Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs of 2023 Complete Reviews With Comparisons
Sitting outside and rocking in a comfortable chair is one of the best ways to end your day; it creates a sleepy satisfaction.
Investing in a rocking chair is something that no one regrets if the chair is of good quality. There are many options to choose from, but not all of them are worth the money spent on them.
We will be looking at some of the best rocking chairs made for the outdoors. You might just find the perfect outdoor rocking chair for you.
So without further ado, let's take a look at the best models we have found when it comes to rocking chairs that can be used outdoors.
Comparison Chart
Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs Reviews
Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Recliner Chair
This is a lightweight and sturdy, foldable rocking chair admired for its simplicity. It might look like just a simple chair, but Best Choice has made sure their chair is truly the best choice. A lot of high-quality materials go into the making of this chair.
Product Highlights
This chair is able to handle a maximum weight of 250 pounds, which is quite a lot seeing as it only weighs 17 pounds. It offers a seat width of 20.5 inches and a length of 18.5 inches.
The leg length stands at 33 inches. This means the chair should be a decent match for most people.
You will find that this chair is exceptionally comfortable and a pleasure to sit in. You might just spend a little too much time rocking away in this one.
It is easy to fold up this rocking chair and move it to another area, perhaps into the last bit of sunshine seeping in through your window. Storing is also made easier thanks to the foldable design of the Best Choice rocking chair.
This is a great chair to take on camping and picnic trips. It doesn’t weigh a lot and is very easy to carry around.
You will enjoy your time outside so much more with this comfy rocking chair.
What's to like about the Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Recliner Chair
The affordability of this chair is quite impressive; you would think that for its quality, it would be very expensive. But the price of this chair isn’t as bad as you might find with similar chairs. It is actually very affordable and won’t set you back too much if you choose to invest in one.
The craftsmanship that went into making the Best Choice chair really is admirable and will impress even the fussiest rocking chair user. Good, quality products were used to make the chair, and it shows in its comfort level.
What's not to like about the Best Choice Products Foldable Zero Gravity Rocking Recliner Chair
Unfortunately, this chair should not be left outside for too long. It is good and easy to use outdoors but doesn’t stand up to mother nature as effectively.
Water can accumulate in the metal legs of the chair, and this could lead to rust marks. The arms are also on the fragile side and could melt if left in direct sunlight for too long.
This is unfortunate because, aside from these faults, this is a really great chair made for long sessions of relaxing rocking.
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Merax Rocking Wicker Rattan Chair
The rocking chair from Merax stands out as an exceptional chair; it doesn’t look like your average ‘run-of-the-mill’ chair. The design of this particular chair gives the impression of luxury, style, and comfort. And it lives up to any expectations that its appearance creates.
Product Highlights
The thick square cushion that you get with this rocking chair offers the maximum comfort you could expect.
The chair is made from brown rattan, and its frame is aluminum to make it much more durable.
You get a leg length of 12.8 inches with a seat that is 31 inches long and 26.5 inches wide. It will seat most people quite comfortably, and they may not want to get up again. Shorter people will love this chair because it will allow them to have their feet closer to the floor.
The cushions have a very durable feel and can be cleaned, so it stays looking gorgeous for longer. Just note that you cannot leave the cushions out in the elements; they will fade and suffer damage.
What's to like about the Merax Rocking Wicker Rattan Chair
This chair is made from a very durable rattan weave over a steel outline and is water-resistant. You will be able to leave it out on the porch with no stress about rain ruining its appearance.
The chair’s design also makes it very sturdy so you will be able to enjoy it for many years. In addition to being very stylish and attractive, this chair isn’t ridiculously expensive. It is considered a very affordable rocking chair with very impressive features and comfort.
Many rocking chairs are not able to handle a big load, but this one is so sturdy that it can handle up to 600 pounds. This is another feature that makes it stand out as one of the best rocking chairs on the market. An adult can comfortably sit in this chair with an infant or small child on their lap, making it a great choice for nurseries as well. Parents who want to rock their children to sleep will love this chair. It can accommodate the parent and little one with ease.
What's not to like about the Merax Rocking Wicker Rattan Chair
There is one drawback to this chair, and that is how difficult it is to set up. You may spend a long time getting this chair properly assembled and ready to use.
The manual should help to make things a bit less complicated, and there are many instructional videos on the internet.
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POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair
The Polywood rocking chair has been made with a focus on going green — it is manufactured from recycled materials. But that does not mean this is a flimsy or cheaply-made chair — quite the opposite, this is a very durable rocking chair.
Product Highlights
This rocking chair has been designed to last; it is 100% waterproof, so you will not wake up after a rainy night and find it ruined on the porch. We want to point out that it will be able to endure Mother Nature’s tantrums and still be a comfortable rocking chair (although a hurricane or tornado might be a bit too much!). It is very tough and won’t chip or crack like other chairs tend to do over a period of time.
The seat is 24 inches long and 24 inches wide, offering a nice and cozy sit. It weighs 42 pounds and is able to handle a weight of up to 400 pounds. This is much more than many other chairs can handle, making it great for people who are a bit bigger.
It has a simple yet attractive appearance and is available in a wide range of colors; you can choose from 13 vibrant colors. The colors are not painted on; they are added during manufacture. That means there is no risk of the paint chipping and looking ugly.
To save on space, this chair can very easily collapse and be stored away. You can put it away and pull it out again whenever you need it with little effort.
What's to like about the POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair
Cleaning this chair is pretty effortless and can be done quickly. All you need to give it a good clean is some lukewarm water and soap of your choice.
Be sure that you use a soft-bristle brush not to scratch the chair’s surface. The chair is stain-resistant, so it will keep its bright appearance for a very long time.
What's not to like about the POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair
Many may find that this chair is much more comfortable when used with a cushion, which isn’t included in the purchase. The wooden surface could become a bit uncomfortable if you sit in the chair for long periods.
It isn’t recommended that you sit for periods too long at a time, though, as this could be unhealthy. For short relaxing ‘rocking sessions,’ this chair is almost unbeatable.
Assembling the chair is also a bit of a daunting task and could take quite a while. It is a more straightforward job when two people are working together. The included manual should also help to make things a little bit easier.
The chair is also a bit more expensive than many other options, so it’s not ideal for people shopping on a tight budget.
With that said, many people will feel that if you want a high-quality rocking chair, you should be willing to pay for it. This chair certainly does stand out as a great option that will last for many years.
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Shine Company’s Vermont Porch Rocker
Shine Company boasts one thing that many other rocking chair manufacturers cannot — their chairs are handcrafted. This means that every chair that is made comes from time and effort invested by someone who loves making rocking chairs. These chairs are comfortable and offer a smooth, rocking experience.
Product Highlights
This chair’s design is simple but attractive, and very comfy. It feels (and is) very sturdy and durable. Made from good wood, the chair comes with rust-resistant joints to prevent premature ruin of a great product.
This model is a great option, even for people who live in a tropical and humid area. There is nothing fancy or over-the-top with this chair, and that is something that many will appreciate. It is comfortable without catching too much attention.
This means you can enjoy your chair without nosy children or curious family members wanting to try it out.
Shine Company makes this chair out of hardwood, which offers better density and strength — great qualities in a rocking chair.
What's to like about the Shine Company’s Vermont Porch Rocker
This chair can handle a maximum load of 250 pounds, which makes it a good choice for many people. The manufacturer made sure that the chair will last as long as possible and treated it against rust.
The chair is wide and won’t have you feeling like you’re squeezed in, and the height is just right for the majority of users.
You will find this chair available in 6 very attractive colors, which makes it very appealing. Being limited to just one or two colors isn’t really great when buying furniture.
What's not to like about the Shine Company’s Vermont Porch Rocker
The back and seat have been designed to be comfortable for everyone, and there is no curve. This could, however, be a drawback for some people with back issues. Curves are often beneficial to people who suffer from pain because it offers a form of support for the spine which will relieve some people from the pain.
Water-resistance is not a strong feature of this chair, unfortunately. It is suggested that you do not allow this chair to get wet at all, as it will start to crack and chip.
This can be a deal-breaker for many people because they would prefer to be able to leave the chair outside.
Setting the chair up could also be somewhat of a time-consuming challenge for people who aren’t professional furniture assemblers. It can be a bit complicated and challenging to get the parts aligned and going in the correct places.
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Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair
This rocking chair offers impressive style and is very good-looking. Although it is made for outdoor use, it works just as well indoors. Wherever you choose to use this chair, it will be an attractive addition to its surroundings and offer excellent comfort.
Product Highlights
This chair is made of eucalyptus wood and is meant to last you a very long time. The company that makes this rocking chair, Outdoor Interiors, accept only the best quality wood to manufacture their chairs. That is why they grow their own trees and put an effort into designing their chairs.
The chair can easily handle up to 250 pounds in weight and weighs 30 pounds itself. This is an excellent weight-bearing ratio and indicates great quality design.
The seat is very comfortable and is 21 inches wide and made with such care that it offers an even better experience while using it.
What's to like about the Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair
It is made from very high-quality products, and the overall quality of the chair is very admirable. It is one of the most durable and quality chairs you will find out there.
You can find the chair in a range of colors to better suit your porch, patio, or wherever you want to use it. This makes it a great choice if you don’t want to settle for the basic brown or black that many other chairs are available in.
The chair is waterproof, so you can rest assured that it won’t be ruined if it was exposed to rain or water. When looking for an outdoor rocking chair, its durability against water is one of the most important things to look for. It is no use to have a rocking chair to use outside if you have to carry it in and out of the home to protect it.
It also comes with a curved backrest and seat to enhance the comfort of those sitting in it. People who experience back pain often will find that a curved back offers some relief from the pain.
What's not to like about the Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair
You should treat this chair with linseed oil every six months to enhance its lifespan. If you don’t, the chair might not last as long as it would otherwise. Some people might not appreciate this dedicated maintenance requirement.
This chair is very durable and comfortable, and that comes at a steeper price in this case. It is not recommended for people who are on a budget.
Some people may also find that this chair is a bit on the short side, so it could be uncomfortable for taller people.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
There are a number of things that you need to consider when you go shopping for a rocking chair to use outside. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features to keep an eye out for.
Materials
Of course, the material that your rocking chair is made from makes a big difference in how long it will last. If the chair is made from cheaper materials, it will not last for the many seasons you would hope.
The quality of the materials also influences the comfort of your chair. Most outdoor rocking chairs will be made from a mesh-like fabric. You will find leather options as well, but these will obviously be more expensive.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the chair determine how well you will be able to enjoy it. Shorter people will benefit from smaller chairs, and the reverse goes for taller people. Keep an eye on how big the chair is so you can get the most for your money.
Design
The design is another factor that influences the comfort of a chair. Some are made with straight backs or seats, and others are curved. Whether they are comfortable for you depends on your preferences.
Sometimes curved backs are better for people who may have back issues. The design will also often affect just how long a chair holds. A chair that is better designed will last many years.
Accessories
Accessories are not as important and don’t influence how great a chair is. Often times, the accessories will just push up the price of the chair. However, basic accessories such as cushions can sometimes make or break a chair — the cushions make them much more comfortable.
Assembly
This is important if you don’t like spending a lot of time setting up things in general. Some chairs can be extremely difficult to assemble and even need a professional’s help.
If you don’t manage to assemble your chair correctly, you might miss out on how well it could have performed. Most people will prefer to buy chairs that are easy to assemble with simple instructions.
Assembling a rocking chair is sometimes very tricky because specific parts need to go in the right place. This isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Most chairs come with instructions that are easy to understand.
Comfort
This, of course, is the whole point of having a rocking chair. You want to be comfortable. So if you find a rocking chair that isn’t comfortable, why would you want to buy it?
Many chairs that are cheaply made offer little comfort. Make sure you know that the chair you want to buy is truly comfortable, or it will become something you never use and always regret buying.
F.A.Q.
If you find yourself still a little unsure about buying a rocking chair and why it could be a good idea, stick around. We will discuss how these chairs work, how healthy they are, and why they are so good for people who struggle to sleep.
How does a rocking chair work?
Rocking chairs are made in such a way that they allow users to rock themselves while sitting in one position. That’s where the name comes from.
Although they weren’t as popular a few hundred years ago when they were first invented, they are very popular now. These chairs are used by elderly people who enjoy sitting on the porch, and moms who are soothing their kids to sleep.
The rocking chair works by making use of two curved bands — these are called rockers — that are attached to the legs at the bottom.
The legs are then connected to each other. These bands, or rockers, make contact with the ground at two points only, which is what lets the user rock back and forth. The rocking motion happens when weight is shifted or when the person in the chair pushes with their feet.
Because of its design, the chair doesn’t call for a lot of effort to be made for a pleasing rocking motion to happen.
Are rocking chairs healthy?
Rocking chairs have for ages been considered a healthy way to relax, relieve pain, and help improve sleep. Many people are unsure if this is actually true or just foolish beliefs and old wives’ tales.
It has been found though that using a rocking chair can improve many medical issues and treat the symptoms of others. Back pain and arthritis are just two problems that can be tackled by relaxing in a rocking chair.
While using a rocking chair, the person sitting’s blood flow is decreased. This allows for better distribution of oxygen in the body and to the joints. This helps to reduce the intense symptoms of arthritis. In addition, the physical effort it takes to push the chair helps to build up strength and flexibility in the knees. This effort may not be a lot, but over time it makes a difference.
It is also believed that while rocking a chair, the brain is focused on the action, and pain signals are prevented from traveling to the brain. This means that pain could be alleviated while rocking.
An unexpected benefit of using a rocking chair is the ability to lose some weight. Although not a lot of energy goes into rocking a rocking chair, it still burns calories.
According to some research results, using a rocking chair can burn about 150 calories an hour. This may not be a lot, but it is a great way to stay a bit more active for people who are not able to move around lots or use a gym often. Rocking a chair isn’t exactly the same as lifting weights or jogging, but it is still a good way to keep the blood flowing.
Dementia is a serious condition that can affect just about anyone. However, it is believed that by rocking in a good rocking chair, this health problem can be taken on. Of course, it is not a wonder cure but increases the well-being of people suffering from it.
In nursing homes, it has been found that people with dementia feel less depressed and anxious while using these comfortable chairs. It improves the person’s psychological and emotional well-being.
You may not realize it, but using a rocking chair can actually boost your balance. This is because rocking in a chair stimulates the inner ear’s balance mechanism.
That happens because the body has to work to balance itself while rocking. It could result in increased balance. A study has found that the balance of people in old age homes has improved as well as their dementia symptoms.
Of course, rocking is a very relaxing feeling. It soothes and helps a person to feel less stressed.
Also, endorphins are released in the brain during this movement, and this can improve the person’s mood as well as reduce pain and relieve stress.
Can a rocking chair ease your back pain?
People are convinced that using a rocking chair is a great way to deal with back pain. For more than 50 years, people have been using these chairs when in pain, and it does actually work.
It is even believed that the much-loved American president, John Kennedy, used a rocking chair to help him deal with his back pain. Zero gravity rocking chairs are particularly popular because of how it helps with back pain.
Why do rocking chairs make you sleepy?
Everyone knows that by rocking back and forth in a chair, you will help yourself to relax and soon doze off. It is especially great for parents who have to get their little ones asleep. Many people have wondered just why and how this activity helps to induce relaxation and eventually sleep.
It hasn’t been scientifically proved per se, but it all comes down to how humans are wired. The back and forth motion has a soothing effect on people and can help their minds become far more relaxed than usual. It also promotes deeper sleep.
The rocking motion also helps to slow down the body’s heart rate and improves deep relaxation. The sensory stimulation that goes with this back and forth motion also offers a synchronizing effect in the brain.
FINAL VERDICT
Now you know more about rocking chairs, how and why they’re so adored, and what to look for when buying a new one. After reviewing some of the best options to choose from, the Merax Rocking Wicker Rattan Chair is our favorite.
It has a very durable and sturdy design to boast with, and the cushions are of great quality. It can also handle up to 600 pounds, which makes it stand out among other rocking chairs. The only drawback about this chair is that it can be a little challenging to assemble.
Choosing the right chair for you should be easier now that you have all this information. As long as you keep in mind everything you learned here, you will easily find the perfect rocking chair for you or your loved ones.