Often when you think of porch swings, you think of the traditional swing that your Grandparents had, a nice wood swing hanging from the porch rafters. But, like many other things today, there are other options out there that are not your father's porch swing! Let's take a look at one of these great options.

The one that I have seen recently which I am really impressed with is Pawleys Island Hammocks. Hammocks? You ask, what does that have to do with porch swings. Well, they took their traditional, successful hammock and expanded into the porch swing market. What they have done is taken the hammock and modified the concept into hanging porch swings, both single and double. But lets first take a look at the company, and then what they have to offer.

The name of Pawleys Island Hammock comes from Pawleys Island, an old summer resort on the South Carolina coast. That is where Captain Joshua John Ward invented his knot-less, rope bed that we call the hammock. Today, the company that makes these hammocks is based out of Greenville, NC, but they continue to use the same, tradition and innovative design that Captain Ward developed, but with modern, weather and stain resistant materials, making their products extremely durable.

To make sure that they have the highest quality rope, they weave their own. You can get a porch swing in 100% natural cotton, weather durable polyester or the new, synthetic DuraCord. Which is not only stain, weather and fade resistant, but is also as soft as cotton. Their rope is heavier than any rope used by other hammock brands, exceeding even US military standards.

This same quality is carried over to the fabrics, hardware and wood that they use when manufacturing any of their products. All materials are chosen and treated to be weather and stain resistant as well as supremely durable. These all contribute to a long life, longer than expected for such an item.

When it comes to comfy porch swings, Pawleys' offers a few different products. The first is a cushioned single swing. It comes in a variety of fabrics and it is all supported by braided ropes that attach to the swing fully along the sides and bottom. This is very great for swinging in single solitude.

Pawleys' also offers single porch swings in rope, either 100% cotton or polyester, both made with the same tradition as the rope hammocks. All single swings are supported by a hardwood spreader bar, and are great for hanging up on a patio, under a tree or from a swing stand.

Another great single swing that they have is the Air Chair. It is extremely lightweight, made of soft polyester and hung by multiple solid wood supports. A couple of cool things about this chair swing is that there is a hanging foot support and cup holder that hangs from the upper support - so you get comfort and convenience!

So far all the porch swings we have looked at are single, but they also make a double hanging rope swing. It is a very attractive swing with beautiful oak, curved rocker arms, and embroidered head cushions. Like their other products, there are no knots because it is woven from a continuous three-ply 100% polyester rope. Very cozy for you and a friend.

So, if you are already dreaming of spring days and sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine and a warm and gentle breeze, make sure you check out Pawleys Island Hammocks and their take on nontraditional porch swings.