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Outdoor rocking chairs can make the perfect addition to a front porch, deck, or patio. You can sit outside and enjoy a warm and sunny day while you relax or catch up with a friend or family member. In addition to being comfortable, rocking chairs are often stylish and can increase the visual appeal of an outdoor space.
When shopping for an outdoor rocking chair, you’ll find a wide assortment of products available at retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and The Home Depot. Below is our experts’ guide to choosing the best outdoor rocking chairs, along with our top picks.
1. Polywood Rocking Chair
This Polywood outdoor rocking chair features a contoured seat with wide arms to keep you comfortable as you unwind on your patio. The rockers on the chair are gently sloped to ensure a smooth and relaxing rocking experience. Made in the United States with Polywood lumber—a durable and weather-resistant material made from recycled milk jugs—it comes in 14 color options.
Get the Polywood Presidential Rocking Chair on Amazon for $219
2. Birch Lane Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair
If you’re searching for the best outdoor solid wood rocking chair, this highly reviewed model from Birch Lane should be a top contender. It features a solid eucalyptus frame with a durable and extra-wide high density polyethylene wicker seat and backrest. Choose from three attractive natural finishes: driftwood gray, brown, or ash brown.
Get the Birch Lane Outdoor Legette Rocking Chair at Wayfair for $323
3. Shine Company Vermont Porch Rocker
With its ergonomic and supportive design, 11 color options, and classic style, the Shine Company Vermont Porch Rocker is another of the best patio rocking chairs. It’s made with solid hardwood covered in a weather-resistant polyurethane paint that’s easy to clean and protects against cracking and chipping.
Get the Shine Company Vermont Porch Rocker on Amazon for $137.99
4. Red Barrel Studio Solid Wood Rocking Chair with Cushion
This rocking chair puts a spin on the traditional rocking chair design with its low back with slats, curved arms, and seat cushion. Both comfortable and attractive, it’s constructed out of a naturally water-resistant solid acacia wood so you can leave it outside without worry.
Get the Red Barrel Studio Solid Wood Rocking Chair with Cushion at Wayfair for $185.99
5. Curved Chaise Lounge Rocking Chair
If you’re on the hunt for the best pool chairs that will allow you to lounge with your feet up, but also want to enjoy a relaxing rocking motion, consider these rocker lounge chairs from Crestlive Products. The unique ergonomic design of these chairs, coupled with their UV-resistant fast-drying fabric and padded armrests, make them an ideal addition to a backyard pool.
Get the Crestlive Products Curved Rocker Lounge Chair on Amazon for $99.99
6. Greyleigh Solid Wood Rocking Chair with Cushions
This modern rocking chair looks different from traditional models with its sleek lines and low back. Made of solid eucalyptus, it can support up to 300 pounds and comes with two comfy padded cushions. Customize the chair to match your space with three frame color choices (natural, black, and gray) and nine cushion color choices (black, cream, gray, navy, aqua, yellow, green, red, and blue).
Get the Greyleigh Solid Wood Rocking Chair with Cushions at Wayfair for $192.99
7. Hampton Bay Wicker Swivel Rocking Chair
In addition to the traditional rocking motion, this outdoor rocking chair also swivels from side to side, making it ideal for conversations or checking on the kids playing in the yard. Choose from brown or gray durable all-weather resin wicker frames with CushionGuard or Sunbrella cushion covers available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Get the Hampton Bay Wicker Swivel Rocking Chair at The Home Depot for $349
8. August Grove Solid Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair
Those searching for the best rocking chair for their sunroom or covered porch should consider this option from Wayfair. The chair is made with durable and long-lasting solid mahogany wood that’s covered in weather-resistant paint. Available in seven colors from bright white to hunter green, it features a curved slatted seat and a comfortable slatted back.
Get the August Grove Solid Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair at Wayfair for $169.99
9. Bayou Breeze Baum Rocking Chair with Cushions
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, you may like this set of two Baum rocking chairs from Bayou Breeze. Similar to a papasan chair, the seats on these rockers are designed to cradle your body. Couple that with the smooth rocking motion, and you’re in for some serious R&R. Each chair comes with a plush seat cushion and a decorative back pillow.
Get the Bayou Breeze Baum Rocking Chair with Cushions (Set of 2) at Wayfair for $343.99
10. GCI Outdoor Portable Folding Rocking Chair
This outdoor folding rocking chair has a convenient portable design, making it easy to store or transport to other locations. Our experts gave this chair the “best rocking” award in our guide to the best camping chairs. Some of the top features they highlighted include the spring-action rocking system that offers a smooth rocking motion, the durable powder-coated steel frame, the built-in drink holder, and the comfortable padded armrests.
Get the GCI Outdoor Portable Folding Rocking Chair on Amazon for $69.99
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Rocking Chair
With so many different outdoor rocking chairs on the market, a wide selection of products were considered when compiling the list of recommendations above. Extensive research went into the selection of each chair. To narrow down our selections to the best of the best, we looked for products that were highly rated by past customers. Additionally, we considered the reputation of the various brands, along with the price of each model. We also sought to provide a variety of different rocking chair styles and materials to match different decor styles and comfort preferences.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Rocking Chair
Use the features outlined below to guide your search for the best outdoor rocking chairs.
Supportive Cushioning
One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you prefer a rocking chair with or without a cushion. While cushionless models can still be comfortable, a cushion adds a plusher and cozier feel.
Look for a cushion made with supportive materials like foam and compressed polyester, both of which are commonly used for outdoor cushions. Some chairs even have two cushions for extra support, with one along the back of the chair in addition to the one on the seat.
Comfortable and Firm Seat
The best outdoor patio furniture makes you want to stay and relax—so they need to be comfortable. If you prefer a firmer seat, you may want to opt for a chair with a wooden base or only a thinner and firmer cushion. Those who like a bit more give when they sit should opt for a synthetic material or a thicker cushion.
Durable Fabric
When it comes to the fabric of your outdoor rocking chair’s cushion, synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, vinyl, and polyester, are all good options. These materials are water-resistant, stain-resistant, and won’t fade as quickly as other fabric types when exposed to the sun.
Longevity
The material of your rocking chair is one of the most important factors to consider—you don’t want to waste your money by having to purchase new rocking chairs after one season. Solid wood chairs with a weather-resistant paint coating or recycled polypropylene plastic chairs are durable and can withstand the elements quite well. You can also find fabric and metal rocking chairs that hold up over time. When well maintained, a high quality outdoor rocking chair can last for 15 years or more.
Weight & Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, think like Goldilocks—you don’t want a chair that’s so narrow it’s not comfortable but you also don’t want a chair that’s so wide you have a difficult time reaching the arm rests. Check the height as well to make sure that your feet will be able to reach the floor.
Next, consider the weight. A sturdy rocking chair that won’t slide around when you’re sitting down or get blown over easily is important, but you also don’t want the chair to be so heavy that you can’t shift it around your porch or patio with ease.
FAQs
Consult the FAQs below to learn more about selecting and using the best outdoor rocking chairs.
Q. Can rocking chairs stay outside?
Outdoor rocking chairs are designed to be durable and water-resistant. However, to extend the life of your rocking chair, it’s a good idea to purchase a furniture cover and/or bring it inside during the colder months.
Q. How can I make my old rocking chair more comfortable?
Adding cushions along the back and seat of an old rocking chair can make it more comfortable and supportive.
Q. Which wood is best for rocking chair?
Teak is one of the best woods for outdoor rocking chairs. It is very durable and resists damage from water and sun, as well as hot or cold temperatures. Teak also naturally produces its own oil, which helps the wood remain in excellent condition.
Q. How long should rockers be on a rocking chair?
There is no set size for the rockers on a rocking chair. However, the rockers on most adult rocking chairs tend to be between 35 and 45 inches long.
Q. Are gliders or rockers better?
Gliders and rockers each offer their own pros and cons. For example, rocking chairs give individuals more freedom over how quickly or intensely they move. Gliders can provide a smoother ride, but don’t provide the same level of control.
Q. What makes a rocking chair comfortable?
A comfortable rocking chair should be set at a comfortable angle to remove the pressure placed on your spine. It should also have a balance point that eliminates the pressure that is placed on your feet and legs. Some individuals also look for contoured cushions to keep them comfortable while sitting on a rocking chair.
