A porch and its decor make a strong first impression. With that in mind, why settle for anything less than the best rocking chair or bench to showcase on your front porch? We did the research based on quality, space, and style to find the best rocking chairs and benches to narrow your search.
Check out these best rocking chairs and rocking benches for your front porch:
- Outsunny Wooden Rocking Chair Set
- Outsunny 2-Person Wood Rocking Chair
- Amazon Basics Foldable Rocking Chair
- B & Z Kids’ Wooden Porch Chair
- POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair
Now that you know who makes the best rocking furniture, let’s take a look at why these chairs and benches are ideal. As you continue reading, consider how long it will last, whether it fits in your space, and if the style coordinates with your home -all questions we’ll answer to help you choose the best seating option for your porch! We’ll also discuss rocking chair comfort, space necessary, and securing options to keep chairs and benches safely grounded. Let’s get started!
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Rocking Chair Vs. Rocking Bench
There is no clean-cut best when it comes to picking a rocking chair or a rocking bench. The primary differences between the two are style and size. So, if you think rocking chairs are cuter, go that route.
If you think rocking benches are better, that is what’s best for you. There is no one size fits all.
Another factor when considering if you want a rocking chair or bench is the space available. Make sure the rocking furniture you are buying fits the space, both literally and metaphorically. Rocking benches tend to take up slightly more space in a single area compared to rocking chairs.
Outsunny Wooden Rocking Chair Set
These chairs provide a cozy retreat with their smooth rocking motion and high back design. The natural poplar wood construction not only ensures longevity but also adds a rustic charm to any outdoor space.
A polyurethane finish gives it an extra layer of protection, making it resilient to weather conditions.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-made
- Comfortable seating without a cushion
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Assembly required
- Takes up significant porch space
- Relatively expensive
Outsunny 2-Person Wood Rocking Chair
This Outsunny rocking chair catches the eye with its charming log design, reminiscent of cozy farmhouse aesthetics.
The solid fir wood ensures the rocker remains durable and offers decent protection against the elements. Plus, its generous seating capacity is perfect for couples who want to enjoy a relaxing time together on the porch.
Pros
- Classic rustic design
- Built for two people
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Difficult assembly process
- Instructions lack detail
- Some wood parts may be defective
Amazon Basics Foldable Rocking Chair
While it may not be what you think of initially when you think of porch rocking chairs, foldable is a great option. Foldable chairs can be especially great for especially hot or cold areas.
Even on a covered porch, rocking chairs can succumb to sun damage. Folding rocking chairs are easy to safely store away when not in use.
Since this chair is under 20 pounds, it is also great when you are on the go. It would be great to use at a campsite for a fun, classy taste of home.
While it does come in multiple colors, the black model is the only one that includes a canopy. If you plan on taking it more places than your porch, a canopy can be really handy. However, it can also make the chair more cumbersome.
When considering this rocking chair, consider where you will use it. If you want a refined focal point for your porch, this is probably not the best fit. However, if you want a rocking chair that is versatile enough to be a staple on your porch, but also a comfy seat at a baseball game, this is probably a great fit for you!
B & Z Kids’ Wooden Porch Chair
If you have children, getting their own rocking chair is a great way to make them feel special. It is especially great for kids younger than seven.
Likewise, because they are smaller, children’s rocking chairs only need around two feet of space. The sturdy design of this wooden porch chair makes it just as great for indoor and outdoor use. It also has the durability to last for many years.
This chair does not have a ton of versatility as it can only hold around 77 pounds. But it is a great way to make your family feel at home on the porch while also adding an adorable elegance.
POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair
This chair’s wide arms make it an especially great option if you love having your coffee on the porch. This chair is also a buy you can feel good about. Each chair is made from recycled plastic, making it great for your front porch and the planet.
A great perk of the POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair is the many colors available.
While it comes in classics like brown and white, it also comes in bold colors like lime and red. Because of the variety, this chair is great if you want to use color to make a statement on your porch.
This chair’s primary drawback is that the material may not be particularly comfortable and is not as ergonomic as some of the other chairs. It may need a seat and back cushion to help make it easier to sit in.
Where Should A Rocking Chair/Bench Be Placed On A Porch?
When deciding where to place your rocking chair or bench, consider what you want to be the focal point of your porch. If you want the focus to be your rocking furniture, consider how you will make them stand out.
Will they be a unique color? Larger than usual? Or maybe there will be multiple pieces. Ultimately, it depends on your style preference and the layout of your porch.
Seeking a little inspiration is a good idea. It is also good to seek out multiple guides for ideas and designs.
How Do You Make A Wooden Rocking Chair More Comfortable?
There are a variety of ways to make a wooden rocking chair more comfortable, and by far, the easiest and most popular method is to add cushions. While some rocking chairs may come with cushions, most do not.
When picking a cushion for your rocking chair, make sure to get something with UV protection. This will help the fabric stay softer longer and help it resist sun bleaching.
How Much Space Do You Need For A Rocking Chair?
How much space you need for a rocking chair depends on the specific rocking chair. On average, assume a rocking chair takes up three feet.
Rocking benches require a bit more space but can sit more than one person. Most two-person rocking benches need around five feet of space.
If you anticipate a child swinging wildly in the rocking furniture, consider giving it an extra half-foot or so of space.
How Do You Secure A Rocking Chair To A Porch?
The most common way to secure a rocking chair to your porch is with a wire rope. You can either lock the wire rope to the house or simply weave it between the rocking chair legs.
While simply weaving the rope does not keep the chair in place, it does deter thieves from taking it. With the rope holding the chair together or in place, culprits have to either cut the rope or take the chair in one large, cumbersome trip.
If you are concerned about the wind, buying a heavy rocking chair or bench is a good way to keep your porch furniture from blowing away. Likewise, a rocking bench may be better in that case as they are generally larger, heavier, and less likely to blow away.
If you are worried about your rocking chair sliding while you are rocking in it, there are also multiple methods of dealing with that, such as:
- Secure felt pads or rug padding to the base of the rockers.
- Inspect the chair for cracks, damaged or loose connections to rule-out wobbly rockers.
- Secure the chair’s base to the porch by fastening a length of webbing between the underside of the seat (affixed to an eye-screw) and flooring (affixed to an eye-screw). This allows the chair to rock back and forth but not slide forward or backward from its position.
Further Reading
A front or back porch is a great space to enjoy, so why stop decorating with a rocking chair or bench? Check out these other inspiring posts for some great ideas for your front porch!
Which Side Of Porch To Hang American Flag?
How To Keep Rain From Blowing On Your Porch [4 Great Solutions!]
How To Hang String Lights On A Porch?
