It is undeniable: when people see outdoor rocking chairs, they simply want to sit on the pieces and try them out. Now, instead of pretending to visit friends for the sheer benefit on sitting on their rockers, you can now buy one for yourself. But exactly what type of chair should you go for? Here are some how-to-buy pointers.

One seater or two seater? Not all rocking chairs are for single person use only. If you think you want a chair that you can share with someone, or you simply want a roomier seat, you may want to consider getting a double or two-seater rocking chair.

Nonetheless, the best seller is still the one seater pieces. As such, there are a good number of manufacturers and furniture suppliers who do sell rocking chair sets. These sets are comprised of 2 single seaters and a shared table. In other sets, footstools or ottomans are even included. If you want to share quiet moments with someone… without really sharing seats, you might consider getting the outdoor rocking chair sets.

How would you know which is an outdoor and which is an indoor rocking chair? When it comes to shapes, sizes and styles, there are actually no obvious differences between the outdoor chairs and the indoor ones. However, in order to withstand the elements, outdoor wood rocking chairs (or any furniture for that matter) should have all manner of waterproofing treatments.

Moisture repellant chemicals and non-fading varnish are common. Try also to buy the furniture with the most chemically treated wood; or those made of non-fading and non-porous synthetic materials. Several outdoor wooden rocking chairs are already treated.

Do construction materials matter? Yes, they do, especially if you are on a budget. Furniture made from hardwood materials are the most expensive in the lot. Surprisingly, synthetic materials like metal, steel, vinyl “wicker,” and plastic come a close second. Natural wicker rocking chairs are the least expensive of all. Outdoor wicker rocking chairs are a bit more costly.

But when it comes to strength, all natural wood materials are just as strong as the rocking chairs made from metal and steel. Vinyl wicker is likewise hard wearing. Plastic outdoor rocking chairs are the least resilient of all materials. A good advice is to stay away from any rocking chair made exclusively from plastic materials.

What style should you get? Black outdoor rocking chairs? White outdoor rocking chairs? Fortunately enough, an outdoor rocking chair seems to blend well in just about any environment you put these into. In order to extend its life, though, you may want to consider placing the chairs in an area where it gets a bit of shelter. A roofed porch, a cemented part of the garden, or a dry area of the path are all good recommendations.