35 Outdoor Rocking Chairs We Love for Porch Lounging
Take a look at these beautiful outdoor rocking chairs; We found a wide variety of design styles made from durable materials, including wood, metal and plastic.
Your porch, patio and deck provide the ultimate alfresco locale for sitting back and relaxing at the end of each day. The only catch? Your tranquility level hinges on having a comfortable place to sit. Adirondack chairs are nice, and chaise lounges are lovely, but neither option offers the relaxation and inviting charm promised by a classic outdoor rocking chair.
We recommend considering the material, design, and durability to determine the best rocking chair for your space.
Wooden Rocking Chairs
Settle into the generous proportions and comfortable contours of Grandin Road’s Nantucket Outdoor Rocking Chair. The proprietary design brings you a seat and seat back composed of horizontal slats detailed with gentle contours made to support you in all the right places. Solid hardwood construction is built to last, and the hand-applied polyurethane finish is designed to be weather-ready.
Classic Rocking Chairs
Style your porch or patio with a timeless hardwood rocking chair. Made of Acacia hardwood and weather-resistant material, the slatted seat and back offer breathable comfort, while the rocking base provides relaxing movement. Pair this piece with a side table or cozy cushions to complete the look.
Rattan + Wicker Rocking Chairs
Crafted from all-weather wicker, this traditionally styled outdoor rocker is a must-have for your front porch or patio. With a rust-resistant aluminum frame, its resin wicker is weather- and UV-resistant, making it the perfect pick to keep outdoors. It showcases a high-backed design with deep seating and curved arms to help you lounge in comfort.
Metal Rocking Chairs
This Corrigan Studio cushioned rocking chair is the perfect cozy place to relax outside on the porch or inside the house. This rocking chair has a comfortable design for any occasion and a robust steel frame to protect against any weather condition.
Plastic (HDPE) Rocking Chairs
Tougher and more resilient than treated wood, the HDPE (high-density polyethylene) used to build this rocker is made partially from recycled materials. Heavy enough to withstand winds and unaffected by wet weather and extreme temperatures, this rocker will stay in place without rotting, warping, cracking, splintering or ever needing to be painted — even if you leave it outside all year-round.
Outdoor Rocking Chair Materials
The most popular materials include solid wood, rattan or wicker, metal and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic. Wooden rocking chairs are often built from acacia, teak or bamboo varieties as these woods are naturally durable, antimicrobial and water-resistant. Despite their durability, natural wood rocking chairs are susceptible to warping with continuous water exposure and will develop a weathered finish over time. We recommend storing wooden rocking chairs under a covered overhang or investing in chair covers to slow signs of aging and prevent warping.
Metal rocking chairs are sought-after for their superior durability, design versatility and enduring appeal. Most metal rocking chairs are wrought iron, stainless steel and aluminum and feature a powder-coating finish to create a scratch-, fade- and rust-resistant finish. Metal rocking chairs can withstand exposure on uncovered porches, but we recommend checking their temperature before sitting down on a steamy summer day. Combat the hot metal seat (and avoid burning your legs) by adding a seat cushion to your metal rocking chair.
Rattan and wicker rocking chairs lend a coastal appeal to your patio design. The classic woven rocking chair comes in natural and resin variations and it’s important to invest in a synthetic option when furnishing your outdoor space. Natural rattan is stunning but not waterproof and may be easily damaged when left exposed to water and moisture for extended periods. Luckily, there are many resin wicker options, like the Serena & Lily Catalina Rocker, that are designed with steamy climates and stormy days in mind.
High-density polyethylene (or HDPE) is the most durable material for outdoor rocking chairs as this plastic is engineered to withstand water, moisture and heat without showing any signs of wear. The all-weather plastic material is the best choice for uncovered porches or someone unlikely to spend time covering their chairs before a storm or scorching summer day. Better still, you can find plastic outdoor rocking chairs in every design style and color imaginable.
While wood and metal rocking chairs have a timeless appeal, HDPE rocking chairs are the most durable option for uncovered outdoor spaces.
Outdoor Rocking Chair Design
Consider your home’s exterior architecture and hardscaping design when selecting the best style of rocking chair. Streamlined metal rocking chairs are ideal for modern or contemporary patios, while a classic wood or wrought-iron chair appears at home on a traditional front porch. And if comfort is what you’re after, we recommend looking for a rocking chair with seat cushions or one with an Adirondack silhouette. Adirondack chairs, like the POLYWOOD Nautical Rocking Chair, are ergonomically designed to provide superior comfort and back support. Plus, their classic appeal makes them easy to incorporate with all exterior design styles.
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Rocking Chair
Outdoor rocking chair maintenance is determined by the material used. Apply mild soap and water to your metal or wooden rocking chairs and be sure to dry them off completely to avoid water damage. We also recommend outdoor furniture covers to slip over these materials on extreme weather days. High-density polyethylene and resin wicker chairs are easily maintained with a mild soap and water too, but are safe to leave on uncovered porches or patios during sunny or rainy days.
Ready to get your rock on? We’ve got you covered with 35 outstanding outdoor rocking chairs that are sure to do the trick. Shop our favorite rocking chairs that you can buy online from Grandin Road, Wayfair, The Home Depot, West Elm and more.
