The rocking chair has always been a must-have for improving life comfort. However, in the dazzling style, it is not easy to find the one that suits you best. Don’t worry, our shopping guide will give you comprehensive help in buying a rocking chair. We’ll analyze one by one, from the choice of material to color matching, to help you find the most ideal rocking chair.
Why Should You Buy a Rocking Chair?
Why are more and more people choosing to buy rocking chairs, and what are the benefits of rocking chairs? The benefits of rocking chairs should not be underestimated. Its slight rocking can relax the body, reduce muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and then alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.
In addition, the diverse design of the rocking chair makes it an ideal choice for outdoor home decoration. Many styles are suitable for various weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy outdoor life without weather restrictions.
Step-By-Step Guide
If you have read here, you have decided to buy a comfortable rock chair, then please continue to read the shopping guidance we have prepared for you!
STEP1: Arranging Space Layout
Finding a place suitable for placing a rocking chair is a key step, because this choice will directly affect our subsequent choices of rocking chairs, styles, and even materials. Next, we will explore these space factors in detail to help you find the position that is most suitable for placing rocking chairs.
Smooth and Flat Ground
Because the rocking motion depends on the gently curved runners.If the ground is not smooth, the rocking chair may be stuck or tilted, increasing the risk of overwhelming. Put the rocking chair on a smooth and flat surface to avoid accidents and ensure a smooth rocking experience.
Space Size
To leave enough space would not only be able to accommodate the chair but also keep the space required for its rocking so that the smooth rocking of a rocking chair is ensured.
Most rocking chairs are 37–45 inches tall, 26-30 inches wide, and 32–37 inches deep. You would need 3-4 feet in front and behind for rocking and another 2-3 feet beside each side so you won’t feel hindered in movement. If your rocking chair has a footrest, make sure there is an additional 2–3 feet in front for comfort while in use.
Beautiful Scenery
Choose a place with pleasant scenery, such as a garden surrounded by flowers and trees, fresh air, a porch facing a spacious courtyard, or a patio with an open view. In these locations, you can fully relax on your rocking chair and enjoy the peaceful time.
STEP2: Determining the Appropriate Material
When purchasing a rocking chair, much of the focus should be on the kind of material chosen. In choosing materials, some factors to be considered include resistance to weather, durability, requirements for maintenance, resistance to fade, and water resistance to make sure the rocking chair suits the surroundings and is in good state over a period of time.
The detailed discussion of advantages and disadvantages of rocking chairs of different materials comes next.
Wood Rocking Chair
Wooden rocking chairs have a classic look and elegance that could fit into a number of outdoor styles with ease.
Pros:
- The wood grain adds great taste to the whole environment.
- Rocking chairs made from high-quality hardwood are extremely durable and have a strong weight capacity.
- Natural wood is friendly to the environment, nontoxic, and thus perfect for families with kids or pets.
Cons:
- Maintenance might be cumbersome, requiring regular painting and waterproofing.
- Very humid weather conditions can make them prone to decaying or being infested with insects.
- Rocking chairs made of high quality hardwood are generally more expensive.
Aluminum Rocking Chair
Perfect for both contemporary and classic outdoor spaces, aluminum rocking chairs bring both comfort and style to your home.
Pros:
- Aluminum resists rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity even in humid or rainy climates.
- Aluminum is lightweight, making it easy to rearrange or store as needed.
- Anti-rust coating makes it easy to maintain.
Cons:
- Aluminum rocking chairs are temperature sensitive and will heat up in direct sunlight.
- Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and scratches easily.
- It may have a higher price point compared to other materials.
Wicker and Rattan Rocking Chair
Wicker and rattan chairs bring a unique aesthetic and comfort with their natural texture and handcrafted weaving techniques.
Pros:
- Wicker and rattan materials are lightweight, making them easy to move and rearrange.
- The properties of the materials and the woven structure provide good breathability, making them suitable for hot weather.
- The natural materials and unique craftsmanship fit a variety of decor styles.
Cons:
- Wicker and rattan may mold up or become deformed in highly humid areas.
- Compared to wood and plastic, the durability of wicker and rattan may be lower, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the rocking chair.
- Regular inspections and maintenance are needed to prevent material aging and damage.
HDPE Rocking Chair
HDPE rocking chairs are a popular choice for sustainable and eco-friendly living. They come in a variety of styles and a wide range of colors, catering to the personalized needs of consumers.
Pros:
- HDPE material has excellent weather resistance, maintaining its appearance for a long time.
- The smooth surface is less prone to staining and easy to clean; just wipe with soapy water.
- HDPE has excellent UV resistance, effectively preventing the rocking chair from fading and ensuring that it retains its vibrant appearance in outdoor environments for a long time.
Cons:
- Extended exposure to high temperatures can raise the surface temperature of the HDPE rocking chair, potentially leading to an uncomfortable seating experience.
HIPS Rocking Chair
HIPS is highly suitable for frequent rocking chair users due to its exceptional durability. Like HDPE, it comes in a wide variety of colors, making it both aesthetically pleasing and practical, which makes it an ideal choice for modern living.
Pros:
- HIPS material offers excellent impact resistance and strong durability.
- Weather-resistant, the HIPS rocker is fade-resistant in all weather conditions, including sunny, rainy, windy, and snowy days.
- HIPS is a material that is low maintenance, making it easy to clean.
Cons:
- The surface temperature of the HIPS rocking chair can be affected by outdoor conditions. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in summer may cause the temperature to rise, leading to potential discomfort. In winter, extended exposure to snow can lower the surface temperature.
STEP3: Choosing the Right Style
Different styles of rocking chairs have their own unique functionality. When choosing, you need to understand the characteristics of each one.Here are several common styles of rocking chairs.
Traditional Rocking Chairs
Traditional rocking chairs show a unique traditional beauty with smooth curves and elegant design. They usually crafted from high-quality wood such as maple, oak or cherry wood，highlighting rich natural grains and hues. Many classic rocking chairs focus on fine craftsmanship during the production , reflecting the superb skills of craftsmen.
Adirondack Rocking Chairs
The Adirondack rocking chair carries forward the classic lines and shape of the Adirondack chair, offering wide armrests and a high slanted backrest for exceptional comfort. Its spacious seat and low profile make it easier to get in and out, making it suitable for individuals of all ages.
Swivel Rocking Chairs
The swivel function enables users to easily achieve 360-degree rotation, which enhances the flexibility of activity. At the same time, the combination of swiveling and rocing further improves comfort, bringing a more relaxed experience.
Reclining Rocking Chairs
The reclining rocking chair allows users to adjust the backrest angle at any time as needed to obtain a comprehensive relaxation experience. Whether you want to sit straight or recline for a quick nap, it can be perfectly satisfied, making it very suitable for people who require extended periods of rest.
STEP4: Ensuring Safe Use
Although rocking chair can provide comfort, inappropriate operation may lead to injury. Therefore, you must pay attention to safety when using a rocking chair. In addition to the above mentioned on the smooth and flat ground, here are some of the key considerations that need to be observed.
Weight Capacity
The maximum weight capacity of outdoor rock chairs is usually between 300 and 400 pounds. While buying, it is vital to confirm the weight specifications of the rocking chair to avoid overloading and ensure safety.
Use Mats
Placing non-slip mat pads at the bottom of the rocking chair increases friction hence reducing accidents from sliding.
Regularly Inspect
Regularly check all parts of the rocking chair, especially the rocker base, paying attention to the condition of screws, nails, and wood for wear. Ensure that there are no loose or damaged components.
If the rocker base needs to be replaced, prioritize one that equipped with anti-slip features to increase friction with the floor and prevent accidental sliding.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Follow the advice and instructions of the manufacturer on the correct assembling and using of the chair.
STEP5: Evaluating Comfort Level
The purpose of buying a rocking chair is to enjoy comfort. So, here comes a question: how can we tell whether our chosen rocking chair is comfortable enough? Here, we list a few evaluation standards for you, hoping to help you make correct judgments.
Size Suitability
The width of the seat should be sufficient, so that users can move freely on the seat, while the depth should be moderate to comfortably support the back.
The height of the seat should be consistent with the height of the user, allowing their feet to rest flat on the floor with knees bent at about a 90-degree angle when seated.
For a standard rocking chair, it is recommended that the seat width be about 18-24 inches, the seat depth be about 18-20 inches, and the seat height be about 17-20 inches.
Ergonomic Features
The backrest of the rocking chair should be high enough and moderately tilted, usually with a curved shape to align with the natural curvature of the spine, providing support the entire back and reducing the spine pressure.
The armrests should be wide and positioned at an appropriate height to comfortably support the arms,and alleviating the pressure on the shoulders and necks.
The rocking mechanism should be designed smoothly and stable, and the tilt angle should also be moderate to ensure that the user can easily rock and avoid discomfort caused by stagnation.
Additional Design Features
Some rocking chairs also have small designs that improve additional comfort, such as foot stool, providing better leg support; cushion, increase the softness of sitting; cup holder, convenient for placing drinks. These details design makes the rocking chair not only more comfortable, but also more practical.
STEP6: Selecting the Right Colors and Finishes
Now that we have already understood some of the basic functional attributes of the rocking chair, let’s discuss how to choose the colors and finishes of the rocking chair that matches the outdoor environment.
You can decide the color of the rocking chair based on your outdoor style. If it is retro style, you can choose natural wood grain or classic dark brown or wine red. If it is a simple modern style, you can choose neutral hue such as black,white or gray with smooth high-gloss coating or metal texture. If it is a color dopamine style, boldly use bright colors, such as lemon yellow or apple green.
You can also choose the color according to the placement of the rocking chair. If the location is by the sea, you can choose blue or beige; in the garden, you can use soft green, brown or pink or pale purple that are similar to the color of the flower; in the porch, you can use the color that matches the architectural style, or choose some warm hue, such as pale yellow.
STEP7: Setting a Reasonable Budget
Prices for rocking chairs basically depend on the materials and design. In general, rocking chairs ytpically range from $100 to $350. Basic chairs made from low-end wood and plastic tend to be relatively inexpensive, while high-quality chairs with exquisite designs or having additional features, such as a footrest, cost a bit more. Some even go up to $400, $1000, or even higher.
If the budget were a big factor in your choice of chair and the chair would also need to be durable enough, then a rocking chair made from HDPE or HIPS would give the best value for your money. At the time of setting a budget, need and preference have to be taken into account for deciding what style will suit you the best.
Many brands offer bundle discounts. If you also want other accessories like side tables or separate footrests, you should get the rocking chair as part of a set. This will help save some amount of money simultaneously.
If you are not in a hurry to buy a rocking chair, you can check the promotional activities of different brands and retailers before purchasing. Many merchants offer discounts or discounts in certain periods allowing you can find more cost-effective rocking chairs within the budget.
Find Your Affordable Rocking Chair
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Even if you choose high-quality PE chairs or have coated and maintained your wooden and rattan chairs for enhanced weather resistance, it’s still important to take some precautions to prevent accidental damage and extend their lifespan.
- When not in use, try to place the rock chair indoors to avoid weather damage. If you must put it outdoors, the protective cover with waterproof and weathering can effectively reduce moisture and sunlight damage.
- Regularly clean the rocking chair with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to remove dust and dirt.
- Check the screws, nails, and connections of the rocking chair regularly to ensure that there is no loose or damage, and it is tight or replaced if necessary.
- For rattan and wicker rocking chairs,regularly apply a waterproofing agent and flexible coating to prevent mold. For wooden rockers, routinely apply a wood preservative to prevent cracking and moisture infiltration. For aluminum rocking chairs, avoid using steel wool or rough scrubbing tools, and check regularly to prevent rust.
FAQs
Should I choose gliders or rocking chairs?
Choose a gliders or a rocking chair mainly depends on your needs. The rocking chair is rocking through the curved chair legs, the classic and beautiful,suitable for a variety of home styles.
The gliders move back and forth across a specially designed track that provides a smoother and safer motion. You can select the type that best fits your preferences and usage scenario.
Does long-term use of a rocking chair damage the floor?
If you have wood floors, then using a rocking chair over a long period may scratch them a bit. If you are concerned about scratch marks on the floor, then you may try some non-slip mats or protective pads for use under the rockers. These can considerably reduce wear and tear on your floor. Actually, most rocking chair legs are now smoothed out, so you needn’t be excessively concerned.
Are rocking chairs suitable for all ages?
Yes, rocking chairs are suitable for all ages, but it’s important to consider different needs . For children’s rocking chairs, the rocking range should be smaller, and the seat height should be appropriate.
As for older individuals, one should choose a chair with great back and lumbar support while having an appropriate height for entry and exit purposes in a comfortable way.
How to choose an outdoor rocking chair suitable for winter use?
When selecting an outdoor rocking chair for winter usage, consider cold-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials like resin wicker or HDPE. Try to use light-material-made chairs that are easy to move, so that you can move them to a suitable place easily and store them in bad weather conveniently.
