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With their gentle back-and-forth motion and comfortable armrests, outdoor rocking chairs are synonymous with front porch R&R. We've benefitted from their calming and therapeutic qualities for centuries, lulling our babies to sleep, unwinding after long workdays, and even easing our back pain.

 

Step 1: Are Outdoor Rockers Right for You?

Here are some considerations to help you answer this question.

Traditional rockers typically feature straight and tall backrests. However, other designs may have curved or cushioned backs that offer comfort and relaxation in new ways.

While rocking chairs are designed for motion, their armrests are not great drink holders. We suggest pairing them with accent tables that keep drinks and snacks within reach.

Rockers' curved runners perform best on smooth, flat surfaces such as concrete or tile. Grass, sand, cobblestone, and other uneven surfaces will hinder their movements.

Step 2: See How Much Space You Have

How much space do you need for patio rocking chairs?

Most rocking chairs measure roughly 37–45 inches tall, 26–30 inches wide, and 32–37 inches deep.

With these dimensions in mind, we recommend allowing 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides of your rockers. This free space lets folks move around the area and prevents the chairs from bumping into walls or furniture while you rock.

Let's crunch some numbers. As shown in the above image, if you want two rocking chairs that are 1.5 feet wide and 3 feet deep, you need a space with a width of 9 feet and a depth of 7 feet. We highly suggest measuring your outdoor area before buying any furniture to ensure you have enough room to accommodate a rocker and its movement.

Step 3: Choose the Right Materials

When browsing outdoor rockers, consider the varying materials available, each with distinctive qualities and aesthetics that can impact your experience. These features should be top of mind before making your selection:

  • Durability: Does it handle repeat use and outdoor elements such as rain, wind, and sun exposure?
  • Maintenance: From refinishing to cleaning, how much upkeep does it need?
  • Comfort: Is it comfortable enough to allow for long periods of sitting?
  • Weight: Will it stay put when the wind picks up? Can you move it on your own? (Depending on the material, rocking chairs typically weigh between 15 and 45 pounds.)
  • Price: How much are you willing to spend on a rocking chair?
  • Appearance: Does the material fit your style and outside decor?

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a durable and weatherproof plastic—ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, playsets, and fencing.

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: HDPE

Softwood

Pine, cedar, and other softwoods are common material choices for rocking chairs. 

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Softwoods

Hardwood

Hardwood is a sought-after material for outdoor furniture because of its beauty and durability. 

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Hardwood

Wicker

Wicker is not a material—it’s a weaving technique. Wicker rockers can be crafted from bamboo, rattan, reeds, willow, or synthetic resin.

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Wicker

Injection-Molded Plastic 

To create a chair via injection molding, molten thermoplastic (plastic that’s pliable when heated) is inserted into a chair-shaped mold and then left to cool and solidify.

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Injection-Molded Plastic

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron rockers appeal to those who like a rustic-industrial or antique-inspired aesthetic. It's made by repeatedly heating metal and forming it into shapes with a machine or by hand.

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Wrought Iron

Aluminum

Typically, aluminum rockers are simple designs with hollow tubular frames, though some may be cast in a mold. To find out metal furniture is aluminum, use a magnet—if it sticks, it's a different material.

Outdoor Furniture Materials Pros & Cons: Aluminum

Step 4: Select the Right Rocking Chair Style

The basic structure of rocking chairs hasn’t changed much since their invention in the 18th century, but there’s now a wide variety of styles to choose from. Browse our style breakdown to find your furniture fit.

Traditional Rocking Chairs

Synonymous with front porch relaxation, these styles pay homage to the rocker's rich history. The designs sit upright with tall backs, straight arms, and narrower seats compared to other styles.

Adirondack Rocking Chairs

POLYWOOD Modern 3-Piece Adirondack Rocking Chair Set in Vintage Sahara and 16" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Ocean Teal

Featured: Modern 3-Piece Adirondack Rocking Chair Set in Vintage Sahara and 16" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Ocean Teal

Combining the laid-back comfort of an Adirondack with the gentle motion of a rocker, these styles are available in classic and vibrant lumber colors, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and visual appeal.

Deep Seating Rockers

POLYWOOD Prescott Deep Seating Rocking Chair in Teak/Ash Charcoal

Featured: Prescott Deep Seating Rocking Chair in Teak/Ash Charcoal

Designed for those who prioritize both comfort and style, these rockers offer ample room to sink in and snuggle up. Enhanced by lofty, weather-resistant cushions, they provide a cloud-nine experience for ultimate relaxation.

Swivel Rockers

For those seeking a dynamic rocking experience, consider swivel rockers that provide a full range of motion. This style offers side-to-side and back-and-forth movements thanks to a 360-degree swivel mechanism that attaches the seat to a fixed base.

Repositioning or getting in and out of these seats is convenient, requiring no cumbersome pushing or pulling of the chair. Instead, a simple twist of your legs guides you in the desired direction.

Gliders

POLYWOOD Classic Adirondack 48" Glider in Mahogany

Featured: Classic Adirondack 48" Glider in Mahogany

Glider chairs offer smooth, straight back-and-forth movements on a fixed track. The stationary base gives the glider an edge because, unlike rocking chairs, they work on gravel, cobblestone, brick, and other bumpy surfaces.

Step 5: Pick Your Preferred Rocker Color

Questions to Ask

Not sure what your preference is? Ask yourself these questions and let the answers guide you to your hue.

  • What's my home's exterior color scheme?
  • Do I want exact shade matches or coordinating colors?
  • How will my outdoor environment affect the colors?

Color Schemes

Modern farmhouse: White, black accents, and soft green, tan, and blue hints that mimic the rolling country fields and calm skies.

POLYWOOD Estate Porch Rocking Chair in Black POLYWOOD Quattro Adirondack Rocking Chair in Sand POLYWOOD Prescott Deep Seating Rocking Chair in White with Cushions in Natural Linen

Monochrome: Bring together black, white, and grey rocking chairs for a clean, modern look.

POLYWOOD Quattro Adirondack Rocking Chair in White POLYWOOD Modern Cureveback Adirondack Rocking Chair in Black POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Rocking Chair in Slate Grey

Warm, woodsy neutrals: Embrace wood's natural beauty or choose other materials in honeyed, russet, or chocolate hues.

POLYWOOD Chippendale Deep Seating Rocking Chair in Mahogany With Cushions in Spiced Burlap POLYWOOD Braxton Porch Rocking Chair in Teak POLYWOOD Presidential Woven Rocking Chair in Sand With Tigerwood Weave

Vintage red: Add energy and retro charm with a cheeky red rocker.

POLYWOOD South Beach Rocking Chair in Sunset Red POLYWOOD Vineyard Adirondack Rocking Chair in Sunset Red POLYWOOD Long Island Rocking Chair in Sunset Red

Tropical tastes: Citrusy lemon, lime, and tangerine paired with oceanic blues will put you in vacation mode.

POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair in Lemon POLYWOOD Classic Adirondack Rocking Chair in Lime POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Rocker in Tangerine

Moody hues: Navy, black, and other dark shades give a feeling of sophistication, depth, and mystery.

POLYWOOD Country Living Rocking Chair in Black POLYWOOD Vineyard Deep Seating Rocking Chair in Black With Navy Linen Cushions POLYWOOD Vineyard Porch Rocking Chair in Navy

Step 6: Accessorize Your Porch

After picking the perfect rocking chair material, size, style, and color, it's now the moment to add the finishing touches with outdoor accessories.

Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

All-weather cushions and throw pillows quickly add comfort and color to your new rocker. If you want a new look, they can be switched out seasonally, annually, or whenever the mood strikes.

POLYWOOD Vineyard 3-Piece Deep Seating Rocking Chair Set in Teak/Natural Linen and 16" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Navy Linen

Featured: Vineyard 3-Piece Deep Seating Rocking Chair Set in Teak/Natural Linen and 16" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Navy Linen

Umbrellas

Want to enjoy your rocker no matter the forecast? Create shade from the sun or shelter from light rain with an outdoor umbrella. Look for styles that tilt and close up when not in use for the most flexibility.

 

POLYWOOD Outdoor Umbrella - Available in Standard & Bar Heights

 

 

Side and Coffee Tables

Complete your outdoor setup with coordinating coffee and side tables. They're perfect for holding snacks, beverages, or decorative items.

Pair a side table with your rocking chairs to keep a magazine, refreshing drink, or fresh-baked pastry within easy reach.

POLYWOOD South Beach 18" Side Table in White

Featured: South Beach 18" Side Table in White

Planters

Bring nature to your front porch with outdoor planters. From flowers to ferns, planters add a refreshing and vibrant element to your outdoor space. Select planters that complement the overall design and color of your outdoor space.

Blankets

Wrap up and rock on with cozy blankets. Choose weather-resistant materials for durability and warmth. Drape a blanket over your rocking chair for both style and practicality.

POLYWOOD Vineyard Porch Rocking Chair in Black

Featured: Vineyard Porch Rocking Chair in Black

Which POLYWOOD Rocker Is the Most Comfortable?

Experience all-weather durability, aesthetic appeal, and minimal maintenance with POLYWOOD rockers. Explore our rocking chair styles in our comparison guide to find your perfect fit.