On a warm summer’s day, there’s often nothing more enjoyable than sitting on your patio with a cold drink in hand. Because you’ll be spending significant periods of time seated here, it’s important that the seat you choose is one that you will enjoy making use of for extended periods of time.
In order to understand which patio gliders are the better option, you’ll first have to understand what exactly a patio glider is, and what differentiates it from other outdoor furniture. The best gliders are those that are made of strong, high-quality materials with solid construction.
There are hundreds of patio gliders currently on the market, so in order to find one which works for you, you will need to understand what makes a good patio glider.
What Is a Glider?
A glider is a seat, similar to a bench, which can seat either one, two, or three people, depending on the design. What makes a glider different from a normal bench is the fact that it is fitted with a gliding mechanism. This mechanism allows you to slide (or sway) backward and forwards.
The exciting feeling of sliding backward and forwards in this way is a pretty fun thing to do, and that applies to children, adults, and pets alike. People and pets of all ages can freely enjoy making use of a glider, and having one on your porch is a great way to start a conversation.
Gliders are available in a variety of materials such as metal or wood, and the seating material can consist of fabric, vinyl, mesh, or any other material that is suitable for use outdoors. There are some gliders made entirely out of wood, and others made entirely out of metal.
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Buying Tips When Choosing a Patio Glider
There are several considerations to make when trying to decide which porch glider to choose. The first, most important consideration is the size of the glider. Naturally, you will need to choose a porch glider that properly fits the area in which it is going to be located.
Space Requirements
Unlike normal benches, gliders cannot be placed directly against a wall or a balustrade since they are constantly moving backward and forwards. Because of this, there has to be sufficient space around the entire piece of furniture which will allow you to move with relative ease.
In order for a glider to move uninhibited by surrounding objects, it should have at least a few feet of open space behind it, as well as in front of it.
Durability of Materials
Another major consideration is the weather resistance of the materials used to manufacture your glider. Even though your glider will most likely be placed under a patio roof and ought to be protected from rain, it will still be somewhat exposed to the elements.
Bearing this in mind, the materials selected will need to be extremely durable, resistant to wear, and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, rain, harsh sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
The temperatures may frequently fluctuate between extremely hot and extremely cold, and this can cause havoc with the materials from which your glider is manufactured.
Some examples of materials that can withstand these extreme fluctuations are solid teak, aluminum, false wicker (made of resin), or any other high-quality synthetic material which is specifically made for use outdoors.
Aesthetics
The next thing to think about when you are choosing a patio glider is the aesthetic aspect. Depending on the style of your patio area, you will want to choose a material that is a good fit for what you already have on your patio. Aesthetically, it should work with what’s already there.
Timber gliders have a more rustic appearance, while aluminum gliders tend to be more sleek and industrial-looking, resulting in a different aesthetic altogether. Which type of glider you select will depend on the type of look you would be going for, and there are thankfully many options to choose from.
Storage
Storage is another thing to think about. If the temperatures drop below freezing in winter, it might be a good idea to store your glider away so that it does not become damaged. If the glider is extremely heavy and cumbersome, it will probably be too difficult to move it.
These are worthwhile considerations to make, as a glider that is too difficult to move will potentially cause issues when it comes to trying to find a place to store it whenever this may be deemed necessary. If unmovable, you could always cover your glider with something like a tarpaulin.
Best Glider For The Outdoors: Superjare 2 Seater Glider
This glider is extremely popular, and for good reason. It’s simply the best value for money while maintaining a great level of quality. Because there’s nothing over-the-top about the design, it’ll look great pretty much anywhere you put it. You can find it on Amazon here.
This glider has a really sleek, contemporary appearance. It’s also available in light brown and light grey. There is also a dark grey version, which is by far the most popular choice.
What’s noteworthy about this glider is that the mesh is so comfy to sit on that no cushions are required. As a result, this piece of patio furniture requires far less upkeep than virtually all other possibilities.
The mesh is composed of Textilene, a UV-resistant material produced specifically for outdoor furniture, and the metal elements are powder-coated, making them resistant to cold and damp weather.
Because only the outside of the metal is powder-coated, and that coating will wear away over time, it isn’t entirely rust-proof against huge volumes of rain falling directly on the bench, however.
If you live in a region where strong rainstorms occur frequently, and you don’t have a roof over your patio, it’s recommended that you purchase the rain cover developed specifically for this glider.
With that in mind, the only true flaw with this glider is the lackluster instructions. I mean, you can probably figure out how to put it together, but the directions aren’t particularly clear. They make no mention of the nuts or washers, which is problematic because these are needed for assembly.
And, of course, once you’ve got this glider set up, it’s a pleasure to use. The gliding action is soothing and enjoyable. Now when we refer to the weight-bearing capacity of the bench, given that it’s a two-person bench, the load limit of 440 pounds is more than adequate.
Check it out at Amazon here.
Best Wooden Glider: CAF Amish Heavy Duty Mission Glider
One of the things that stands out about this glider is the fact that it is made with excellent craftsmanship. This glider is manufactured in the United States, employing real Amish handcrafted craftsmanship.
The rocking motion is relaxing, and the seat is ergonomically designed. The wood is also kiln-dried pressure-treated pine, which means it’s resistant to wood rot, decay, and pests such as termites.
This seat also boasts a smooth gliding motion. Given how durable and well-designed this piece of outdoor furniture is, the smoothness of the gliding motion is equally impressive. It is exceptionally smooth, and it’s tough enough to stay that way for a long time.
This glider is relatively heavy. It’s exceptionally heavy-duty and built of solid wood, and it weighs in at 80 pounds. However, because it can support 800 pounds of weight, this also means it’s strong and sturdy.
The eco-friendly finish is created with a UV-resistant, soy-based stain finisher that is both non-toxic and odorless.
It’s made of kiln-dried pressure-treated pine, which means it’s resistant to wood rot, decay, and pests such as termites. It won’t warp, cup, or shrink in any way.
It does require some assembling, but it’s a rather simple procedure. Because this glider is so perfectly designed, there’s nothing particularly complicated about it.
If you truly don’t like putting together furniture, you can always get an expert to do it for you, but you’ll have to pay extra for the work, so doing it yourself will save you a lot of money.
You can get a hold of one at The Porch Swing Company here.
Giantex Patio Glider Bench
The Giantex patio glider bench has everything you need for a relaxing afternoon, whether it’s sunny or rainy. To begin with, its sturdiness and durability should be commended. This is thanks to the steel structure of the bench, which also has a premium finish. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned about long-term damage.
In addition to this, the steel is powder-coated, making it suitable for use in both the sun and rain. It is also highly resistant to corrosion.
The bench has a curved back support that makes sitting more comfortable, allowing for the correct alignment for your spine. If you want to read a book while relaxing in the cool afternoon wind, this chair is ideal. Additionally, the bench has a relaxing back and forth gliding motion.
The seating is made of a unique fabric that is both comfortable and supportive. The cloth has high tensile strength and can support a maximum of two people in terms of support.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds which means that almost anybody could make use of it. In terms of comfort, the fabric is well ventilated, allowing you to sit comfortably while enjoying the flow of fresh air around you.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Best Choice Products 3-Seater Glider
This is a strong, padded glider with a relaxing back and forth motion, allowing both you and your date to be completely relaxed.
This glider is strong and long-lasting. The frame is built of heavy-gauge steel that has been powder-coated to a high standard. The glider can only hold two people at a time and has a total weight capacity of 400 pounds.
The cushions are UV-resistant and constructed of low-maintenance polyester. It’s easier to replace or clean the polyester because it’s removable.
Check it out on Amazon here.
Best Choice Products 2-Person Outdoor Mesh Patio Double Glider w/Tempered Glass Attached Table
This is the ideal outdoor 2-person seat for a romantic date. The middle of the glider seat includes a raised tempered glass table for snacks and beverages.
The glider’s armrests and high back provide excellent ergonomics for optimal comfort while you are able to recline.
The glider is made up of a steel frame and mesh cloth for long-term use, and it rarely rusts. The glider’s steel structure joins four rocker arms for added stability. This allows you and your date to glide back and forth happily.
This glider is made for the outdoors and will look great on your porch, garden, or patio.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Lifetime Timber Alternative Glider
This bench has a lot of sturdiness to it. This is due to the unique imitation timber used in its construction. Weather-resistant imitation wood is one of the key elements utilized in its construction.
It won’t splinter, chip, peel, or wrap, and it won’t need to be varnished. If water does collect, there are slats that allow the water to drain quickly.
Despite the wood, the bench features a steel frame that can support a reasonable amount of weight. The powder-coated steel frame is also very sturdy.
Additionally, ball bearings are present to provide a smooth back and forth action with the glider.
This wooden work of art is perfect for the outdoors, and will add significantly to the aesthetic appeal of your garden or patio.
Check it out at Amazon here.
Jack Post Fun Glider
This glider has a charming, retro design that will complement your outdoor decor very well. It features a steel frame with an excellent anti-rust treatment on it. Corrosion is unlikely to occur as a result of this.
Furthermore, the glider can sustain a maximum of two passengers with a combined weight capacity of 500 pounds. It will function nicely in a variety of outside settings, including your porch, garden, or balcony.
Check it out at Amazon here.
Conclusion
While there are many gliders on the market, it’s important that you choose one that suits your space, style, and budget.
It’s also important to think about what you’ll do with the glider during the winter months, as the ability of the item to be stored is indeed a major consideration.