All furniture, whether indoor or outdoor, requires a certain level of maintenance if you plan on keeping it around and in good condition for more than a few years. Something like patio swings and gliders call for yet more work because of their moving parts, but the upkeep is still minimal when you think about all of the work you'll be saving in the long haul. Depending on what model of swing you have, there are different tips you can employ that don't take long, but will end up saving you precious time and money.
Metal patio swings and gliders
The main concern with anything metal is rust. Most swings are made from lighter metals like aluminum (otherwise they would be too heavy to swing) that don't rust as easily as some other metals, but it's still a concern. Whenever your swings get wet, try to dry them off with a towel when it's possible so that moisture does not stay on the surface long periods of time. You might even want to cover your swing with a tarp overnight to protect against dew and during rainstorms.
If you do notice a spot of rust forming, immediately sand away the area using sandpaper or a power sander to prevent the spot from spreading. You will also need to take into account the metal hardware, which comes not just with metal swings, but also wood and sometimes resin models. All parts that are beginning to rust or fall into disrepair need to be replaced at once.
The final consideration for metal swings, and all furniture with moving parts, is to oil any hinges or joints regularly to prevent them from squeaking.
Wooden patio swings and gliders
Wood is the classic choice for these pieces of furniture and
the most common variety found in stores. To maintain, remember to take into consideration all of the different wooden pieces, including but not limited to the bench itself. There will usually be some sort of wooden base, and patio swings that are not freestanding will have some overhead crossbeam. Many swings also have wooden connectors rather than chains, which allow the bench to move. All of these parts need to be cared for equally. Replace any pieces of wood which have begun to fall apart. Small cracks and splitting in the wood can be sanded out using fine grained sandpaper to prevent spreading.
Coating wood is important to protect it from moisture and UV rays, and it better maintains the original color of the wood. Use oil, varnish, sealant, paint or combination thereof, like an oil-based varnish a few times per year. Make sure that the wood is clean, dry and free of any residual varnish before applying a fresh coat. This will make the sealant better adhere and look more even. You can remove leftover varnish and paint also with sandpaper and use a mild cleaner like Murphy's.
While some patio swings and glider swings operate on swinging wooden beams, others still use the traditional metal chains. There are two problems associated with chains: rust and wobble. Replace rusty chains with new ones, making sure to buy the same length chain. Tilt can usually be corrected by tightening bolts and other associated parts that may have come loose.
Finally, like metal swings, you will need to regular oil all moving parts to keep them from squeaking and moving properly. With gliders, there is the added sliding track upon which the seat moves back and forth. This also needs to be oiled.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Patio Swings and Gliders and Porch Swings.
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