Your Guide To Evaluating The Best Front Porch Chairs
A relaxing spot to enjoy fresh air, your front porch is made complete with comfortable chairs. But with so many options to choose from, how do you pick the best front porch chairs? We'll help you find perfect chairs to create an outdoor oasis.
Consider Your Needs
With many types and designs available, the first step is deciding your needs. Key factors like comfort, durability, style, and budget play a role in finding ideal porch chairs.
Comfort
Since you'll likely spend hours lounging, comfort is key. Look for ergonomic designs, lumbar support, and curved seats that cradle your back. Thick, high-density cushions also enhance coziness. Rocking chairs provide extra relaxation with their soothing motion. But stationary chairs work well too.
Durability
You want porch chairs that withstand years outside. All-weather materials like weather-resistant woods, durable plastic or resin, wicker, and aluminum resist moisture, fading, and decay. Sturdy construction supports more weight and lasts longer. The highest quality chairs have 10-20 year warranties.
Style
Match your chair style to your home's exterior design. Classic Adirondacks complement traditional homes, while sleek modern gliders pair well with contemporary spaces. Neutral colors blend in, or make a statement with bold hues. Add coordinating cushions, throws, and pillows to pull the look together.
Budget
Porch chairs range from affordable to high-end. You can find quality chairs under $100, while handcrafted wood or luxury brands run $300+. Define your budget to narrow choices. Watch for sales on off-season models too. Invest in chairs built to last years with proper care.
Evaluate Top Chair Types
Once you know your needs, compare different porch chair styles. Weigh the pros and cons of popular options to find your best fit.
Adirondack Chairs
Known for sloped seats and backrests, Adirondack chairs are likely the first porch chairs you visualize. Their iconic wood slat design hails from the early 1900s. Today, Adirondacks come in plastic and composite materials too.
Pros:
- Traditional style
- Contoured for comfort
- Affordable
- Durable materials
Cons:
- Can be heavy
- Limited color choices
- Not adjustable
Rocking Chairs
Nothing beats gently rocking on a warm evening. Rocking chairs relax with their swaying motion. Classics feature curved slat backs and wooden rocker bases. You can also find more modern steel and plastic rockers.
Pros:
- Soothing rocking action
- Promotes relaxation
- Come in many styles
- Usually very durable
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Can scrape decks
- Higher price points
Benches
Functional benches seat multiple people comfortably. Look for curved bench seats for ergonomic back support. Benches promote conversation and togetherness. Many fold up for compact storage too.
Pros:
- Seats more people
- Good for smaller porches
- Versatile and practical
- Often very affordable
Cons:
- Less individual comfort
- Fewer style options
- Minimal ergonomic design
Gliders/Swings
Gliders and swings sway back and forth gently for ultimate relaxation. The smooth gliding promotes tranquility. Many come with canopies to provide shade too.
Pros:
- Soothing, relaxing motion
- Often include shade canopies
- Fun for kids and adults
- Promote relaxation and joy
Cons:
- Require more space
- Can be costly
- Higher maintenance
Best Materials for Porch Chairs
Porch chair materials affect durability, weather-resistance, comfort, and style. Compare options to choose what suits your climate and preferences.
Wood
Traditional wood types like teak, eucalyptus, cedar, and pine add natural beauty. But look for weather-resistant woods or treated varieties. Softer woods may need cushions for comfort. Hardwoods like teak hold up better long-term.
Plastic/Resin
Affordable, low-maintenance plastic or resin like HDPE and polypropylene withstand weather without cracking or splintering. Resins look like wood but won't rot. Plastic cleans easily with soap and water.
Wicker
Woven wicker has vintage charm but needs careful maintenance. All-weather resin wickers like polyethylene are more durable and stain-resistant. But any wicker may fade over time.
Metal
Durable metals like wrought iron, aluminum and steel resist rust with powder-coating. But they can be cold to sit on. Add cushions for comfort and be aware metal can heat up in sunlight.
| Material | Durability | Weather Resistance | Comfort | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Good if properly treated | Fair | Good with cushions | Traditional, natural |
| Plastic/Resin | Excellent | Excellent | Fair to good | Traditional to modern |
| Wicker | Fair | Good with resin types | Fair | Vintage, eclectic |
| Metal | Excellent | Excellent with coating | Fair | Modern, industrial |
Top Brands and Products
Reputable brands engineer high-quality porch chairs built to endure. Compare top-rated products with stellar reviews.
Polywood
Their lumber is made from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles for low-maintenance outdoor furniture. Their Classic Folding Adirondack dries quickly and doesn't splinter or crack.
Hampton Bay
This Home Depot brand offers affordable resin chairs like the Redwood Antique Patio Rocker . The carved wood look resists chipping, rot, and mildew.
Lifetime
Known for durable outdoor products, their Adirondack Chairs support up to 300 pounds. The stain-resistant polystyrene construction is water, UV, and weather-resistant.
Best Choice Products
Their vintage-inspired Metal Porch Swing accommodates two people comfortably. The weather-resistant design includes a canopy, cushions, and chain.
Christopher Knight
Part of the Amazon Collection, their Acacia Wood Adirondack Chairs feature an ergonomic seat and contoured back for relaxation. They come pre-treated and pre-stained.
Walker Edison
This modern furniture brand offers a unique Acacia Wood Round Patio Glider Chair and Ottoman . The swinging base and curved back cradle you as you gently glide.
Caravan Canopy
Caravan Sports manufactures a 3-Person Porch Swing with a sturdy steel frame and weather-resistant polyester canopy. Chains and cushions included.
Decorating and Arranging Your Chairs
Once you choose porch chairs, it's time to decorate your space. Use these tips to create an inviting, functional area for enjoyment.
Placement
Arrange chairs to promote conversation and interaction. Angle them inward to face each other. Allow enough room to walk between chairs and access doors.
Style
Select cushions, pillows, curtains and decor that complement your chairs. For example, bold striped pillows pair nicely with neutral chairs. Repeat colors from your indoor spaces too.
Add Comforts
Plush cushions and pillows enhance coziness. Rugs add visual interest underfoot and soften hard surfaces. Side tables provide convenient spots for drinks, books, and remotes. Outdoor curtains add privacy and protect from sun or wind.
Plants & Lighting
Potted trees, flowers, and vines liven up the space. You can incorporate lighting too - from lanterns to string lights. This extends enjoyment into the evenings.
With so many porch chair options, pay attention to your needs for comfort, durability, style, and budget. Compare top styles like classic Adirondacks, rockers, benches, and gliders based on your preferences. Choose all-weather materials built to last like wood, resin, and metal. Explore highly-rated products from trusted brands. Then decorate your porch further with coordinating cushions, rugs, plants, and lighting to create your perfect oasis.
Relaxing in the right front porch chairs makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Follow this guide to find your perfect chairs for lounging in comfort and style. Before you know it, your porch will become the favorite spot to gather with loved ones and soak up the beauty of each day.