Unfinished Porch Swings

Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to match a specific color palette, unfinished porch swings can serve as a blank canvas for your creativity. Our raw wood swings are crafted from high-quality kiln-dried pine, western red cedar, and cypress. Whether you plan to apply a clear sealant to highlight the natural grain, a rich stain to match your deck, or a vibrant paint color to boost curb appeal, these stainable and paintable hanging benches provide the perfect foundation for your project.

Why Choose a Natural Wood Swing?

Choosing an unfinished wood swing gives you complete control over the final look of your furniture. While pre-finished options are convenient, an unfinished swing allows you to:

• Match Existing Decor: Perfectly coordinate your swing with your front door, shutters, or deck flooring.

• Save Money: Unfinished furniture is often more affordable, giving you premium build quality for a lower price point.

• Showcase the Grain: Use a semi-transparent stain or oil to bring out the natural knots and patterns of the wood.

Comparing Wood Types

When buying an unfinished swing, the wood species matters significantly for both durability and how it accepts a finish.

• Yellow Pine: Yellow pine has a distinct grain pattern and is excellent for painting or staining (we do not recommend leaving standard yellow pine unfinished without a protective coat). Most high-quality swings will use kiln-dried pine to minimize warping.

• Pressure Treated Pine: The same benefits of yellow pine, but a treated unfinished swing adds additional weather-resistance to help extend the life of your swing

• Red Cedar: Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. Cedar has a beautiful reddish hue that looks stunning when finished with a simple clear UV sealant or oil.

• Cypress: Known as the "eternal wood," cypress is incredibly dense and water-resistant. It contains a natural oil (cypressene) that protects it, making it a top choice for humid climates.

Tips for Finishing Your Swing

To ensure your DIY porch swing lasts a lifetime, follow these basic steps before hanging it up:

1. Light Sanding: Although our swings come sanded, a quick pass with 120-grit sandpaper immediately before staining opens the pores of the wood for better stain absorption.

2. Choose the Right Product: Use exterior-grade paints, stains, or spar urethane. Look for products that offer UV protection to prevent the wood from turning gray.

3. Seal All Sides: Don't forget the bottom of the seat and the spaces between the slats. sealing the wood completely prevents moisture from seeping in and causing rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the swing unfinished?

While woods like Cedar and Cypress will weather to a silvery-gray patina if left untreated, we highly recommend applying at least a clear water-repellent sealer. This prevents the wood from drying out, cracking, or splintering over time.

Is it better to paint or stain?

This depends on your style! Stain soaks into the wood and peels less often, making it easier to maintain. Paint sits on top of the surface and offers more color variety but may require scraping and repainting in the future if it chips.

Do these swings come with hanging hardware?

Most of our swings include standard chains or ropes. However, hanging hooks and comfort springs (recommended for swings with chains) are sold separately.