One of the reoccurring questions we seen to be getting keeps asking about what we would recommend when it comes to outdoor rocking chairs specifically. Many have found how great and meaningful a rocking chair can be and now are thinking about or have actually decided to purchase a rocking chair and are now going through the trial and error stages of their home décor’s feel and furniture to achieve the feel. Hopefully we will help guide you in the right direction with some tips that may help you with some of the problems you are facing when it comes to outdoor rocking chairs specifically.
Tip #1: Finish It
The first issue that seems to come up over and over again is the fact that people buy a rocking chair that is meant for the indoors and use it outdoors. This leaves the real wood exposed to the elements like, water from sprinklers, rain, dew, sun, moisture, condensation, wind and sometimes even snow. Most people seem to think that because their wood is shiny or has a finish on it means that it is ready for the elements. This is not true especially for outdoor furniture rocking chairs. If you are going to save some money and buy cheap outdoor furniture rocking chairs it might not be such a bad idea but it is important you have the proper finish on it. Preferably something that is water tight and thick. This can be applied over the existing thinner coat. By doing this you are protecting and saving a great piece of furniture from being destroyed by the elements.
Tip #2: Stick to Basic Traditional
One of the problems that many people seem to have is that with outdoor furniture like rocking chairs they tend to put styles outdoors where they were not designed to be. For example, a spring glider rocking chair should never be taken outside. The springs, even with a ton or grease will rust and stop working. The design is meant to be in a regulated temperature and kept indoors. It was never desiged to endure the elements. This will certainly ruin your outdoor rocking chairs in no time. The best idea is to stick to the traditional full wood frame rocking chair for your outdoor uses. This is perfect to really get a handle on your outdoor environment and provide as much comfort as possible.
Tip #3: Why Not Used?
Outdoor rocking chairs for sale are some of the most important find that you can come across. They are fairly cheap at garage sales and swap meets. People just want to get rid of rocking chairs when they have no use for them and this is a tip to find exactly the character you want to add to your relaxing environment. If you are probably going to have to finish the outdoor rorcking chair anyway why not get a great deal on one at a yard sale, sand it down and weatherproof it. You are going to have to refinish more than likely anyway so why not just take a bit of time and restore it in anyway. You will save yourself a bunch of money by going about outdoor rocking chairs in this manner.
Tip#4: Outdoor White Rocking Chairs?
One thing that people insist on doing is buying outdoor white rocking chairs. This is not the brightest of ideas here. One of the things that is going to happen outdoors is the fact that the wind is going to carry dirt and dust to settle on the outdoor furniture. This is really going to show up in a white outdoor chair and give it a dirty not inviting look. For some reason the white finish on these chairs also tends to crack and weather the worst. One day they look great and fine and the next day you have dry rot and the white finish is bubbling off the wood. Try to stay away from traditional white chairs add some colors to the chairs. Stick to warm relaxing colors and you will benefit greatly.
These tips are probably some of the most important tips to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase an outdoor rocking chair. These chairs are not built like wicker furniture. For some reason people tend to relate a wicker chair to an outdoor rocking chair. Just make sure the chair is finished properly and ready for the outdoors. Stick to a full wood frame and avoid a bunch of moving metal parts and springs. Try to get a great deal at a swap meet or garage sale. Try to use a different color other than white. If you follow all of these simple suggestions than I am sure that you will not have any issues and you will be able to create the most relaxing environment with outdoor rocking chairs leading the way.
photo credit: Mark Wooten
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