The Complete Outdoor Glider Buying Guide

Gently swaying on a front porch, relaxing in a verdant garden, sitting poolside as you watch the kids play: There’s nothing quite like the serenity an outdoor glider affords. This seating style combines the comforts of a rocking chair with the peaceful back-and-forth motion of a porch swing, the perfect way to enjoy the company of a friend or a quiet cup of tea.

• Durability: How well will the materials hold up when exposed to the elements?
• Maintenance: Are the materials easy to keep clean and pristine?
• Appearance: How will the material look over time?
• Design: Does the glider work well with the current style of your outdoor space?
• Comfort: Is the glider designed with contoured seats or cushions?
• Weight: How easy is it to move or install, and can it withstand strong wind gusts?
• Price: How much value (i.e., frequency and years of use) will you get from the glider?
• Size: How many people do you want to accommodate?
• Square footage: Do you have enough space for a glider with enough clearance for it to move back and forth?

To find the right size glider, you should know the square footage of your space and the number of people you want to accommodate. While they offer a smaller range of motion than rocking chairs, gliders do need some open space to move freely. We recommend two feet of clearance to the front and back for standard outdoor gliders.

• Width: If you’re looking for a two-person seat, the most popular size is a 48-inch glider. Some gliders are 60-inches wide, which offers more elbow room. Single-person seats are usually between 28–36 inches wide.
• Depth: Your space's size and family members' heights should determine the appropriate depth of your glider's seat. Taller folks typically prefer deeper seats.
• Height: For optimal back support, look for gliders between 36–40 inches tall.

The right color for your rocking chair ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Black, white, or grey rocking chairs play well with modern design. Earth tones such as brown or beige blend beautifully with their natural surroundings. Vibrant hues like red, orange, blue, and green bring unmatched energy to an outdoor space. That said, your colors may be somewhat limited depending on the material—and painted materials do fade over time. If you opt for an HDPE glider, you’ll have a rainbow of color options that will stay vibrant for years to come.

The original patent for the glider chair mechanism was granted to George F. Hall in May 1888, but Hall re-assigned it to Peter Lowentraut soon thereafter. These chairs are sometimes referred to as Lowentraut gliders, but many variations have hit the market in the decades since. Today, gliders are popular choices for nurseries, front porches, and beyond, thanks to their soothing motion and comfort-forward designs.

Outdoor gliders sway back and forth on a fixed track or base. This signature motion is created by glider-bearing arms that attach the base to the seat and swing like pendulums. Unlike porch swings, gliders are freestanding designs, meaning they don’t require installation or certain architectural features to enjoy them.

Rocking chairs are another seating style that’s similar to gliders. While they serve the same purpose (rest, relaxation, and easy-breezy motion), you’ll want to understand the differences between the two so you can confidently choose the chair that best suits your space and needs.

But furniture can also be too heavy, to the point where it’s difficult to move if you decide to redesign your space or buy a new home. To strike a balance between the two, look for outdoor gliders between 55–80 pounds.