Outdoor Living Furniture

It never fails, when you go to Cracker Barrel, you always end up sitting awhile in their cozy outdoor rocking chairs even when there is no waiting line.  Rocking chairs have their roots in England but today they are iconic American like baseball and apple pie.

I’ve always had rockers around me.  I had a baby one as a child.  Growing up, our family had an antique indoor one with beautiful arms decorated as swans.  When I was older, I had a big traditional wooden rocker in my living room.  Now, we have an outdoor wrought iron rocking chair on our patio.  All three are nice but I believe my current metal one has been the most comfortable one.

 Here are the styles of rocking chairs out there that are best suited for the outdoors:

 1) Wrought Iron:  This is an elegant choice for your backyard.  Be sure your wrought iron rocker is sealed with a proper rust inhibiting paint to prolong its outdoor life.

 2) Adirondack:  Adirondack furniture is a staple for the outdoors.  It’s best to have these rocking chairs made of Teak or Balau for their weather resistance.

 3) Wicker:  These come in natural wicker and plastic or vinyl wicker.  Natural wicker is delicate because natural rattan is a weak wood.  You’re better off choosing plastic or vinyl wicker for outdoor use because of its strength.  Sure, you lose authenticity going this direction but I bet you after a year outdoor, you would rather have a good looking imitation piece of wicker furniture rather than a weak rotting authentic piece.

 4) Traditional Wooden Rocking Chairs:  Once again, Teak or Balau is your best choice of wood.  However, Cedar is very popular outdoors for that traditional look and feel.  You’ll just need to take better care in preserving it.

 It’s fun shopping for outdoor rocking chairs.  Just looking for one can lower your blood pressure.  So, here’s for finding one and then Happy Rockin’.