Outdoor Rocking Chairs

Outdoor rocking chairs are a great way to relax and enjoy nature.  But you can’t just place any old rocking chair outdoors.  Rain, sunlight, insects and wind ensure that a rocking chair designed for the living room will not last one season outside.  Luckily the major manufacturers such as Dutailier, Shermag and Angel Line have addressed these concerns and designed rocking chairs that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

One of the main difference with an outdoor rocking chair is the material used to construct the frame.  The most common materials are oak, teak, wicker, plastic, wrought iron, aluminum and steel.  Aluminum and steel rocking chairs are powder coated in a multi-coat process to prevent rust and corrosion.  Any springs or bolts used are also galvanized to prevent rust.  These extra precaution are what accounts for the increased cost of an outdoor rocker over an indoor rocking chair.

Another consideration when placing a rocking chair outdoors is the chair pad.  A cushion left in the elements will last at best 2-3 seasons.  Outdoor cushions tend to be either cotton canvas or vinyl.  Vinyl cushions are waterproof but age quickly when exposed to UV(sunlight) while cotton cushions absorb water and remain damp for several days after rainfall.

The extra expense of an outdoor rocking chair is worthwhile when your consider the years of pleasure that it will provide.