While planning and thinking about your outdoor décor, the whole intention is to have an outdoor relaxing space. This is why people spend thousands of dollars making their outdoors well-furnished, comfortable, and suitable for nature. While common-style wood outdoor sofas or a more lightweight option such as an aluminum outdoor sofa is a common pick for modern outdoor setups, nothing beats the beauty and finesse of a 2 seater outdoor glider.
Outdoor gliders are the best relaxing outdoor furniture that keeps you moving back and forth due to the light swinging action it is designed to offer. In this article, you will find all you need to know about an outdoor glider, the benefits of having one, and the factors to choose the best outdoor sofa glider for you.
What is an Outdoor Sofa Glider?
Not many people will understand what it means if you throw the word ‘glider’ randomly. Though the truth is, we all have, at some point, spent our time comfortably on a glider chair. A glider is an elaborate rocking chair that moves back and forth like a swing seat. The working action of a glider has a frame with a double-rocker, four-bar linkage that holds the seat to the base. The tie’s non-parallel suspension arms give the chair a rocking-chair appearance when it moves back and forth. Gliders are different from a porch swing or a simple swing, and they are also one of the most traditional types of seating options for a porch.
What Are the Different Types of Patio Furniture Glider Chairs?
Traditional style gliders would only come in wood and its derivatives but with inventions in outdoor furniture setup and types, a glider comes in different material options too. You will find a market saturated with wooden, metal, or a bench-style glider. Below are some common types and the benefits of choosing one type over the other.
Wooden Outdoor Glider
The wooden kind of outdoor gliders is one of the most popular and tends to complement almost any design, given the variety of woods. A wooden outdoor glider epitomizes grace and beauty, such as a teak outdoor sofa with a natural golden hue. You will find common types of wood used in a wooden outdoor glider, such as cedar, pine, cypress, and redwood, which are typically weather-resistant. This outdoor furniture style typically looks good when placed in a backyard and lasts well outside. As the wood construction is rough and difficult to sit on, cushions are typically added to wooden gliders to make them more comfortable.
Metal Outdoor Glider
Don’t confuse a metal outdoor sofa with a metal outdoor glider because the first one doesn’t give you the swinging action. A metal outdoor glider has a metal frame where the legs, arms, and gliding system are made of aluminum, thanks to its rust-free and lightweight ability. The metal glider seat isn’t solid but has a mesh design to give the structure a lightweight and softer feel. This allows you to sit on a metal glider without cushions as well. The big problem with a metal glider is its ability to heat up in the summer, and under the sunlight, so most metal gliders come with an overhead sunshade. However, metal gliders are relatively cheaper compared to wooden outdoor gliders.
Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Glider Sofa with Cushions?
A glider being popular for many reasons offers the benefit of being the most suitable outdoor furniture pick. A glider can even beat the looks of a teak or wicker outdoor sofa if adorned with perfect cushions and coverings. Here are some other pros and cons of adding an outdoor glider sofa to your porch.
Pros
- The heavy fixed base of a glider makes it suitable for any surface, whether grass, stone, or tiled flooring.
- Perfect for improving the aesthetics of an outdoor space
- Gliders are safer than rocking chairs with less to zero pinch points in their design
- Some gliders also give you the freedom of side-to-side movement
Cons
- Gliders require extra space in both front and back so they can move freely
- A glider has a fixed heavy base so it doesn’t wobble while swinging, which makes it tough to move around and be stored away
- They take up a lot of space as compared to the sitting capacity they offer
How to Choose the Most Comfortable Outdoor Glider for You?
Choosing the right outdoor sofa glider seems like a matter of appearance only, but there are many other factors you need to consider. Below are some things to consider when picking the most suitable glider.
Space Available
The availability of space and location will greatly determine the type of glider you choose. Especially if you are doing a DIY outdoor sofa glider project, it is important to take account of all the dimensions and plan accordingly.
Material
The choice and selection of an outdoor glider will largely depend on the type of material it comprises. You may pick a set that meets your preferences and harmonizes with your current outdoor décor by finding glider patio furniture sets in various materials, such as wicker, metal, or wood. Both wooden and metal gliders offer the benefit of durable and long-lasting construction. Metal, however, tends to heat up under the sun, whereas wood remains weather friendly (if moisture-resistant) throughout the year.
Shape and Size
These sets also come in various shapes and sizes, including single gliders, double gliders, and even glider benches, giving buyers options for both modest and expansive outdoor environments. Depending on the space available and the desired sitting capacity, you can choose a glider’s ideal shape and size.
Price
Glider patio furniture sets come in various pricing points, from more affordable selections to more upscale, opulent sets. This makes it possible to choose a set within your price range without sacrificing style or quality.
Sitting Capacity
Most outdoor gliders, which resemble benches and are normally the size of a conventional sofa, are big enough to comfortably sit up to three people. Smaller gliders may accommodate two people comfortably; they are sometimes referred to as loveseat benches. Glider chairs that only seat one person are available for individuals who don’t require much space and want to save money. The ottoman of a glider chair may also glide, adding to the comfort of this more compact and affordable patio furniture.
