Menu
Cart 0

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wood-Related Questions:

General Information regarding types of wood:

Teak:

  • Most premium wood choice
  • Will last outdoors 15+ years
  • Typically left unfinished or oiled only due to the beauty of the wood

Cedar:

  • Has a natural oil within which is a bug repellent
  • does not warp over time
  • a very stable wood that will last outdoors for 10+ years
  • A-Grade (no knots)
  • C-Grade (knotty)

Pine:

  • Less expensive wood option
  • Looks best when painted (stain can appear blotchy on pine -- more rustic appearance)
  • Does have the tendency to warp over time, so a vintage paint finish works well with the rustic appearance.

Q: What type of wood is best in colder/wetter climates?

A: Cedar is best (hardy, weather-resistant wood) -- Teak is even better than cedar but only available on 1 swing and a few swing beds


Q: What type of wood is best in warmer climates?

A: All woods will be suitable for warmer regions (cypress and cedar have natural insect-repellent oils, so work well in Southern states)


Q: What type of wood is best if the swing will be exposed to the elements (i.e. not under a covered porch)?

A: Either cedar, cypress, or teak.  We do not advise hanging pine swings in an uncovered area, as the wood will split/warp after prolonged exposure to the elements.


Q: What type of finish is best (i.e. stain/paint)?

A: We suggest painting pine and staining cedar and cypress.  Due to the natural oils within cedar and cypress wood, paint does not adhere well; stain is absorbed into the wood.


Q: Does my swing need to be finished or can it be left unfinished?

A: We recommend painting pine to help preserve the wood; however, both cedar and cypress can be left unfinished and will fade to a silvery patina over time (rustic look).

 

 

Accessory Questions:


Q: What are Comfort Springs? Do I need them?

A: Springs create a soft gliding-on-air affect that most people love. They are primarily designed for use with porch swings and hammocks, are barrel-shaped extension springs specially designed for comfort, heavily zinc plated for rust resistance, with a weight capacity of 600 pounds.


Q: What is the hanging kit? Do I need it?

A: Our porch swing hanging kit offers a much more secure attachment for your porch swing than the standard porch swing hook. By displacing the weight of your swing among the plate of the hanger with two screw attachments, a sturdier coupling is obtained. Simply screw the porch swing hanger plates into the support beams of your ceiling/pergola and latch your swing's chains, ropes, or rod hooks onto the hanging kit's swivel hook and you're reading to go -- Peaceful Porch Swingin' is near! 


Q: Should I purchase ropes or chains? What is the durability of each?

A: Your personal style preference can help you select between rope or chain hanging method. The weight capacity of each is equivalent.

Q: Do you have swing covers? Swing Bed Covers if placed outside?

A: We do! We now have bed swing covers available for nearly all of our hanging bed swing designs/sizes!! We also offer custom size covers - simply email sales@magnoliaporchswings.com to request a quote. 

We do not currently offer covers for our standard porch swing.


Shipping/Delivery Questions:

Q: How much is shipping?

A: We offer free shipping to the U.S. (with exclusions of AK and HI)


Q: Do you ship outside of the continental U.S.?

A: No, unfortunately, not at this time. We only ship within the United States.


Q: How will my swing bed be delivered?

A: Most swing beds are delivered via freight delivery due to being shipped fully assembled. Some swing beds ship partially assembled, boxed, and via FedEx Home Delivery. The delivery method for each swing/bed swing is listed in the product description under "Shipping"

Q: How will my porch swing be delivered?

A: Our porch swings are shipped in "knock down" style, which means the seat is assembled and the back is assembled, but upon delivery the seat will need to be attached to the back and the arms attached to the swing.


Q:  How long will it be before my swing ships?

A:  Current lead times vary by swing. The lead time for each swing/swing bed is available in the product’s description.

Typical lead times for standard porch swings range from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Typical lead times for bed swings range from 4-16 weeks.

 

Cushions/Fabric Questions:

Q: Can I receive fabric samples?

A: Sure! Click HERE!


Q: Can I choose ANY outdoor fabric?

A: You can choose fabrics that are not currently listed on our site!  We have access to Sunbrella, Tempotest and BellaDura fabrics. However, pricing may vary depending on fabric choice. Should you want a fabric that is not offered via our website, please obtain the name and fabric code for the fabric of your choice. Email sales@magnoliaporchswings.com for a custom quote on your preferred elements.


Q: Can I use COM (customers own material) for my cushion order?

A: Yes. Please email sales@magnoliaporchswings.com for COM pricing & instructions.


Q: Can I wash my pillow/mattress fabric cover?

A: Absolutely! All pillow and mattress covers are removable via a hidden zipper and are machine washable. Visit https://www.sunbrella.com/en-us/how-to-clean for further cleaning instructions of your outdoor fabric covers. TIP: All covers will need to hang to dry.


Swing Bed Questions:

Q: Can I return my swing bed if I do not like it?

A: Each swing bed is custom built per customer’s specifications. Therefore returns are not accepted due to “buyer’s remorse”. See Returns Policy https://www.magnoliaporchswings.com/pages/shipping-returns


Q: How do I know which size I need?

A: The outside dimensions are listed on each product on our website within the product description section.  You should allow a minimum of 1.5 - 2 feet behind and 1 foot on each side (ideally 2+ feet behind and on sides)

 

Q: Which cushions/pillows do I need?

A: This is completely up to you, the customer, and the way you plan to use your swing bed (i.e. sitting/lounging, lying down, etc.) and what you think will look best. You will need a bottom cushion on all Swing Beds, but the pillow lay out is based upon individual preference. You can mix and match different pillows or go with one of our pillow sets.


Q: How long will it take to receive my swing bed?

A: Current lead times vary by swing bed; the lead time for each design is available in the product’s description. Typical lead times vary between 4-16 weeks depending upon the busy-ness of the season.


Q: How are swing beds shipped? Will I need to assemble it?

A: Shipping and assembly depend upon the swing bed design. Most ship fully assembled (see freight delivery section for info regarding shipping fully assembled swing beds); however some swing beds ship partially assembled, packed well in 3 separate boxes and will need minor assembly upon delivery (connect back to seat, then attach arms--hardware and instructions included with delivery).

Shipping method for each swing bed design is listed in the product description.

Q: What do I need to do in order to prepare for the installation of my swing bed?

A: We recommend having a licensed contractor/handyman inspect your overhead support structure a few weeks or more before delivery of your swing bed to ensure that all reinforcements can be made prior to delivery should your ceiling/structure require them. (Typically 2x6" joists are sufficient)



Finish (Stain/Paint) Questions:


Q: Should I stain or paint my swing/swing bed?

A: Your choice! We suggest that pine be painted, but cedar and cypress be stained. Cedar and cypress have natural oils in them to which the paint does not adhere as well.  The stain will absorb into the cedar or cypress wood making it an option that will require less future maintenance. Ordering an unfinished version is also an option.


Discount Questions:


Q: Do you offer discounts to the trade/designers, etc?

A: We no longer offer trade discounts.


Q: Do you offer discounts to non-profit organizations (i.e. churches)?

A: All non-profit discount requests are considered for review on a case-by-case basis. Please email sales@magnoliaporchswings.com


Q: Do you have any sales coming up?

A: Sales typically run around major holidays. Please sign up for emails/texts via the  tab on the bottom of our website to receive updates on all upcoming sales.