Pro's and Con's of different woods for swing

[TooGrumpy]

Not being up on different types of wood, I was wondering what types of wood would be best for a long lasting outdoors porch swing. I live in Michigan (it is possible for me to bring the swing in during the winter). Pine, Oak, Cedar, Red Wood, Cyprus, Etc. Too many choices for a beginner. Also I don't want to spend my life savings on this. hehehe

[leehljp]

I don't have the expertise on this subject as some other will, but I will suggest white oak. It is harder than those mentioned by you and is more weather resistant than read oak. Pine will rot quicker. The others you listed are generally softer woods and require more re-inforcement. That is why I like white oak.

In the south, which you are not, outdoor porch swings are ususally made of the white oak. Good porch swings here last more than a generation and sometimes become the object of sibling fights at inheritance times.

Ipe is a wood that I know very little about but others use it for outdoor projects often. You can get it at some Home Depots and Lowes, I think.

[bigstick509]

Welcome


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I would go with western red ceder my fellow Michigander, these chairs have been outside for the past 2 years and have just needed a refinish with red label penofin.

[newbie2wood]

If the wood is exposed to the element, cedar or pressure treated lumber is best. Both repel insects.
________
MechelleAnne

[Wood_workur]

Here are good out door types of wood:

Red cedar, cypress, white oak, mahogany, ipe, teak, pressure treated pine, red-wood, and composites.

I would go with whit oak for your porch swing.

[Russianwolf]

from what I'm understanding Purpleheart is another good outdoor wood as it is more dense than oak, but not as dense as Ipe. And it's relatively inexpensive when compared to Ipe.

[scorrpio]

Pick up April/May issue of WOOD - it should still be on newsstands. It has a great article on types of wood, fasteners, glues, finishes, etc that should last well outdoors.