The RHS oak frame and rope swing

Every piece is made by hand, so sizes can vary by a centimetre or two. The figures below are the largest you should plan for. If you are laying slabs or a base, wait until your piece is delivered and positioned, then set them to its feet.

A taller frame gives a longer rope and a longer, slower swing. The standard frame suits younger children; the high frame gives adults a full arc.

We build our seats and benches in Prime Grade air-dried European oak from Hewins Timber. Air drying seasons the timber slowly, over months rather than days, which reduces movement once the piece is outdoors.

Oak is left unpainted and unstained. It starts a warm honey colour and weathers to silver-grey over one or two summers outside. Grain, colour variation and the occasional small knot are part of the timber, not defects. Fine surface checks can open and close with the seasons; they do not affect strength.

Fixings are marine-grade stainless steel throughout, chosen to cope with salt air, so there is nothing to rust or stain the oak.

Guarantee. Every piece carries our five-year Sitting Spiritually guarantee, and painted Accoya pieces are built on timber guaranteed by its manufacturer for 50 years above ground. Our first seats, made in 2004, still sit in our Lyme Regis garden: the five years is a floor, not a ceiling. If something is wrong through our fault, we put it right at our cost. Full terms are on our guarantee page.

Care. Clean the timber a few times a year with sugar soap or our wood cleaner so algae and dirt do not settle in the grain, and avoid a high-pressure washer, which raises the grain. Leave new oak unoiled for its first two to three years while the natural tannins wash out; after that, a feeding oil once a year in spring keeps it nourished. Our refurbishment kit has everything needed. Painted Accoya needs only a wash down. More in aftercare and maintenance.

In the first season. Fresh oak releases tannin when it rains, which can mark new paving (Indian sandstone especially) until it has washed through – stand the feet on something for the first few months. Small dark marks around screw plugs are a reaction between the tannin and traces of iron in water; they are cosmetic and weather in.

Later on. If a piece has been left for a few years, our workshop can collect, restore and return it. See the refurbishment service.

A name, a date or a line hand-carved into the oak seat: a flat £100 for the first 20 characters, £10 each after, with a proof before carving. See carvings

For a swing seat and rope swing on one frame, see the Trilogy. All our rope swings are here.

Choose your size, finish and details above and order online, or call Nick on 01297 443084 if you would rather talk it through. Ordering online does not lock anything in: we call every customer within a few days to confirm placement, access and the finished specification before your piece goes to the workshop.

Most pieces are made to order in four to six weeks. As yours nears completion we send you a photograph from the workshop, then book a delivery date with you. Cushions, covers and other additions can be added later – many customers live with their piece through a season first.

Buying from overseas? See international delivery – we deliver to Europe, North America, Australia and beyond.

Your seat is delivered, carried into the garden, assembled in position and levelled by Richard and Kevin of Saturn Removals, who have delivered our seats for years. Before they leave you are asked to sit in it. Installation is complete when you are happy with it, not before.

They call ahead to agree a date and talk through access – gate widths, steps, slopes and where the seat will stand. Their vans are Transit-sized and a frame will pass through a standard door, so most gardens are straightforward; if yours is not, tell us when you order and we will plan it.

Delivery is priced by postcode and shown in the basket. Assembly in position is an option at checkout (typically £47 on a swing seat); a frame can also be put together by two adults if you prefer. Delivery covers mainland UK; for Scottish Highlands, islands or anywhere with difficult access, call us first.