Growing up in Louisiana, Marisa Morgan has fond memories of lazing the afternoon away on her MawMaw’s porch swing. “All of the cousins and I would collect pecans in the yard and then we’d climb onto the swing and crack them open–it was so much fun,” says Morgan. Although her MawMaw has since passed away and the beloved porch swing now resides at an aunt’s house, those carefree days of her childhood were the inspiration for what’s become a thriving business today: Nostalgic Porch Swing Co.
In 2008, Morgan and her husband, Eric, bought a house with a big front porch in downtown Lancaster. They searched for years for the perfect swing and, displeased with the options, they decided to combine their skills and build their own. Given Marisa’s background in interior design, Eric’s engineering knowledge, and the couple’s passion for custom cabinetry and woodworking, the end product soon had neighbors clamoring for a porch swing of their own. “A neighbor asked where we got it, so we made one for them. Then another neighbor wanted one. The first three, known as our Classic style, were built in our garage,” recalls Morgan. That was in 2012. The following year, they decided to make it a business.
In addition to the handcrafted and custom designed wood details, the swings are more like a sofa, with deep seats and comfy all-weather cushions that come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. They’re made from premium western red cedar, which, in addition to being a strong and lightweight wood, is free from knots and also has the benefit of being rot and insect resistant. The swings hang from natural manila ropes tied into stainless steel hardware.
There are two styles of knots used to secure the swing: a figure eight knot and the stopper knot, both of which are very easy for homeowners to tie, and they actually tighten as you sit on the swing. “We had to figure out our knots. My husband consulted his old Boy Scout books and his parents–they live in Florida and belong to a yacht club,” says Morgan. But, she adds, unless you’re very handy, professional installation is recommended. “You need to tap into the structural beams–it is a permanent structure, so you do need to put a little forethought into it.”
Each swing is still made to order, but the Morgans have since moved production out of their garage and into a permanent shop, and they now employ two master carpenters. Everything is fully finished and assembled in their shop and delivered to your door, ready to go. Through a combination of online retailers and advertising in national trade publications, they’ve built a solid reputation in a short time–last year, they produced 75 swings. “We work with architects and designers around the country to create a swing that fits their project,” says Morgan. Two memorable swings made recently include a whimsical plum and pink pairing for a beach house in New Jersey and an austere, all white swing (white ropes, white cushions, and painted white cedar) for a big plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.
As the days start getting longer and the nights warmer, Nostalgic Porch Swing Co. is gearing up for their busy season. “While the winter was a great time to sit back and think of concepts and marketing, starting in March, it’s all sales, sales, sales, till October,” says Morgan. They’re getting ready to launch a new interactive website (www.nostalgicporchswings.com) so shoppers can place orders directly with the company. And each year they plan to introduce a new style. “Last year was the Cathedral style porch swing with the arches, a sort of Gothic flair,” says Morgan. “This year, we just introduced the Craftsman style, which has a heavier look and the notches. We’re also adding tree swings.”
Morgan also plans to take more time to relax and enjoy her own porch swing: “Now that we sell them, I’ve found that I’m not sitting on it as much,” she laughs. “But that’s a good problem to have. I always thought it would be cool to have a porch swing company. I had that concept in the back of my mind for a long time. This has taken over way beyond where we thought it would be.”
The Nuts & Bolts
Make sure you have 16 inches of perimeter space around your swing.
Suggested weight limit is 600 pounds.
Starting price is around $1,899.
Each swing takes approximately four weeks to make.
They’re made from premium western red cedar, which, in addition to being a strong and lightweight wood, is free from knots and also has the benefit of being rot and insect resistant.
No porch? No problem. Opt to hang one from a pergola, or look into one of their new tree swings!
Carefree days of childhood were the inspiration for what's become a thriving business today.
By Michelle Ciarrocca/ Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer
