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.
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Step 1: Are Outdoor Rockers Right for You?
Step 2: See How Much Space You Have
Step 3: Choose the Right Materials
Step 4: Select the Right Rocking Chair Style
Step 5: Pick Your Preferred Rocker Color
Step 6: Accessorize Your Porch
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.
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.
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:
HDPE is a durable and weatherproof plastic—ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, playsets, and fencing.
Pine, cedar, and other softwoods are common material choices for rocking chairs.
Hardwood is a sought-after material for outdoor furniture because of its beauty and durability.
Wicker is not a material—it’s a weaving technique. Wicker rockers can be crafted from bamboo, rattan, reeds, willow, or synthetic resin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not sure what your preference is? Ask yourself these questions and let the answers guide you to your hue.
Modern farmhouse: White, black accents, and soft green, tan, and blue hints that mimic the rolling country fields and calm skies.
Monochrome: Bring together black, white, and grey rocking chairs for a clean, modern look.
Warm, woodsy neutrals: Embrace wood’s natural beauty or choose other materials in honeyed, russet, or chocolate hues.
Vintage red: Add energy and retro charm with a cheeky red rocker.
Tropical tastes: Citrusy lemon, lime, and tangerine paired with oceanic blues will put you in vacation mode.
Moody hues: Navy, black, and other dark shades give a feeling of sophistication, depth, and mystery.
After picking the perfect rocking chair material, size, style, and color, it’s now the moment to add the finishing touches with outdoor accessories.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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