How It Works

At The California Swing Company, we believe the materials you choose and the way you work them matter just as much as design.
Every swing and chair is hand‑built in our Shaver Lake workshop and made to withstand California’s sun, salt, snow, and seasons — year after year.

Our Materials

Red Balau Hardwood

Dense. Stable. Naturally weather‑resistant.
Sustainably sourced from well‑managed forests, Red Balau’s rich color and striking grain make it as beautiful as it is tough. This hardwood’s natural oils resist warping, decay, and pests, so your swing looks and feels incredible for decades.

316 Marine‑Grade Stainless Steel

The gold standard in marine hardware.
Every screw, bolt, and bracket is chosen to handle coastal salt spray, mountain snow, and desert sun without corroding. It’s the same material trusted on the open ocean — now protecting your swing.

Hand‑Rubbed Exterior Oil Finish

Warm sheen. Simple upkeep.
We finish each piece with a premium penetrating exterior oil that enhances natural grain and gives a hand‑crafted warmth you can feel. Re‑oiling is quick and easy for ongoing protection.

Dyneema Rigging

Ultra‑light yet incredibly strong, Dyneema offers marine‑grade durability with minimal stretch. UV- and weather-resistant, it delivers a smooth, secure suspension that lasts from season to season.

Our rigging features our adjustable recline system — from upright coffee sipping to full‑tilt stargazing.

How We Build

Our 5‑Step Process

  1. Design & Sizing
    We work with you on size, finish, and installation details so your swing fits perfectly in its space.

  2. Select & Mill
    Each Red Balau board is hand‑picked, milled, and grain‑matched for beauty and strength.

  3. Shape & Sand
    Ergonomic curves are hand‑sculpted for hours of comfort, inspired by fine wooden boats.

  4. Assemble & Oil
    Marine-grade fasteners join every piece; we hand-rub an oil finish for lasting protection.

  5. Deliver & Install
    White‑glove setup on site — complete with a safety check and care walkthrough.

Why It Matters

Your swing isn’t just furniture — it’s a legacy piece, designed to be handed down just like the memories made in it. By investing in heirloom materials, marine‑grade components, and time‑tested building methods, you’re getting a swing that will feel as good in 20 years as it does on day one.

Ready to start your build?