34 Outdoor Rocking Chair Ideas for Stress-Free Summer Lounging

Want to rock your way into summer? Get ready with the perfect porch companion.

By Blake Lockwood | Curated by Blake Lockwood | Reviewed by Blake Lockwood

Blake Lockwood, the seasoned interior designer behind Decor Snob, has made a name for himself with over 30 years of industry experience. As a member of esteemed associations such as the NCIDQ, CIDA, NAAB, and CCIDC, he upholds high standards in his work.  His content is always people-first, reliable, and engaging.

Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair, Brown and Grey

For an outdoor rocking chair, it is important to choose sturdy materials. Choose your outdoor rocking chair according to the kind of materials it is made from. Outdoor rocking chairs may be made using several types of metals, woods, wicker, or resin. But there are only certain types of materials that will make the rocking chair look attractive and last long.

 

Anderson Teak Palm Beach Collection Rocking Armchair, Dimone Sequoia

The Best Materials for your Rocking Chair

There are different types of wood, resin, or metal that can be used to make outdoor rocking chairs intended for your outdoor living space. When choosing an outdoor rocking chair, consider materials of high quality because they are more likely to be resistant from moisture and insects than their cheaper counterparts.

POLYWOOD PWS139-1-SR Presidential 3-Piece Rocker Chair Set, Sunset RedNot all materials can provide a furniture piece that is both attractive and durable. High-quality woods and resins are the best choice for outdoor furniture. They are resilient when it comes to harsh weather that may bring damage.

Kinbor Rattan Rocker Chair Outdoor Garden Rocking Chair Wicker Lounge wRed CushionBrylanehome Foldable Rocking Chair

Cedar and Teak Rocking Chairs

Cedar and teak are two of the most desirable wood rocking chair materials.  The difference is that cedar is darker in color. Cedar has a reddish brown color while teak is more yellow. Both materials are expensive, but they can last an entire lifetime. In the long run, you can still say that you get your money’s worth with teak or cedar rocking chair.

Teak Carolina Rocker - PAIRShine Company Vermont Porch Rocker, White

Wooden Rocking Chairs

For wooden rocking chairs, cedar and teak are the best choices because of their natural beauty. Cedar has a brown color with a reddish tint while teak takes a yellow hue. These materials are relatively more expensive than other wood materials but they will last a lifetime if you will take good care of them with proper and regular maintenance. However, the beauty of these materials is enough to consider them a worthy investment.

Safavieh Outdoor Collection Alexei Natural Brown Rocking ChairCambridge-Casual AMZ-130809T Andrea Teak Rocking Chair, Natural

Metal Rocking Chairs

If you think that metal is a better material for your rocking chair, you should look for painted or coated iron or galvanized steel. It is important that the coating is waterproof. Metal rocking chairs are great for homes and offices that are following a modern or industrial design.

PoliVaz PV-MR-BL Mayan Hammock Acapulco Rocking Chair, Turquoise Blue

Wicker ResinSteel Porch Rocker

White Outdoor Rocking Chair - 600-Lb. Capacity

To learn more about resin and wicker outdoor furniture, I have a great article here… Enjoy Your Summer With Outdoor Wicker Furniture & Chairs, Bistro Sets, & Bars

Best Choice Products Contemporary Patio Wood Rocking Chair W Seat Cushion

Even if you choose outdoor rocking chairs made of sturdy materials, don’t sacrifice comfort and beauty!

Best Choice Products Outdoor Adirondack Rocking Chair Natural Fir Wood Deck Garden FurnitureAmish Heavy Duty 600 Lb Mission Pressure Treated Rocking Chair With Cupholders (Cedar Stain)Lakeland Mills Cedar Log Rocking Chair, Natural

 

Front Porch Rocking Chairs

Your rocking chair will most likely be placed in a highly visible part of your porch, patio, or garden. For this reason, it is important that it be made out of aesthetically pleasing materials. Cedar and teak are the best choices because they are both equally beautiful and sturdy.Grand Patio Weather Resistant Wicker Rocking Chair with Breathable Headrest

Aside from high-quality materials, your outdoor rocking chair should be made by a highly skilled craftsman. The joints and connecting parts should be solid or else your chair will be rickety. It might make noises when you rock it, which is an unpleasant feeling.

Recycled Earth-Friendly 3-Piece Rocker Furniture Set-Mahogany w Tigerwood Weave

If the material is metal, the welding work should be done properly. If it is wood, then the screws, the nails, and the glue should secure the joints well without making the furniture look messy.

Country Road's Clamity Jane Rocking Chair

There are unique designs of rocking chairs for your outdoor living space. Traditionally, rocking chairs have curved feet which make the rocking motion possible. More modern outdoor rocking chairs have pivoting arms as well.

Windsor's Premium Grade A Plantation Teak Lutyens Double Rocking ChairBench

There are also rocking chairs that are great for rustic décor. For rustic homes, the traditional outdoor rocking chair will complement the décor. Modern designs provide more function and comfort. They can even accommodate more than one person at a time.

Uwharrie Chair Co 1053-22-Island Green-Dist-Pine Original Two-Seater Rocker, Island Green-Distressed

Aside from the type of material, you should also consider comfort, stability, and beauty. Outdoor living spaces are usually intended for entertainment and relaxation. They are visible to visitors so you have to make sure that that the rocking chair looks attractive against the décor of your front porch or patio.

Tortuga Outdoor LEX-RT3 RAVES Lex Java Rocker Set

Rocking Chair Designs

An outdoor rocking chair can come in different designs. But if you are into the Victorian look, it is best to go for the traditional design where the rocking chair has curved feet.

LuxCraft Grandpa's Recycled Plastic Rocking Chair

It is imperative that you make sure the outdoor rocking chair is built by a skillful manufacturer. An outdoor furniture piece is exposed to more harmful elements than indoor furniture. So it is necessary for an outdoor rocking chair to be made using high-quality materials, utmost care, and great talent. Without this, the furniture will look shoddy and cheap.

The joints should be connected solidly, the metal parts should be welded properly, and the wood should be nailed securely together. Only a skillful furniture maker can do that without sacrificing beauty and style. There are even pieces that can accommodate more than one person but still look visually pleasing.

Little Cottage Company Heritage Double Rock-a-tee, CedarBelham Living Richmond Rocking Chairs - Set of 2 - RM030Creekvine Designs Cedar Rocking Classic Gliders and Tables Set

Remember that exposure to harsh elements like sun and water can damage your chair easily. Make sure that your furniture is properly maintained, cleaned, and protected with the proper coatings.

Coaster Southern Country Plantation Porch RockerRocking Chair, Oak Wood Finish

Photo: Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair, Brown and Grey
Photo: Anderson Teak Palm Beach Collection Rocking Armchair, Dimone Sequoia
Photo: POLYWOOD PWS139-1-SR Presidential 3-Piece Rocker Chair Set, Sunset Red
Photo: Brylanehome Foldable Rocking Chair
Photo: Teak Carolina Rocker – PAIR
Photo: Safavieh Outdoor Collection Alexei Natural Brown Rocking Chair
Photo: Cambridge-Casual AMZ-130809T Andrea Teak Rocking Chair, Natural
Photo: PoliVaz PV-MR-BL Mayan Hammock Acapulco Rocking Chair, Turquoise Blue
Photo: Wicker Resin/Steel Porch Rocker
Photo: White Outdoor Rocking Chair – 600-Lb. Capacity
Photo: Best Choice Products Contemporary Patio Wood Rocking Chair W Seat Cushion
Photo: Best Choice Products Outdoor Adirondack Rocking Chair Natural Fir Wood Deck Garden Furniture
Photo: Amish Heavy Duty 600 Lb Mission Pressure Treated Rocking Chair With Cupholders (Cedar Stain)
Photo: Lakeland Mills Cedar Log Rocking Chair, Natural
Photo: Grand Patio Weather Resistant Wicker Rocking Chair with Breathable Headrest
Photo: Recycled Earth-Friendly 3-Piece Rocker Furniture Set-Mahogany w Tigerwood Weave
Photo: Country Road's Clamity Jane Rocking Chair
Photo: Windsor's Premium Grade A Plantation Teak Lutyens Double Rocking ChairBench
Photo: Uwharrie Chair Co 1053-22-Island Green-Dist-Pine Original Two-Seater Rocker, Island Green-Distressed
Photo: Tortuga Outdoor LEX-RT3 RAVES Lex Java Rocker Set
Photo: LuxCraft Grandpa's Recycled Plastic Rocking Chair
Photo: Little Cottage Company Heritage Double Rock-a-tee, Cedar
Photo: Belham Living Richmond Rocking Chairs – Set of 2 – RM030
Photo: Creekvine Designs Cedar Rocking Classic Gliders and Tables Set

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3 Responses

  1. Nice list…! This is unique design feels so good. We bought the Joya rocker while our daughter was born 4 years in the past, and whilst an amazingly comfortable chair, needed to replace the walnut rocker base (the glue break up and that they despatched us a substitute), and we’ll need to have it reupholstered (the white bonded leather-based has a tendency to get worn on the ends and edges of the armrests and seat) sometimes quickly. An incredible rocker, however even being delicate with it has established a conflict to preserve it looking awesome. You are so creative.
    Thanks for share.

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