When shopping for an outdoor rocking chair, you’ll want to consider its durability, comfort, and style. To help you narrow down your options, we researched standout designs crafted from various weather-ready materials. Made of durable, moisture-resistant teak wood with water-tight joinery, Birch Lane’s classic Adina Rocking Chair is our favorite. Read on for other top outdoor rocking chairs below. The Adina is available in weathered gray or a natural teak finish. Bear in mind the latter will fade over time into a silvery-gray hue, but this won’t affect its durability. To maintain the golden-brown hue, you’ll need to sand it periodically or apply teak-specific wood oil. While this outdoor rocking chair doesn’t have cushions, the simple design is elegant, classic, and comfortable. Another thing to note is that you’ll have to put it together at home, but if you buy it from Birch Lane or Wayfair, you can add expert assembly to your order. Price at time of publish: $347 The traditional slatted high-back design is comfortable and versatile, though we should note this outdoor rocker has a somewhat low weight capacity (250 pounds). While you’ll need to assemble it at home, it comes with all the necessary tools and shouldn’t take more than a half-hour. Price at time of publish: $97 This rocking chair features handwoven polyethylene rope over a solid frame of the same material. Available in your choice of three neutral colors, it arrives fully assembled in the modish, eye-catching shape. Price at time of publish: $1,549 From coastal winds to heavy snowfall, you can count on this outdoor rocking chair to withstand the elements. And since it’s infused with a UV protectant, you’ll never have to repaint it. The only drawback is that you have to put it together at home, but if you’re not up for it, you can add expert assembly to your order. Price at time of publish: $285 And that’s not all there is to love about this rocker. It has ultra-plush and supportive foam cushions, and you can choose from more than 90 upholstery options, including several Sunbrella rain-repellent fabrics. We wish the price was more accessible, but it’s backed by a 10-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $934-$1,453 The frame is solid eucalyptus wood, an inherently durable and long-lasting material with impressive resistance to rot and sun damage. As for the seat and backrest, you’re looking at water-repellent polypropylene rope. Still, if you live in a particularly wet or snowy climate, covered storage is recommended during the winter. Price at time of publish: $549 This reasonably priced rocker has an impressive 400-pound weight capacity. While you’ll have to assemble it at home, it should be a quick process and comes with all the necessary tools. We wish there were more color options, but the natural wood finish and contrasting off-white cushion are endlessly versatile. And you can pair it with other pieces from the Willow Glen collection. Price at time of publish: $143 The fade-resistant faux wood material is super easy to clean—just wipe it down with a mild soapy solution or hose it off for a quick refresh. This outdoor rocking chair is available in three neutral hues: cool-toned brown, beige, and crisp white. It doesn’t have cushions, but this is pretty standard for Adirondacks. Price at time of publish: $499 While the egg-like, cupped shape may look odd, it’s considered ergonomic. You’d be surprised by how comfy this thing is, and despite the ultra-lightweight design, it can support up to 300 pounds. This retro-meets-modern chair comes in several chic colors too. The only drawback is that it calls for at-home assembly. Price at time of publish: $300 You can choose from four classic colors: black, nautical blue, stark white, or gray-wash wood. There’s also a complementing seat cushion with an all-weather cover, but you’ll have to buy that separately. Price at time of publish: $239 The thick cushions are comfy, supportive, and covered in weather-resistant fabric. This rocker only comes in one color, and it’s undoubtedly expensive. But if you can swing the price, you won’t be disappointed with the quality—plus West Elm’s white-glove delivery includes professional assembly. Price at time of publish: $999 You can place it outdoors year-round, even in an uncovered area, without worrying about damage from the elements. The minimalist-modern design is slightly wider than average, with an extra-deep seat. And it comes in nine hues, ranging from neutrals to statement bolds. In the end, we just wish it was more affordable. Price at time of publish: $995 According to Lindsay Foster, Senior Director of Merchandising Furniture at Frontgate, all-weather wicker (usually made of polyethylene resin) is the most low-maintenance. “But depending on the space and personal preference, teak, aluminum, or mixed materials are all great alternatives,” she says.
Weather Resistance
Beyond an outdoor-friendly frame material, many rocking chairs are treated with a weather-resistant finish. This can help repel water, prevent fading, and keep splintering, rotting, and cracking at bay. Some wooden designs feature water-tight joinery for extra moisture resistance. “Furniture items placed in direct heat can manipulate the finish, and with rain, it can wither the material,” Hunter adds.
Assembly
Most outdoor rocking chairs sold online call for at-home assembly. They typically come with all the necessary hardware and tools, and most often, the process is pretty quick. That said, some designs are a bit more complex and may even be a two-person job. If you’re not up for it, consider hiring a professional to put your chair together. Many retailers allow you to add expert assembly to your order for an additional fee.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland interviewed two experts for this article, including interior designer Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design and Lindsay Foster, Senior Director of Merchandising Furniture at Frontgate. With their buying tips and insight in mind, she researched today’s best outdoor rocking chairs. After considering dozens of options, she narrowed it down to visually pleasing, versatile designs made of durable, weather-ready materials. “Don’t be afraid to mix styles to elevate visual interest,” says Foster. “For example, placing a more modern rocking chair with farmhouse-style architecture can create a visually appealing juxtaposition.” She adds that cushions “can bring an unexpected pop of color or texture” to your outdoor furniture arrangement. “I always like to place an outdoor rocking chair under a roofed front or back porch to maintain its durability from rain or shine,” says Foster. Furniture covers can also help safeguard the material against the elements. As a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer, Theresa specializes in furniture, textiles, home improvement, and lifestyle. You can find more of her writing on Byrdie, People, and Travel + Leisure.
