A SWING OF YOUR OWN... FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE Over the years lots of people have asked us about the best way to hang an Oak & swing. With this in mind, we thought we’d put together a few ideas on how you could approach this so you can really enjoy your swing. These are just our thoughts and how you do it is really up to you ... How we like to do it... Choosing a position for your swing: Find a branch on a living tree that’s at least 10-15cm (4-6in) in diameter (note: fruit trees are more brittle, so should be thicker). Ideally, the branch will be as high and as horizontal as possible; an even swinging action re- quires both be a similar length.

The swing should be installed at least 1-1.5m (3-5ft) away from the trunk of the tree (see below). We also tend to hang our swings at approximately 1m (3ft) above ground level. However, this measurement does, of course, depend on who will be using the swing.

fig. 1

m 1 - 1.5 m m

c approx. 1 m Things to consider: Once you’ve decided on your optimum seat height, be sure to install the swing about 20-30cm (8-12in) HIGHER than you would like it to end up; the rope will stretch a bit during the frst use.

If your branch is very high, we recommend using a tree-surgeon (tree-guy) to do the job for you; they have the appropriate kit for climbing and seem to love hanging swings!

If you can’t fnd a suitable branch, consider installing an artifcial ‘branch’ in the form of a round post, suspended (tied/bolted) between two trees (see below); or tied/bolted between two branches on a single tree (search online for more in-depth examples).

m bolted tied m

fig. 2

The length of your rope: We supply our medium and small swings with 6m (20ft) of rope and the large and couples’ swings with 8m (26ft) as standard. Most of the time this is an ample amount, though should you need more, we can make your swing with longer ropes.

We also fnd it looks quite lovely if any spare rope is simply wrapped around the branch (particularly if you’ve chosen to tie the rope directly to the tree). Attaching your rope:

ONE OPTION is to tie the rope directly to the tree. We recommend using a ‘swing hitch’ (see below). This is a great knot, as it is self-tightening when the swing is in use, but when the load is released the hitch can easily be adjusted or untied if required.

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4. 5. 6.

fig. 2

7. 8. 9. fig. 3

We have been asked if tieing the rope directly to the tree may cause damage to the branch over time. However, the 100% natural manila rope that we use is very gentle; in our own installations we have not noticed any damage. ANOTHER OPTION is to drill a threaded eye bolt into the branch and attach a carabiner (see below). This is safest for the tree, but requires some tools. Eye bolts & carabiners can be purchased on our web site.

m eye bolt fig. 4 m carabiner

we like using a m knot

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3. 4. {the bowline

1) Using an 8mm drill bit, drill two guide holes into the underside of your branch, 5-8cm (2-3in) deep; 2) Screw the eye bolts into the holes; 3) Knot the rope onto the carabiners making sure you've tied the so the seat hangs level. 'WE MAKE THE THINGS WE WISH EXISTED.'

The Oak & Rope journey started with a The swings continue to evolve as they swing. I needed a last minute present for reach equilibrium with their environ- a friend and the skills I was ment. We have used only the fnest taught by my Grandfather suddenly came building blocks and given them our in handy. I wanted to be a carpenter ever utmost care, yet they might go through a since my parents built our home, so I have stage we don’t love so much. This is when always been tinkering with wood, but I cracks come and go, and some cracks will had no idea where it would lead when I stay. Dare we say teenage years? We like to shyly carried the engraved swing seat into refer to this as the "ugly duckling" stage, that party all those years ago! before they settle and become part of their new setting. I become rather philosophical when I talk about our swings. There’s the serendipity Depending on the surroundings and con- of how I came to make the frst one; the ditions, the uniqueness eventually shines way working the rope becomes a form of through and the cracks and imperfections meditation as I measure out the lengths, become part of their beauty... pull out the strands and weave them back together again in a beautiful pattern of It might be that you have bought a swing incredible strength. When the rope gets as a nostalgic memory, trying to recreate tangled it’s a bit like life... to sort it you a moment of calm from the past. To me a have to keep your calm and just unravel it, swing represents my intention to live a life one knot at the time! better balanced between work and play. The gentle swinging motion defnitely Wooden swings are naturally unique and has a calming effect in a world of stress will develop different characteristics de- and pressure. pending on their particular environment. You can’t push these swings with a smart A bit like humans really... phone in your hand, they require your full attention and they become the per- We use super prime, kiln dried, European fect place to share special moments. oak and each piece is expertly selected by We hope your swing will be your happy our craftsmen. The designs are generous- place, a place for both priceless giggles ly proportioned and remain structurally and important chats, creating precious strong, despite any superfcial imperfec- memories of the future! tions that may emerge.

Our swings can be left to their own devic- es outside due to the naturally high levels of tannin in the wood. They will sil- very when exposed to sun and rain. Some of our customers even ask us not to apply any oil so that their swings can weather more quickly. We love to see photos of our swings from around the world! Please share your special moments by emailing us or tagging us on Instagram @THEOAKANDROPECO with #theoakandropecompany #oakandropeswings. WWW.OAKANDROPE.CO.UK