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The 15 Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs of 2024

Relax while rocking to and fro in your outdoor space

In This Article

In This Article

Relax With the Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs on a colorful background

The Spruce / Marcus Millan

If you’re eager to make your home’s outdoor areas more comfortable places to linger, consider adding a rocking chair.

They deliver the relaxation of a backyard hammock but are far easier to get into (and out of). As you start shopping for an outdoor rocking chair, consider comfort first: You want to enjoy using your chair! That means picking one that rocks smoothly and is ergonomically designed. 

Materials play a big role, too, according to Claire Bromley, interior designer and owner of Claire Alexandra Designs: “Wood, aluminum metal, and recycled plastic are your best bets, depending on your preferred aesthetic and practical requirements.”

The materials your chair is made of will help determine its durability in sun, rain, and other outdoor elements. You’ll also want to consider cushions: Some chairs come with them, while others require you to purchase outdoor cushions separately or are comfortable enough without any padding. 

Based on our research and expertise, the best outdoor rocking chairs suit your aesthetic and budget, are inviting and comfortable to sit in, and can withstand varying weather conditions. Keep in mind that most chairs do require assembly, so you’ll also want to consider the ease of putting a chair together as you shop for a durable, smooth-rocking piece of outdoor-ready furniture.

Grandin Road Nantucket Rocking Chair

Grandin Road Nantucket Rocking Chair

Grandin Road

What We Like
  • Handcrafted from solid hardwood

  • Weather-durable polyurethane finish

  • Contoured seat

What We Don't Like
  • Cushion sold separately

Here’s a classic spin on a rocking chair, made outdoor-ready with sturdy hardwood and a hearty layer of polyurethane coating to help it stand up to the elements. This chair is both beautiful and well-constructed. While it’s designed for comfort thanks to its contoured seat, you can add outdoor-friendly cushions for extra padding, which are sold separately.

The chair is available in an array of colors, including neutrals and a bold blue. (Keep in mind that bold colors are a porch trend.) We also like that the traditional slats used on the arms and legs are both elegant in appearance and practical: the spaces between the slats help prevent water from pooling. Plus, the assembly process is straightforward. 

For longevity, you’ll want to apply an additional layer of polyurethane coating annually. When treated right, this is a chair that will last for quite some time. As well as reapplying polyurethane, you’ll want to clean it regularly (just use water and a mild household detergent) and store it away in the off-season and during inclement weather.

Material: Solid wood | Dimensions: 42 x 34 x 24.5 inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Capacity: Not listed

Birch Lane Rocking Solid Wood Chair

Birch Lane Adina Outdoor Rocking Solid Wood Chair

Birch Lane

What We Like
  • Weather-resistant teak

  • Watertight joinery

  • Versatile styling

What We Don't Like
  • Teak may fade if not maintained

These oversized rocking chairs from Birch Lane are so comfortable and attractive that you might just find yourself purchasing a second—or even more—to use with the rest of your patio furniture set or across multiple outdoor locations at home. We love the appearance, size (which accommodates larger bodies with ease), and comfort of these chairs. Plus, putting them together is a fast, simple process. 

Made from teak wood in either a natural hue or weathered gray, this rocker chair is well-equipped for the outdoors. Teak wood offers a lot of advantages: It’s durable and naturally resistant to the outdoor elements. That means this chair can comfortably and smoothly rock you for years to come—though it’s worth noting this chair does not come with cushions. 

If you want to use your chair for many seasons, you’ll need to remember to perform some regular maintenance. In addition to applying teak oil twice a year, you’ll also want to sand the chair, which will help keep it smooth and preserve the color.

Material: Teak wood | Dimensions: 44.5 x 32 x 25 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds

Frontgate Hampton Rocking Chair

Frontgate Hampton Rocking Chair in Driftwood Finish

Frontgate

What We Like
  • Durable powder-coated aluminum frame

  • Mold-, mildew-, and fade-resistant

  • 10-year warranty

  • Includes weather-durable cushions

What We Don't Like
  • Cushions run thin

  • Smaller, narrower seat

Wood rockers may be popular, but that’s not the only appropriate material for these outdoor chairs. From trusted outdoor brand Frontgate, this contract-grade rocker is constructed from an aluminum frame with wicker woven over top. These are durable for outdoor spaces; the powder-coated aluminum will handle the weather well, while the wicker will resist mold and mildew as well as fading from the sun. Plus, we love that there’s a 10-year warranty included. 

Of course, it’s not only the chair’s construction that matters. It’s also the look—and the comfort of it. This outdoor rocking chair is ideal for homes of all styles, with versatility that’ll work just as well in a California home as a South Carolina one. It’s designed with comfort in mind, featuring both seat and back cushions constructed from mold-, mildew-, and fade-resistant materials to withstand weather. The cushions are available in a wide range of fabrics, and if you’re not certain which option works best for your outdoor space, you can order a swatch.

One thing to keep in mind: These chairs are on the small side, and the cushions are thinner rather than plush. Check the dimensions carefully to make sure the chair will suit your body type. The price is also worth noting—compared to other chairs on the list, this one is more of an investment.

Material: Polyethylene resin, powder-coated metal, foam, fabric | Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 26 inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Capacity: Not listed

Sol 72 Polywood Adirondack Rocker

Wayfair Sol 72 Outdoor Polywood Modern Adirondack Rocker

Wayfair

What We Like
  • All-weather recycled material construction

  • Finished with UV protectant

  • Sloped, contoured seat

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly can be challenging

If you like the look of an Adirondack chair but would like yours to rock, turn to this chair, which captures the look perfectly. This rocking chair is made from plastic, and it will resist the deleterious abilities of sunshine and water, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.

Its plastic is also environmentally-minded, as it’s constructed from Polywood lumber, which is made from landfill- and ocean-bound plastics. Not only is this chair quite durable in the face of issues like rotting and peeling, but unlike some of the other chairs on this list, it also requires no routine maintenance (like staining). 

The chair is available in more than 12 different colors, and it’s quite comfortable to sit on thanks to its contoured seat. It does not come with cushions, and while you can add them, it’s quite comfortable without them. While the assembly process is relatively straightforward, you may find that it's made challenging by the need for additional tools or misaligned screw holes.

Material: Polywood lumber | Dimensions: 34.5 x 32.5 x 30 inches | Weight: 37 pounds | Capacity: 400 pounds

Mainstays Outdoor Rocking Chair

Mainstays Outdoor Wood Porch Rocking Chair

Walmart

What We Like
  • High armrests

  • Weather-resistant finish

  • Solid acacia hardwood construction

What We Don't Like
  • Low weight capacity

This rocking chair marries a traditional, clean design with a budget-friendly sticker price under $100. We appreciate its versatility and value, as well as the one-year limited warranty. Elegantly designed and made with acacia wood, this outdoor rocker features a weather-resistant finish for added durability. That said, it’s ideal for use in covered areas (like a balcony or porch) and will get quite weathered if used in uncovered outdoor spaces. 

We also like that this outdoor rocking chair is relatively lightweight, weighing just 21 pounds. If you frequently want to rearrange your outdoor furniture, you’ll have no problem moving this chair around. Additionally, the higher armrests make it easy for anyone to get into or out of. Each chair is designed to support up to 250 pounds. While it’s only available in white and doesn’t include a cushion, it’s a great option for most budgets.

Material: Acacia wood | Dimensions: 46 x 35 x 27 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds

Vincent Sheppard Kodo Outdoor Rocker Chair

2Modern Vincent Sheppard Kodo Outdoor Rocker Chair

2Modern

What We Like
  • Teak and metal frame

  • Weather-resistant polypropylene rope back

  • Larger seat and cushion

What We Don't Like
  • Cushion durability isn't specified

You might have a certain vision of a rocking chair in mind, but this outdoor-friendly model will upend that! Vincent Sheppard’s outdoor rocker is modern, elevated, and incredibly eye-catching, with a curved back made from polypropylene rope, with teak rockers that pop against the contrasting metal frame. All in all, this chair is a showstopper. 

The high back and three throw pillows (included with the rocker) add up to a lot of comfort, as does the airflow that’s possible thanks to the gaps in the back and frame. All the materials that are used for this chair are weather-resistant, and you can choose between two colors for the frame and the pillows.

However, do note that there's no specified durability for the cushions and if they can withstand wet weather, so you may want to protect them when rain arrives. This chair does require a bit of maintenance, although none of it is very complex: a mild detergent to clean the pillows every few months, while the frame can be cleaned with a soft brush or air hose.

Material: Teak, aluminum, and polypropylene | Dimensions: 39.4 x 37.8 x 38.6 inches | Weight: 46 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds

Outsunny Outdoor Wicker Rocking Chair

Target Outsunny Outdoor Wicker Rocking Chair

Target

What We Like
  • Plush, comfortable cushions

  • Thick, smooth-moving rocker base

  • Versatile for indoor or outdoor use

What We Don't Like
  • Very limited warranty

Here’s a beautiful rocking chair that’s great for your outdoor space, with colorful padded cushions in an array of hues. The chair itself is constructed from aluminum with wicker accents. One of its standout features is the extra-sturdy base, which can support up to 352 pounds (one of the highest weight capacities on our list). We also love that it delivers a truly smooth, secure rocking motion and its roomier-than-typical seat.

Overall, this outdoor rocking chair is comfort-forward: The cushions are thick and plush, and the chair is ergonomically designed. Its height makes it relatively easy to sit down in and get up from. You’ll find the assembly process easy, even with only one person.

In our opinion, you might just find yourself wanting to purchase a set of these chairs (which comes with a bit of a discount in price). Just keep in mind that there's only a brief 6-month warranty behind this rocker, which is far shorter than most.

Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 27.25 x 36.5 x 35.5 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Capacity: 352 pounds

Article Medan Graphite Rocking Chair

Article Medan Graphite Rocking Chair

Article

What We Like
  • No assembly required

  • Lightweight synthetic wicker material

  • Resistant to sea and chlorinated water

What We Don't Like
  • May require cushions for comfort

Made with wicker and powder-coated aluminum, this rocking chair from Article is perfect for outdoor use—but it’s quite versatile and also works just fine in indoor spaces, which makes it particularly ideal if you have a screened-in porch, sunroom, or other transitional space. We love that this rocker is water-resistant, and comes in one piece, which means no assembly is required. 

We also like how simple this outdoor rocking chair is in its design and materials. Despite that simplicity, it can really stand up to the elements. It’s comfortable, too, thanks to the curved shape of the seat. However, some may find the wicker presses into the back (especially taller individuals), so you may need to add cushions for a bit of added comfort. The chair is lightweight, which means you can move it around, while details like the open back make it feel nicely sized for smaller spaces.

Material: Powder coated aluminum and synthetic wicker | Dimensions: 36.5 x 24.5 x 33 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Capacity: Not listed

L.L.Bean Wicker Eucalyptus Rocker

L.L.Bean Wicker Eucalyptus Rocker

L.L.Bean

What We Like
  • Extra-wide seat

  • Durable for all climates

  • Easy to maintain

What We Don't Like
  • Arms require slight sanding

  • Best covered in inclement weather

You can turn to L.L. Bean for more than cozy blankets and soft sheet sets. This retailer also sells furniture outdoor furniture, including this rocking chair made with sustainably harvested eucalyptus, stainless steel hardware, and resin wicker. These materials are no coincidence: Eucalyptus is weather- and moisture-resistant, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture, while the wicker is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a synthetic and weather-resistant form of wicker. 

This rocker has a beautiful, rustic design and is thoughtfully crafted. Most importantly, though, it’s quite durable. That being said, when inclement weather strikes, you’ll want to either cover it or bring it indoors. Plus, you’ll need to apply oil a few times a year to keep the wood looking sharp.

The initial assembly may be a bit time-consuming, depending on your experience level (and it’ll be far smoother if you have someone to help you). However, once you have the chair put together, you’ll find that it’s quite comfortable, in addition to being attractive. Just note that many find the arms a little rough; however, this is easy to fix with a bit of light sanding to smooth the surface out.

Material: Resin wicker and Brazilian eucalyptus | Dimensions: 40 x 24 x 38 inches | Weight: 27 pounds | Capacity: Not listed

Hashtag Home Burley Steel Outdoor Rocker Chair

Wayfair Hashtag Home Burley Steel Outdoor Rocker Chair

Wayfair

What We Like
  • 6 vibrant color choices

  • UV-resistant steel frame

  • Comfortable slanted seat

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly is easiest with two people

Add a splash of color to your space with this set of two outdoor rockers, which are available in a range of vibrant hues like red, turquoise, tangerine, and lime, all made even more eye-catching with a shiny finish. With a reasonable price for two chairs, we like the value of this style, too. 

You can trust these outdoor rocking chairs are designed to stand up to weather thanks to their powder-coated steel construction. They’re smooth-rocking and comfortable to sit in, too, though you can always add pillows if you crave a bit more padding.

Assembly is required, and it can be a bit time-consuming for on person, but all the tools needed are included. Once you’ve put together the chairs, you’ll love the bright, retro pop of color they infuse into your yard, patio, or porch.

Material: Steel | Dimensions: 32.25 x 22.5 x 33.13 inches | Weight: 39.6 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds

Polywood Presidential Rocking Chair

Amazon POLYWOOD Outdoor Rocking Chair

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made with sustainable materials

  • Fade-resistant

  • No painting, staining, or waterproofing needed

What We Don't Like
  • Not the most durable hardware

This well-designed chair is made with Polywood lumber, which is made using a unique material: recycled, reusable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. Not only is this an environmentally savvy choice, but it’s also fade-resistant and wonderfully durable. Overall, this rocker is built to last, with the ability to survive everything from sunshine to snow and rain to strong wind. We also like that it’s available in a variety of colors, from neutral to bright shades (though the price does vary slightly based on color choice). 

This outdoor rocking chair features a simple and classic design, featuring back slats that provide some airflow along with a slatted, contoured seat. It’ll accommodate up to 325 pounds, offering one of the highest weight capacities on our list.

We also like that the maintenance is simple: You can clean as needed with soap and water.  Make sure to hold off on painting or sanding, which is neither needed nor helpful with furniture made with HDPE. While the aluminum hardware can soften over time and become less durable, this is a very minor potential pain point.

Material: HDPE plastic resin | Dimensions: 33.75 x 26.25 x 42.5 inches | Weight: 37 pounds | Capacity: 325 pounds

Sophia & William Outdoor Padded Rocking Chairs

Walmart Sophia & William Outdoor Padded Rocking Chairs

Walmart

What We Like
  • Ergonomic seat and arm shape

  • Powder-coated steel frame

  • Removable, optional cushion

What We Don't Like
  • Low seat can challenge some

If it’s cushioned comfort you want in your outdoor rocking chair, this option from Sophia & William delivers, all for under $100. This rocker has a steel frame and a thin layer of detachable padding that goes over the back and seat, adding cushioning that makes the rocker pleasant to sit in.

Mesh material helps you feel comfortable in the chair when the temperatures outside soar, while shock absorption pads on the rockers will help keep the chair from slipping on cement or patio flooring (and, as an added perk, they also prevent damage to floors or decks). 

Although we wish this rocker was available in a few colors, we do love its appealingly retro style. Its weight capacity is also a standout; it can support up to 300 pounds, with a reinforced frame for extra sturdiness. And, unlike a wooden chair, there’s no need for annual maintenance. Just note that it does sit quite low to the ground, which can pose potential issues for those with mobility challenges or who need a higher seat.

Material: Steel frame, polyester and sponge cushion | Dimensions: 24.8 x 37.4 x 32 inches | Weight: 27.5 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds

Amazon Basics Outdoor Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker

Amazon Basics Outdoor Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Slim, foldable design

  • Breathable mesh seat and back

  • Weather-resistant frame and fabric

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller range of rocking motion

This outdoor rocking chair from Amazon Basics is so versatile, that it’ll provide comfort whether you’re at home on your porch or on a camping trip. Since it folds up flat, it’s easy to take this chair anywhere—it isn’t very large and becomes even more compact when folded, making it easy to stash in your trunk. It’s also a comfortable rocker, with a padded headrest and an overall ergonomic design. 

Since its frame is steel, you can also trust this chair will stand up to the weather. Available in several colors, it weighs just over 16 pounds. Take it out of the box, and it’s ready to be used, with no assembly required. Once the chair’s unfolded, there’s a latch to help keep it open.

When you’re ready to fold it up, just unlatch and fold. You’ll also find that this chair is easy to get in and out of (which is ideal for anyone with bad knees or a tricky back). It doesn't rock back or forward as far as most of the other chairs on our list, with a more limited range, but with its lightweight and foldable design, it's a fair tradeoff for convenience.

Material: Alloy steel | Dimensions: 37.4 x 38.58 x 24.9 inches | Weight: 16.1 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds

VEIKOUS 2-Piece Plastic Outdoor Rocking Chair Set

The Home Depot VEIKOUS 2-Piece Plastic Outdoor Rocking Chair Set

The Home Depot

What We Like
  • Two-chair set

  • Heavy-duty, durable plastic material

  • No maintenance required

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic can scratch easily

What’s better than sitting in a rocking chair? Rocking beside a companion in a perfectly paired set of chairs! We like this set of two outdoor-ready rocking chairs from Veikous, which features chairs made from HDPE, a material that offers a lower cost and less maintenance over time. The set is available in a few different colors, and the chairs are quite durable in the face of the elements. 

While sitting in either one of the chairs in this set is quite comfortable thanks to a deep and curved seat, you’ll likely want to add cushions and pillows to get to a truly relaxing experience. They offer a smooth rocking motion, and they’re quite sturdy with enough strength to support up to 350 pounds. Assembly is very simple, and these chairs offer an attractive place to sit, no matter where you place them in your yard, garden, or other outdoor spaces.

Material: HDPE | Dimensions: 23.8 x 34.2 x 40.9 inches | Weight: 83.38 pounds | Capacity: 350 pounds

Tangkula 2-Piece Rocking Chair Wood Rocker

Target Tangkula 2-Piece Rocking Chair Acacia Wood Rocker

Target

What We Like
  • Thick back and seat cushions

  • Sturdy even with home assembly

  • Smooth, stable rocking

What We Don't Like
  • White cushions show dirt easily

Here’s another great set for outdoor spaces that will accommodate two rockers. This wooden rocker pair is made—like so many other wooden options on this list—with acacia wood, which stands up to the elements well. Each chair holds up to 255 pounds and rocks smoothly. We like the design details, such as curved armrests and an ergonomic backrest to ensure you sit comfortably. 

The cushions help with that comfort, adding some extra padding. (Unlike many other rocking chairs on this list, the seat and back cushions are included with your purchase.) We also find it handy that the cushion covers can be removed, which is ideal for cleaning or swapping out the original for a new color. Plus, the addition of corner ties helps attach the cushions so they won’t shimmy around as you rock.

Material: Acacia wood frame, polyester and sponge cushions | Dimensions: 35.5 x 25 x 36.5 inches | Weight: 26.5 pounds | Capacity: 355 pounds

What to Look for in an Outdoor Rocking Chair

Material

Since your chair will spend days and nights outdoors, it’ll need to be made with materials that can survive all kinds of weather, from temperature shifts to rain to sunshine. Wood is a popular choice, but metal can also be nicely durable. “Powder-coated aluminum is a great option if you’re going for a more contemporary or industrial look in your garden,” Claire Bromley, interior designer and owner of Claire Alexandra Designs says. “It’s fully weather resistant and won’t rust or fade.” 

Regardless of your material preferences, you must seek out a chair made from high-quality materials that won’t rust or fade, like the L.L. Bean Wicker Eucalyptus Rocker, which is made with stainless steel, eucalyptus, and wicker, or the Presidential Rocking Chair, which is made with durable HDPE. 

Keep in mind that some materials are outdoor-suitable, but they may need to be covered or pulled indoors when weather conditions are more severe. For example, the Mainstays Outdoor Rocking Chair made from acacia will last longer if used on covered patios and may not be as durable for the long term if exposed to wet weather.

Comfort

Whether you’re spending a few minutes or multiple hours in your outdoor rocking chair, you’ll want an ergonomic design. When a chair features an ergonomic design, it’s constructed with a shape meant to properly support key areas of the body, such as your neck, back, and arms. While the ergonomics of sitting in a rocking chair may differ from an office chair, the details really do make a difference in your comfort. For example, the Tangkula 2-Piece Rocking Chair Acacia Wood Rocker offers support via an ergonomic backrest and curved arms. 

When thinking about comfort, you’ll want to think about cushions, too: Not all outdoor rocking chairs come with them, and while they’re not always necessary, they can add some crucial padding that makes sitting more appealing and, well, cushioned. The Frontgate Hampton Rocking Chair, for example, comes with both back and seat cushions. 

Style

There are a lot of different types of outdoor rocking chairs. Often, the material will help define the rocker’s style, so it’s common to find rustic or classic chairs made from different varieties of wood, such as the Birch Lane Rocking Solid Wood Chair, which is made from teak, or the Mainstays Outdoor Rocking Chair, made with acacia. These chairs are typically made with simple arms and slatted seats and backrests.

But you don’t have to go with wood. If you’re interested in a more modern and minimalist look, metal is a great choice; we like the Sophia & William Outdoor Padded Rocking Chairs, which are made with steel. Or, for a more coastal or farmhouse inspired style, you can choose intricately woven wicker, like the wicker and aluminum Frontgate Hampton Rocking Chair

Regardless of your personal style, it’s always a good idea to look for options that will look appropriate in your outdoor space. You can consider your other outdoor furniture, or even the style of the furniture used throughout your home, whether that includes hanging chairs, zero-gravity chairs, or recliners

Stability

You want your chair to rock—not tip over. Look for chairs with a stable base that won’t wobble or move unexpectedly as you sit or rise out of the seat, like the Outsunny Outdoor Wicker Rocking Chair.

You’ll also want to consider the chair’s overall size and weight capacity, to make sure it’ll accommodate your needs for support and stability. Many of the outdoor rocking chairs on our list can support 250 pounds; some even support up to 350 pounds in total, offering options for all bodies. If you’re looking for a generously sized chair, consider the Vincent Sheppard Kodo Outdoor Rocker Chair, which has a wider, more spacious seat and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by long-time freelance writer Madeleine Burry, who has written for the Spruce since 2019. For insight into outdoor rocking chairs, Burry reached out to a designer, who shared thoughts on key considerations to keep in mind while shopping. Burry considered these expert tips and insights while choosing products for this list. The quality of the brand as well as reviews were also significant factors in the products she chose.  

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