Cedar Porch Swing Buying Guide: Real Red Cedar vs. Recycled Poly

Western red cedar is one of the oldest, most trusted materials for a porch swing — the classic look most people picture when they imagine a porch swing at all. This guide covers what makes cedar different from recycled poly lumber, what to expect on maintenance and pricing, and the real cedar porch swings we carry from All Things Cedar.

Why Cedar for a Porch Swing?

Western red cedar has natural oils and tannins that resist rot, decay, and insects without any chemical treatment — the same properties that make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, siding, and sauna interiors. It's naturally lightweight for a hardwood, has a warm reddish-brown grain that ages to a soft silver-grey if left unfinished, and holds stain or sealant well if you'd rather maintain its original color.

Cedar vs. Recycled Poly Lumber: What's the Real Difference?

Neither material is objectively "better" — cedar gives you a classic natural-wood look at a lower price point, especially if the swing will live under a covered porch. Poly lumber trades that natural look for zero maintenance and full uncovered weather resistance.

Caring for a Cedar Porch Swing

• Covered porches: Cedar's natural oils handle most weather well, but a covered porch dramatically extends its life and keeps the wood looking newer longer.
• Sealing: Applying an exterior wood sealant or stain every 1–2 years helps cedar resist moisture and keeps its color from silvering, though many owners like the natural grey patina and skip sealing entirely.
• Uncovered/exposed locations: Cedar can be left uncovered, but expect more noticeable weathering over time compared to a covered porch — if your swing will sit fully exposed to rain and sun year-round, a poly lumber swing will need less upkeep.

Cedar Porch Swings at The Porch Swing Store

We carry the All Things Cedar line, built from real Western red cedar:

• Duncan Red Cedar Porch Swing — available in 4 ft, 5 ft, and 6 ft, our most popular cedar swing style
• Pergola Red Cedar Porch Swing — 4 ft, styled with a pergola-inspired frame
• A-Frame Red Cedar Porch Swing Stand — for hanging a swing anywhere you don't have ceiling support, not just on a covered porch

Prices for the Duncan and Pergola swings currently run roughly $280–$470 depending on size, with the A-Frame stand around $430–$480.

Cedar Porch Swing FAQ

Do cedar porch swings need to be covered?

Not strictly, but it's strongly recommended. A covered porch protects cedar from direct, prolonged rain and sun exposure, which slows the natural weathering process and keeps the wood looking newer for longer. Cedar can be used uncovered, but expect faster graying and more frequent sealing if it is.

How long does a cedar porch swing last?

With reasonable care — ideally under a covered porch, with periodic sealing — a quality cedar porch swing can last well over a decade. Cedar's natural rot and insect resistance gives it a real durability advantage over untreated softwoods like pine.

Should I seal or stain my cedar porch swing?

It's optional. Sealing preserves cedar's original reddish-brown color and adds moisture protection. Left unsealed, cedar naturally weathers to a soft silver-grey patina that many people prefer — it's purely an aesthetic choice, not a structural necessity.

Is cedar or recycled poly lumber better for a porch swing?

It depends on your priorities. Choose cedar for a natural wood look and a lower price point, especially under a covered porch. Choose recycled poly lumber if you want zero maintenance, full color choice, and a swing that can live outside uncovered year-round without any care.

Shop Cedar Porch Swings

Browse our full All Things Cedar collection, or compare with our complete porch swing selection including recycled poly options from LuxCraft.