Back to U.S. Website, APO/FPO FurnitureExtra 25% OffSelect Furniture by Abbyson*RugsExtra 15% OffSelect Area Rugs by Nourison*DécorExtra 15% offSelect Home Decor by Christopher Knight*Bed & BathExtra 10% OffSelect Bedding & Bath by Madison Park*Home ImprovementUp to 25% off + Extra 10% off Lighting & Ceiling Fans*KitchenExtra 10% OffKitchen & Dining*OutdoorExtra 10% offSelect Outdoor Furniture by Highwood*JewelryUp to 70% Off + Extra 10% OffJewelry*WatchesUp to 70% off + Extra 10% offWatches*WomenExtra 10% offWomens Clothing & Shoes*MenExtra 10% off Mens Clothing & Shoes*Kids & BabyShop Car Seats MoreUp to 65% offSelect Luggage & Handbags* Tips on Buying Outdoor Rocking Chairs Relax outside after a long day with comfortable outdoor rocking chairs. Whether you want the classic elegance of wooden rocking chairs or a vintage vibe with wicker rocking chairs, the following suggestions will help you find the perfect patio furniture for your home. Read on for tips on buying outdoor rocking chairs.
Buying Outdoor Rocking Chairs: Shop Patio Furniture ▸ Choose a material that complements your porch or patio.Before you decide on a rocking chair for your home, you'll want to make sure it won't look out of place in your yard or on your porch or patio. If your home is decorated with traditional pieces and you like simple, classic furniture, wooden rocking chairs will probably suit your style best. White wicker rocking chairs will complement an old-fashioned home or a vintage theme, while dark wicker rocking chairs in black, chocolate brown or even deep green work best with contemporary design. Pick outdoor rocking chairs suitable for your climate.If you receive a lot of rain or snow in your area, wooden porch rocking chairs are probably not the best option for your home. However, you can find wooden chairs with a waterproofing finish if you're set on this style. Porch rocking chairs made of teak, cypress and other hardwoods are also durable enough for rough weather.
Look for these outdoor chairs in resin wicker, too, when you want sturdy and long-lasting furniture. Eventually, however, all modern rocking chairs will begin to show wear if left outside for too long, so you'll want to buy furniture covers or take your chairs inside during the winter so they don't fade or crack. Consider the function of your outdoor rocking chairs.You may want sleek, modern rocking chairs to sit in as you rock your baby to sleep during the summer, or you might want patio rocking chairs with bright cushions for entertaining friends during a backyard party. These classic outdoor chairs come in many sizes and designs, so you can choose the right one for different settings and purposes. Make sure that the patio rocking chairs you buy are sturdy enough to accommodate both adults and children and won't tip easily.Which chair, as Goldilocks so aptly put it, is just right? Rocker recliners — think traditional La-Z-Boy — rock when upright and lower fully, usually by means of a hand lever.
They start at about $350, but expect to pay $600 and up for a well-built model. A trendier option these days for the space- or style-conscious are push-back models, which recline when you lean back. They can cost as little as $250, but, on the downside, tend not to last as long as those with levers, since the mechanism gets more of a workout. Also new: wall-saver recliners, which require only about six inches of space between chair and wall, compared to a foot or more needed for heftier traditional versions (though the price is about the same).There are specialty chairs, such as massage and electric recliners. The former can be quite expensive (from $800 to $5,000), and the latter are designed for people with mobility issues. Regardless of what type you choose, check that there's no more than a five-inch gap between the seat and the open leg rest; otherwise, children or pets can get caught and injured. Same goes for the lever — make sure tiny hands (or your own fingers) can't get stuck inside or pinched.
Recliners are like shoes — looks are important, but comfort is key. When you're shopping, have family members who'll spend the most time in the chair sit in it for five minutes or more. Ask yourself: Do my feet touch the floor when the back is upright? Does the headrest support my head and neck? Inspect the seat and back for bumpy parts. And look for foam with a density rating of 1.9 or higher (most furniture cushions range from 0.9 to 2.5), which will ensure that it keeps its shape longer. Test the chair's footrest several times to make sure it's easy to maneuver. Listen for squeaks, which may indicate loose parts or improper alignment.Chairs upholstered in leather are the most durable — and the most expensive, about $1,000 and up. Choose a thick, top-grain leather. If you prefer a suede-like feel, go for a synthetic microfiber instead — it resists moisture and wrinkling and costs from $500 to $1,000. (Don't forget to ask how many times a sample of the fabric has been machine-tested for durability — you want one that's been rubbed at least 10,000 times.)
Beware of vinyl chairs. Sure, the new, improved material looks and feels similar to leather for less money ($300 to $700). But vinyl is less pliable and can crack. Wool is a top fabric choice because it's long-wearing and naturally stain-resistant. Plan on spending about $1,200 and up.Repair experts say it's usually the nonmoving parts that break on a recliner. So scope the underside of the chair (or, if that's not possible, ask to view photos, videos, or sample "cutaways" from the manufacturer). You want to see heavy-duty screws, not dinky ones or, worse, plastic fasteners. Don't be fooled by a gimmicky description like "all-wood construction," which may be code for low-quality pressboard — too soft to withstand the back-and-forth motion of a recliner. Get the salesperson to clarify, and actually look at the bones: Hardwood, like birch or poplar, is superior, but be prepared to spend about $1,000 or more. A decent second choice is plywood, starting at a low $300. Finally, with any recliner, check the manufacturer's guarantee and opt for one that spans at least three years.