Staying indoors, especially with nothing to do, is boring. You need to go outside your house, maybe sit by the poolside reading a book, sipping lemonade or staring at the beauty of the environment. The fresh air, cool breeze, and ambiance of the surroundings are all you would want to expose yourself to relaxation and self-generation. While at it, being comfortable should be your priority. Therefore, invest in the best outdoor rocking chairs, one that is portable and easily foldable that will not require much time setting up. Additionally, a chair that you can carry with you as you head up for hiking or camping.
Why Would You Need an Outdoor Rocking Chair?
A rocking chair (also known as a rocker) comes with rockers (two curved bands) attached to the bottom of the legs and connects the legs on each side. The curved bands contact the floor at only two points, allowing you to rock back and forth by shifting your weight or pushing lightly with your feet.
A rocking chair usually helps in reducing anxiety and stress. The calm act and soothing of rocking make the body release endorphins, hormones that lower pain and enhance pleasure, causing a feeling of well-being. Also, these chairs are seen as reminiscent of parenting since the soothing rocking motion soothes kids and sends them off to sleep. Additionally, having the rocking chair in your outdoor space has many benefits that you will unveil once you have your own.
Which are the best outdoor rocking chairs?
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Now that we understand the importance of investing in an outdoor rocking chair let's check out some of the best models.
1. GCI Outdoor Portable Folding Rocking Chair-Freestyle Rocker
- Portable outdoor rocking chair quickly and easily folds flat for...
- Outdoor Rocking Chair: Portable folding chair quickly and easily...
- Sturdy powder-coated steel frame supports up to 250 pounds...
- Quality Construction: Constructed from sturdy powder-coated...
- Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology delivers smooth rocking...
If you're looking for one of the best rocking chairs that's affordable and portable, count on the GCI Outdoor Rocking Chair. This chair usually folds quickly and easily for simple storage and transportation. In addition, the rocking chair is lightweight and outdoor-friendly, making it ideal for use in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and entertainment. It's made from strong powder-coated steel, and the frame supports about 250 pounds. Moreover, the rocking chair features a mesh backrest, padded armrests and beverage holder.
The rocking chair has a smooth rocking with patented spring-action technology that usually rocks on most outdoor surfaces. When it comes to setting up, it's super simple; the chair opens and closes smoothly through patented EAZY-FOLD technology. It also features a convenient carry handle. Moreover, users praise this rocking chair for being very comfortable.
The GCI Outdoor Rocking Chair can handle tilted terrain, but it's best on a flat surface. It's the best comfortable chair that you can count on. The chair measures 24 x 25 x 34.8 when open with a seat height of 19.7, making it convenient for travel. Additionally, it comes with a limited consumer lifetime warranty.
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2. Christopher Knight Home Fabric Rocking Chair
- MID-CENTURY DESIGN: Blending together an iconic splayed frame...
- ROCKING FEATURE: This chair features long rockers that are ideal...
- BIRCH WOOD LEGS: This rocking chair is supported by beautifully...
- DETAILED ACCENTS: The button-tufted stitching in the backrest...
- DIMENSIONS: Choose an accessory that is the perfect size for you...
Christopher Knight Fabric Rocking Chair has an inspirational French design that's elegance, durability and comfort. The wood is designed in a stylish way to soothe your aesthetics and also takes care of your scents. Also, the fabric design comes in different colors to match your outdoor decor. So depending on your garden's color or the recommendation of your designer, the fabric comes in muted yellow, grey, light grey or muted blue.
The rocking chair is made with high-quality fabric to endure harsh weather conditions and stay for longer. Also, it comes with comfy cushions and a rocking space; the distance between the ground and the front space is averagely significant, allowing you to have a swinging moment with ease. Moreover, two extra pillows bolster comfort and cover-up for anyone with disabilities or shorter people.
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3. POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair-R100GR
- This comfortable rocking chair, with its contoured seat, wide...
- Does not splinter, crack, chip, peel or rot and is resistant to...
- No painting, staining, waterproofing, or similar maintenance...
- Resists stains associated with wine and condiments and cleans...
- Made in the USA and backed by our 20-year limted residential...
Polywood Presidential Rocking Chair features a contoured seat that provides a comfortable rocking experience. Also, it has runners that are gently sloped to offer a smooth rocking rhythm. The chair is constructed from genuine Polywood lumber, which is made to endure several harsh weather effects like freezing rain, strong coastal winds, hot sun and snowy winters. It's a must-have outdoor rocking chair and one of the most durable chairs on the market.
The Polywood material is resistant to corrosive substances like salt, oil, spray and other environmental stresses and doesn't splinter, peel, crack or rot. As a result, the chair doesn't require maintenance like staining, painting or waterproofing. It usually cleans easily with water and soap and is resistant to stains; you can enjoy your meals and drinks without worrying about spillage.
The Polywood Outdoor Rocking Chair has wide and vertical back slats offering it a contemporary look. Also, the wide arms and slats on the back complete your outdoor patio or porch. Lastly, the chair comes with a 20-year limited residential warranty.
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4. Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker
- Folding rocking chair for porch, patio, or travel
- Easily collapses down for storage or moving
- Ergonomic textilene mesh seat with elastic cording supports your...
- Durable powder-coated steel frame with arm rests
- Take on the road for travel, or use on your home porch or patio
Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Rocker from Amazon Basics usually folds up easily for storage and travel. However, the chair is more for patios and porches since it has a bit more heft. Also, it's sturdily made, so it's not very light; however, an adult can move it without much trouble. Furthermore, the rocking chair is very comfortable; an option is to install a canopy if your porch gets sunny.
The rocking chair features an ergonomic Textilene mesh seat that has an elastic cording to support your spine as you sit for long hours. Also, it comes with a durable powder-coated steel frame and has armrests as well as a padded headrest for comfort. Therefore, you can use it as a porch or patio rocking chair on your outdoor spaces or take it on the road for travel.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs?
1. Size
When choosing the best outdoor rocking chairs, you will realize that not all patio rocking chairs and porches are equal in size, so ensure you measure your space to be sure you are getting a chair that fits without looking awkward. Decide whether you want one compact size or a set of two, considering the size of your space since it determines what you can fit. If you have enough space, you can consider a double rocking chair that will seat two people, and you might even have space-efficient for two single-seaters.
2. Materials
Before buying the rocking chair, consider the material since it affects its durability. In addition, it should be environmentally friendly. Besides, look for a rocking chair that will last for a good few years to come. Here are some of the material to consider:
i). wood
If you decide to go for a wooden outdoor rocking chair, then look for hardwoods like acacia, solid mahogany, eucalyptus or teak that have excellent durability outdoors. Avoid cheaper wood rocking chairs made from softwoods where the wood type is not even specified. Wood usually has low thermal conductivity, so it doesn't get too cold or hot and can be a sustainable option. Conversely, look for FSC-certification to make sure the timber is from well-managed forests. The reason is it can retain moisture for a while, however, after a downpour.
ii). Wicker or PE rattan
Chairs made from poly rattan, synthetic polymers PE, wicker or all-weather rattan don't absorb moisture, making them a reasonable and affordable option for outdoor furniture. If possible, look for a wicker rocking chair or a chair manufactured from recycled plastic. Usually, all-weather rattan furniture is built with a metal frame; therefore, when shopping, apply the same considerations as metal rocking chairs. PE rattan usually has low thermal conductivity, so it remains comfortable whatever the weather and is easy to wipe dry after being rained on. Though some poly rattan can fade when exposed for long to direct UV light, we recommend you to look for fade-resistant options or store under a shade to increase durability.
iii). Metal
Though metal doesn't absorb water, steel metal can rust when exposed to moisture. So, to avoid rusting, the outdoor steel chair is powder-coated to ensure it's weather-resistant, therefore repaint any chips immediately to maintain the protective barrier.
Conversely, aluminum is rust-resistant, so it makes an ideal material for outdoor use. A painted aluminum finish is simply for decoration instead of protection so that you won't require any upkeep. Also, it's more lightweight metal than steel though it's usually the more expensive option of the two. Finally, metal conducts heat so that it can get very cold or hot. However, it can be wiped off if wet and will dry quickly outdoors.
3. Style
When shopping for the best outdoor rocking chairs, you will realize they come in different styles, and there are some factors worth considering. Consider the cushioning and the type of back support and armrest you intend your outdoor rocking chair to have. Most of these chairs lack cushions giving you the flexibility to create the style you are going for. Though most traditional rocking chair options come in neutral tones like white and brown, you can find colorful options if you want more modern styles.
4. Maintenance
Maintenance goes in hand with the material type you opt for. For example, hardwoods such as eucalyptus, acacia or teak will weather well outside; however, their lifespan will be prolonged by a repaint ( if a painted finish) or by a wood preservative (if in a natural finish). Powder-coated metals such as steel don't require much maintenance; however, if the paint gets chipped, the metal underneath might rust; therefore, any knocks to the powder-coating need to be resealed immediately.
Conversely, PE rattan moisture-resistant or wicker rocking chairs are the most low-maintenance options. You require no external input to preserve their weather resistance, though storing them under shade in the worst of weather will help increase their durability for all types of these chairs.
5. The intended use
These chairs usually have lots of uses, and you can buy the chair that will fulfill the purpose you intended. For example, the rocking chair provides a good way of child care; for instance, rocking a toddler to sleep has proven to be one of the more significant ways in allowing these little ones to fall asleep when everything else isn't working.
The calm act and soothing of rocking make the body release endorphins, hormones that lower pain and enhance pleasure, causing a feeling of well-being. So, this means that these chairs usually help in reducing anxiety and stress. Moreover, you can use the outdoor rocking chair with your friends catching up and having fun at the beachfront. Therefore, these pleasant feelings and more make these chairs a perfect tool for socializing.
6. Cushioning
Most of the outdoor rocking chairs don't have cushions that come with the chair. Generally, a rocking chair is a comfortable seating option, and if you intend to use it for hours, any hard surface might be uncomfortable. So, for extra comfort, we recommend you to buy separate cushions that match well with your or buy chairs that have padded seats and backrests.
If possible, purchasing a rocking chair with a padded backrest and seat will be a better option. You won't incur extra charges of purchasing cushions and save yourself the struggle of looking for a cushion that blends and fits well with your chair.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs
1. How should I maintain a rocking chair?
Most of the best outdoor rocking chairs usually have weather-resistant frames and stain-proof and high-quality coverings. However, if you accidentally spill on it, then we recommend you clean using s damp cloth. Avoid using any chemicals.
2. What are the primary materials used in making rocking chairs?
Rocking chairs are mainly made from three different materials; wood-can either be hardwood or softwood, synthetic materials like HDPE lumber and plastic materials chairs.
3. How much d rocking chairs weigh?
The rocking chairs' weight varies depending on their sizes and shapes; however, on average, they weigh between 30 and 50 pounds each.
