rock back and forth a little. I think the window is safe.

[@augustreil]

So true. Everyone is so worried about the freaking window. It's a porch swing for crying out loud, not a River Rope Swing !

[@scottarkle7021]

Or when the neighbor kids get on it and try to launch themselves over the railing.

[@amirhouseingholinia2023]

Now I have some place to hang out, LOL way to go Tom

[@qqqqcccc5937]

Tommy, you are just too good!

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

On that porch I would have bought a glider and been napping before they had the vinyl down.

[@LongHuII]

This was nice, I was thinking about using a six by six in the ceiling for my swing.

[@GDanielCho]

I love how tony always cuts wood a little big and hammers it into place for a good fit

[@viper1vols]

With bridging it is important for it to be a tight fit.

[@GDanielCho]

@@viper1vols Exactly, thats why when i see loose joists, bridging, and studs i just cringe. Too many people dont add 1/16 to 1/8th extra on their measurements letting screws and nails take all the load, blows my mind.

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

thank you for sharing !!

[@Megan-ey1cc]

I think I am ready to go purchase a porch swing, and install it!! I'm feeling pretty confident in my carpentry skills after watching this video! Thank you so much for the help! (P. S. I'm being 199% fr.) 💪🤔💁🏼‍♀️

[@Dimmu666ist]

Excellent video

[@joethegiverramirez9697]

Thank you for your experience . who taught you all you know? Or where did you learn so much I aim to be so versatile as you

[@tonypuccio154]

Wow what a life very nice 👍

[@straight-up-shots]

Thank you!!

[@djamelazerty7549]

Good work everyone likes

[@rickt2419]

Nice work! The home owner may want to also find a way to secure the swing to keep it from swinging too far back hitting the window/window-screen... also in case of heavy wind/storm.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Could simply tie a rope between the porch rails and the chains, will secure it plenty for a storm. I think it would take a pretty big storm to damage the window though. As far as during swinging, common sense will keep the window safe.

[@miguelescutia5556]

He can easily take it down by removing the big hooks.

[@grim8118]

Looks like the swing can really mess up the screen on the window behind it

[@MsUltrafox]

What's the worst that can happen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWeogGRre66Bq5o

[@dravvan]

You're not supposed to swing it like your on a swing at the park, if they do, it's their fault.

[@Engineer9736]

J P Yeah you are also not supposed to drive 80kph with a scooter even if it’s capable to do so. Ever seen a scooter sticking to the speed limit?

[@jburdzz1529]

Whatever the customer wants🤷‍♂️

[@JimDean002]

@@dravvan if you've ever raised kids as soon as he hung that swing you know what's fixing to happen

[@GerardoRitchey]

Those RSS screws are pretty awesome.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I love those things. I also love the Head Lok screws. Between the two brands, I can find pretty much any length I need.

[@SteveBueche1027]

Gerardo Ritchey are they rated for this application? I thought they were going to double the rafter instead of that bridging method.

[@TimAGertz]

Wouldn't "U" joints over the 2x6 be cheaper, easier, safer and less time consuming than that?

[@litoswayzie2968]

How do you find the right size drill bit for the screw provided that will secure the bracket?

[@AdrianSntbnz]

Do they have a new season they are going to upload?

[@MataPraVee]

Would like to be that gentleman’s helper 🙂

[@tulikamishra9466]

Thanks for spreading positivity 😌

[@TNtoolman]

My neighbor installed the same and hung it in the exact middle of the porch... did not allow for the "knee factor" hanging further from the front of the swing. now they can sit on the swing, but cannot really swing or their knees hit the rail...

[@joel9873]

I would of doubled up the 2x6's plus added plywood in between to make up the distance for the brackets.

[@Connor-wv6ln]

Gotta love grk screws

[@athhud]

Yeah, not exactly “wood screws “ as he calls them. I hope people aren’t hanging swings off of joists fastened with run of the mill wood screws in shear...

[@joseesparza6041]

I love ask House they make the videos perfect and with very good explanations , I have a question how much you charge for a job like that?

[@chrisbrown456]

usually they just charge the people they help for the supplies they use on the job,the labor is free

[@brittainwj]

What happens if you have a drywall ceiling and can’t easily open it up like the vinyl?

[@minhdo2896]

What do you use to patch the holes when you take it down?

[@robira1313]

What is that chain covering called? @4:54 I'm guessing that protects the chain from the weather?

[@NRMwalkthroughHD]

Vinyl is easy but what if you have Hardie board?

[@davidgriffin306]

What about screwing the bracket lag into the structure beam that already has a nail in it holding up the 2x3/8 board ?

[@sanjaykatti8801]

Would it be easier if one gets a bracket that is oriented as required?

[@evelyn_r]

Lol Tommy couldn’t resist the last line 😂😂😂

[@hernandez.3964]

Evelyn Rojas hi beautiful 😘

[@Engineer9736]

Jaime Hernandez i was first

[@hernandez.3964]

b8e71fcbe2e195c67d8d16734013d20f no your not 😛

[@curiosity2314]

I guess the larger question is does that spring have a safety? Would have been something to talk about.

[@jayp7598]

Tommys promo shots are getting very Sports Illustrated 😂

[@ELIRAXPRT]

That's a lot easier with vinyl than aluminum soffit. We don't get that strapping around here. We would run it the other direction and nail to the structural framing

[@angelf9800]

Question Do you know what was used for the soffit on the celling was it J channel or F channel.

[@TheAmritamallick]

Thank you so much for this helpful vedio . I have a pavilion and want to hang a swing bed in it . I gave ordered the pavilion it's 14×18 with a 2×6 roofter/ panel is this structure strong enoug support a bed swing ?

[@bmwrulesforeternity5218]

my thoughts exactly. I would think NOT. a swing BED or a swing COUCH is at least 5 times the WEIGHT of that little piddly bench that they are hanging in THIS video. I have an already made swing couch that weighs probably 220 pounds .. but I am just guessing .. so I am going to try to WEIGH it .. and me thinks i need to go WAYYYyyy up into the truss assembly and get a proper bracketing system so that the weight will be distributed amongst the entire truss structure. With one adult on the swing couch = likely 550 pounds ... with 2 adults on my swing couch = 750 lbs .. and with 3 adults on the couch = 1,000 lbs. And this isn't even considering the torque pressures of the minor back and forth swinging action.

[@0217mitty]

The green swing bracket, is that plastic? where can I get it?

[@bps739]

How do we remove the first vinyl piece was SKIPPED. Good job

[@MillennialBro]

That ending made it seem like Tommy had a wedding to get to or something

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

They always leave in a hurry LOL. Saying their goodbyes while running toward the truck...on to the next billable job I guess!

[@puneetmakeovers7574]

Can I do the same thing with my gazebo from Costco. Or it will be too heavy?

[@ramdhawad8084]

Anyone, does it matter if the swing is installed parallel to the structure ( in this case entire load will be on the same structure) or it needs to be perpendicular like suggested in this video ? It is not clear if the suggestion was because of the swing placement preference ( aesthetically) or from load bearing standpoint of the structure. Thank you

[@arjanwesselink3418]

So supporting a deck on lag bolts with shear load is not allowed, but putting a 500 lbs load on non rated lag screws in tension is????

[@theverge4451]

whats the weight limit the timber hanger can hold? guess they should;ve reinforced it just incase some fatty sits on the swing

[@wingnut72282]

I went up in the attic and laid a 4x4 across two rafters and hung my porch swing through vinyl

[@deanslegos1990]

I like Tommy's way better than what I did.

[@vinylsoup]

so the swing is hanging on springs , so why does it matter which direction the bracket is mounted

[@girishkumar-ey8fw]

Hello. I need your advice. I am building a new house. I need to install Indian style swing which would weigh 1500pounds. I am planning to do in great room. Do you suggest to add to that to ceiling? Please suggest

[@zoomzoombabe]

Hi Girish! Did you end up adding the Indian swing to your home? We’re trying fulfill the same dream…how did you do it? Please advise…thanks!! 🙏🏼

[@chiefjoe-ic3nz]

So are the brackets mounted into the 2x4 (2x6) he added or is it one lag bolt in the joist and the other in the 2x4? I'm just curious if u would hit the screw attaching the 2x4 to the joist when u did the pilot hole for the lag bolt.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

I think 1 in the joist, one in the cross piece.

[@pilatesrehabandfitnessllc6837]

Yes, 1 bolt in the joist, the 2nd in the cross 2x4 piece.

[@thephotographicauditor6715]

Using the same springs they use on high-tensile fence wire works perfectly on the chain hangers. Makes for a cushioned sit-down.

[@Pro1er]

I wonder if Tom comes back when the kids break out the window behind the swing? ;-)

[@nuttynelson2364]

Featuring next week.. how to relocate a swing chair to avoid smashing a window for the 3rd time......

[@MisterTee2010]

Now you have someplace to hang out. No pun intended LMAO

[@maxd7228]

What's with Tommy's latest photo spreads? The one by the stairs, now this....

[@avalon449]

Wow! How many times did Tommy say the word STRUCTURE?

[@buckhorncortez]

Not enough...

[@damndirtyape6971]

"Struck-Shua" !

[@RandyHanley]

Tom is the man in because he has a mustachio he even has more power.

[@Chamberlains2010]

Where can I find a bracket / anchor like that? I built my own swing and cannot find anything even remotely similar in any of the hardware stores.

[@sweetsaffronia2056]

Look up ‘ductile swing hanger’

[@robertlyle6277]

A spacer should have been installed between the bracket and the structural support. That way the bracket can be tightened solidly and securely to the structure. Spacers can be made from galvanized pipe - 3/8” or 1/2” pipe nipple (depending on your lag bolt diameter) and can be cut with a hacksaw to the right length. (The distance from the structure to the bottom if the soffit material) You’re a good man, Tom, but I’ve been doing this work longer than you! And I’m from Pennsylvania, so....... 😎 Always enjoy the show, take care!

[@stevemanxxx]

I was thinking about that too. The force from rocking back and forth with that bracket not tight against the STRUCTURE is not a great idea.

[@GARDNSOUND]

Yea, and these should have been through bolts, and not lags. Lags will always eventually pull out. The structural material will have to fail first in order for a through bolt to give.

[@kristyfleming6071]

Once holes are drilled through this vinyl is it still waterproof?

[@YAWN....]

🙄

[@tenmangaming]

Buddy was out at the end lol

[@ES-fr3yz]

But wait, is it to the Massachusetts building code?

[@ipKonfig]

extra washers on the other side panel could have been added for the swing join, then he could have tightened it up snug to the frame

[@hooverrandy]

Right! It seems that leaving it loose is asking for trouble. Great way to wallow out the holes in those brackets. And was it me, or did they look plastic? If they are plastic, that extra play will have those lag bolts wearing through those brackets in no time.

[@hooverrandy]

@Matthew Savage lol, true.

[@buckhorncortez]

Really? Maybe what they should have done is built an entirely new house that was purposely designed around hanging the swing.

[@ipKonfig]

@@buckhorncortez think you need to calm the F@#$ down snowflake. Or don't read comments you can't handle.

[@augustreil]

@@ipKonfig, Or people should use common sense and realize that: one of those 5/8 lag screws would hold 4 people, that the bracket is STEEL and not plastic, lol You cannot tighten the bracket solid to the vinyl because it needs to expand and contract. And last but not least, stop worrying about the freaking window !!!

[@blank6066]

Can you tell me how to start pulling the vinyl ceiling back without damaging it? I was hoping to see that process in more detail. Thanks

[@tjam4229]

What about going “over” the beam with a squared “u-Bolt”? The threads could then pass thru the holes in the green metal swing hardware, and bolted-down. This also keeps the main beam from being drilled-into.

[@ClarkS963]

He attached the additional structure with structural screws not woods screws. Don't use wood screws 😉

[@bps739]

Its so confusing. Google search says do not hang more than 15pounds per joist. How the hell did he hand such a big swing on each joist?

[@SimgoWood]

I don't know why he didn't put a small piece of 1\2 or 3\8 veneer behind the vinyl and really tighten the bolt. vinyl contraction and expansion maybe. but on the other hand a loose bracket isn't ideal.

[@davide82843]

Right in front of the window😂

[@alegator7249]

Ole Tom burnt out before the home owner discovered he plugged his toilet with 6 pounds of Taco Bell.

[@kidneedonor8088]

I can do everything except take down the vinyl. Mine won't just snap out like that

[@tbec3011]

Note to homeowner: To prevent glass breakage, open the window and remove screen before use. If the swings a rockin' its gonna be a knockin! Lol

[@thiscorrosion900]

I've never had one of these, but it might be a good idea to have a way to anchor the swing to the porch floor before a storm or something, keep it from swinging.

[@loganpatterson4674]

By “wood screws” he means grk structural screws, and should have mentioned that. Good work though mr Silva

[@mae2759]

I was wondering if nails would have been a better choice because of the sheer.

[@loganpatterson4674]

mae2759 not better than a good structural screw.

[@loganpatterson4674]

mae2759 but nails are certainly better than a generic screw

[@athhud]

My thoughts exactly. He talks like it is just a regular wood screw that you’ll find anywhere, then uses it in shear...

[@smilncynic]

This inspires me (to go out and get a glider instead of a swing).

[@DonaldDump2024]

smilncynic Do it right, do it once. Porch swings are legacy. Well worth it.

[@ncooty]

If it's Tommy, I watch.

[@vinylsoup]

how come when he is on the ladder there is no pen in his pocket but when he comes down there is a pen in his pocket. And why does he have a gray t shirt under his blue shirt when he didn't have one on before...don't you love it when they make a job look like it only takes fifteen minutes but actually takes them 3 days...

[@kimpiscopo6010]

I feel like a hack when I watch Tom

[@SpNick3]

it’s funny how at the end of the video they just walk off

[@napoleonsmith7793]

the space needs a spacer. it cant hang free with space between the bracket and the wood. it will pivot the lag bolt out. if tight, it would not. should use a spacer to secure it tightly and cut out the vinyl to mount to wood,not vinyl with space.

[@JohnComeOnMan]

"Strappin'" 😂

[@sk211605]

Sexy pose on the swing Tom. Ay caramba.

[@MrNightpwner]

Looking thicc in the thumbnail Tom

[@Sacapuntas69]

I am guessing all the "Swing Experts" will be commenting now.

[@hernandez.3964]

Sacapuntas yeah good work 😁✌️

[@AStanton1966]

Am I the only guy that thinks pilot holes should be drilled to prevent possible splitting?

[@gpslightlock1422]

If it were centered between the windows you wouldn't have to worry about kids smashing the window when they're roughhousing on the swing.

[@CookieZ3353]

Using wood screws for adding that piece of 2x6 between the joists will hold 2 humans????

[@LonghornWorkshop]

I wish I could hammer above my head like the master Tommy

[@patrickm.parisou8328]

Lucas Wood & Art “Master”? Wow. Get out and do some work if you think he’s a “master”. SMFH

[@aclive2022]

I would of used a 2x6 or 4x4 to bridge the joists.NEVER hang a swing from a 2x4!

[@McRocket]

I have REALLY enjoyed this show for years. But I wish they would dispense with the 80's style fake greetings at the beginning of each segment. It's 2019...almost no one thinks that is literally the first time the people have met the ATOH expert. Just introduce the homeowner and let them describe the problem...you don't need to pretend.

[@GrahamDIY]

Disagree. It all adds to the charm. 2019 is shite The 80’s were awesome.

[@tackleresponse8183]

Perfect location. Can swing a total of 2.75 inches and excellent for when the kids jump into it like wild heathens and smash that window