There is no such thing as a silly question. The chances are someone else has probably asked the same question before you anyway! We have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions along with their answers below.
What are the different size options for tree swings?
Woodland and Classic tree swings are available in a number of different sizes:
Junior: 475x180mm
Child: 550x200
Midi: 650x220
Adult: 750x240
Adult Plus: 950x240
Double Adult: 1150x240
Curve and Accoya swings are available in Junior to Adult size. All Accoya swings are 200mm front to back.
All of our swings are generously sized, Adult tree swings seem to be the most popular size as these can be enjoyed comfortably by children and adults.
I would like to get my child a tree swing but I'm sure I'll use it too! What size best suits all?
This question is one of our most commonly asked. All of our tree swings are generously proportioned, therefore the average adult will fit on a 'child' size seat, however if you're looking for a swing which is very comfortable for both young children to use and adults, we would recommend either a Midi or Adult size seat. For the younger child (4-8) as well as adult usage we would recommend a Midi seat, although an Adult size could be used its slightly heavier and isn't quite as easy for a younger child to control. For children 8+ the adult seat is brilliant.
What are adjustable ropes and do I need them?
Adjustable ropes are a type of loop spliced into the rope close to the seat which allows the height of the seat to be easily adjusted from the ground, rather than having to climb up to the branch and adjust the knot from there. The adjustable ropes work similarly to a back pack strap. Usually you only need adjustable ropes if you hang the tree swing from a high branch which isn't easily accessible, or if you want to be able to adjust the height of your seat quickly from the ground.
How long will my tree swing take to be made and delivered?
We aim to make and have tree swings delivered within 3-4 working days of you placing your order, however it can sometimes take slightly longer if the swing is to have letter carving. All tree swings are usually delivered within 7 working days.
How thick are the tree swings?
Our Woodland and Accoya swings are planed to a thickness of 48mm, Woodland Deluxe are planed to a thickness of 60mm. Classic swings are all 38mm thick, except Junior and Child sizes which are 32mm thick, all Classic swings are braced underneath with 24mm thick cross braces so this needs to be added to the thickness of the seat itself.
All Curve seats are 38mm thick.
How strong are the synthetic hemp ropes?
The 14, 16 and 18mm ropes we use throughout our tree swing range are all extremely strong and durable. They are load rated much higher than the weight of one/two fully grown adults. Below are the ratings given by the Master Ropemakers:
14mm 1710kg
16mm 2160kg
18mm 2740kg
What is best, Danish oil or Varnish?
Exterior Danish oil is much easier to keep on top of compared to varnish, you can rub it back lightly once or twice a year and reapply coats over time. However, Danish oil doesn't seem to last as long Varnish, however varnish cant easily be 'topped up' like danish oil can. Once weather gets into the varnish it is best to completely strip the product of all varnish and reapply new coats. If you are looking for a maintenance free product you can leave your swing to weather naturally, which over time will turn the swing a beautiful shade of silvery grey.
Whats the easiest method to hang my tree swing?
We tend to find the easiest method of hanging your tree swing is using rope clamps. The rope just needs to wrap around the branch a minimum of 2 turns (more turns are better), the 'tail' then gets clamped tightly to the 'hanging' part of the rope, it is recommended you use two rope clamps per hanging rope to secure your swing.
A swing hitch is slightly more complex however it is still a suitable way of tying your swing at the branch. Instructions and images on how to tie a swing hitch can be found on our 'How to hang a tree swing' page.
How much rope do I need?
When purchasing a tree swing you need to take into account two things, the height of the branch (minus the seat height off the floor) and also the distance around the branch. From there you will be able to workout the correct lengths of rope for hanging your swing with.
A simple formula for calculating rope length:
(Ground to branch height m - 0.5m) + Branch diameter m X11
e.g A 3 meter branch height with a 0.2m diameter:
3 - 0.5 = 2.5 0.2 x 11 = 2.2 2.5 + 2.2 = 4.7
You would need 5m ropes. The above formula works out the length as a slight over estimation to make sure you have enough rope, it is always best to utilise the waste rather not have enough!
Can you workout how much rope I need to hang a tree swing with?
We are more than happy to workout how much rope you will need, just give us a call or send us an email with the height of the branch and the diameter and we can workout everything else for you.
If you have no way of measuring, simply send us a photo of somebody standing directly beneath the branch, and let us know their height. From there we will be able to estimate for you how much rope you will need.
Do you install tree swings?
We send our tree swings out via courier to the customer to install/have installed themselves. If you have no way of installing the swing yourself we can sometimes help, however the charge for this is sometimes nearly as much the swing itself. If we hang a tree swing at your premises we do not accept any liability if accident or misfortune is caused by its use.
Whats best, knots or spliced loop on the tree swings?
To be honest, it is totally personal preference. Neither way is more beneficial than the other, it just comes down to personal taste and appearance.
The knots tend to give the swing a more rustic look and give some adjustment from the ground as you can loosen them and retighten them. Where as the spliced loops tend to look a lot neater and tidier.
Do you make bespoke garden furniture?
Yes we do! If you have an idea of a piece of furniture you would like for your home/garden please get in touch and we will help to make your idea become a reality!
How big are your swing seats?
Swing seats are available in 2 and 3 seater sizes.
2 Seater: 1300mm between the hanging chains
3 Seater: 1700mm between the hanging chains.
A-frame sizes:
2 Seater: 2.5 x 1.8m
3 Seater: 2.95 x 1.8m
Single seat swing seats are also available, please get in touch with regards to these.
How long will a swing seat/swing frame take to make and be delivered?
All of our swing seats and garden swing frames are built and made to order. We try to deliver and install our seats and frames within 4 weeks from order. However this time scale can vary slightly dependant on how many orders we have in at any one time, may be sooner or slightly later. The delivery timescale will be discussed with you before full payment for your swing seat/frame is taken.
Can I purchase a swing seat on its own?
Certainly! All of our swing seats can be supplied as a seat on there own. If you have a pergola, tree or other structure you'd like the swing to hang from it isn't a problem, we just need to know the height of what the swing is to hang from so we can ensure you have enough chain/steel wire.
How much room do I need for one of your Garden Swing Frames?
Our garden swing frames come in Single and Double sizes, they can be supplied with extra holes for upgrading to larger size swings.
Single: 2.95m wide x 2.1m deep
Double: 4m wide x 2.1m deep
Double swing frames fitted with just child seats can be 3.8m wide.
Beam height from floor is approx 2.5m.
Our swing frames can be made taller if requested to give a larger swinging motion for an extra nominal charge.
Do you make triple garden swing frames?
We can supply triple garden swing frames, however these don't comply with BS EN 1176 and 1177. The standards state there should only be 2 swings per bay (bay is space between sets of legs), however with a triple there would be 3.
Triple Swing Frame size: 4.85m x 2.1m
Both our Single and Double garden swing frames comply with EN1176 and 1177.
Help! I need my product in a hurry.
No worries! We are usually able to help out where we can. Just get in touch and let us know about your urgent requirements and we will see what we can do. Please understand though that none of our products come straight off of the shelf!
Do we need to install swing seats/frames purchased from you?
All swing seats and swing frames are delivered and installed by MR Woodcraft. You wont need to worry about anything other than using the seat/frames as they will all be set up to suit the people who are going to be using them.
I have made my own tree swing but I need some rope, can you help?
We are more than happy to supply rope on its own, we can even splice the ropes for you if needs be. Give us a call or email us with your requirements.
After service care
All of our products are made to the highest quality, and we are very confident you wont have any problems. We therefore guarantee against faulty workmanship for 12 months. However, we sell natural timber products, and therefore we cannot guarantee that our product wont change naturally when in the natural environment, the outdoors. For more information on our guarantees and terms please see our terms and conditions.
