Rocking chairs date back to as early as 1710. However, the design was pretty simple. Two ice skates would be attached at the bottom of a chair to transform it into a rocking chair. Interestingly, the chairs remained a reserve for a few until 1785, when they started gaining traction. Health care facilities, in particular, really appreciated rocking chairs because they were believed to have a palliative effect.
These days, it’s not just about palliative care. Rocking chairs have found their way into living rooms, fireplaces, patios, resorts, nurseries, and other outdoor and indoor spaces. In addition, you’ll be surprised by the number of designs available.
Beyond a beautiful design, you’ll want a comfortable, long-lasting chair. Among the various pieces of furniture available, the Amish craftsmen have produced a range of rocking chairs that have stood the test of time. Therefore, you can rely on their expertise for perfect pieces of furniture at irresistible prices.
However, choosing an ideal Amish rocking chair can be challenging. That’s why a detailed guide like this one is vital. It helps you to identify an ideal chair with minimal hustle.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose rocker, then the Amish heavy-duty rocking chair can be an excellent choice. Besides using it outdoors, it's a perfect fit for your indoor needs. You'll love the chair's aesthetic flexibility—You can choose any of the four finishes (Unfinished, cedar stain, dark walnut stain, or semi-solid black Amish heavy-duty rocking chair).
It simply depends on your décor. Lastly, this rocker is big and robust enough to support people weighing up to 600 lbs.
Choosing the Best Amish Rocking Chair: Factors & Criteria
The range of Amish chairs available online can be mind-numbingly large for you to get a definitive list of seats you need. But when you need to choose an amish rocking chair that meets your needs and delivers beyond expectations, there are a few factors to consider. Following is a detailed guide to help you make an educated buying decision.
Where Will You Use the Rocking Chair?
The purpose of the rocking chair is your number one consideration when shopping for an Amish rocking chair. Are you looking for a nursery piece? Is the rocker meant for the living room, or will you place it near the fireplace?
The general rule is to choose bright-looking pieces for your indoor rocking needs. For instance, you wouldn’t go wrong with an Amish rocking chair made from American cedar. It combines well with most backgrounds.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to choose the correct finish that’ll mix well with your décor. If you’re unable to decide, you can settle for an unfinished rocking chair. It combines well with most indoor and outdoor décor.
For your outdoor needs, you’ll want a durable piece of furniture. An easy-to-maintain rocking chair will do you good. The Amish rocking chairs are often made of cedar, cherry, and oak. Cherry wood and cedar are pretty tough and can withstand different elements. However, a little effort is essential to keep your chairs looking good. Therefore, make sure to clean them once in a while.
Heavy-duty gliding chairs are also best suited for your outdoor needs. Similarly, slat-back rocking chairs are meant for outdoor use. However, there are multi-purpose Amish rocking chairs. The pieces can be used inside or outside of your home.
How Will You Use the Amish Rocking Chair?
Remember, rocking chairs can be for outdoor or for indoor use. However, there are specific uses for each of the two options. For instance, you might be looking for a nursing rocking chair, or perhaps a rocking chair for your patio, or one for commercial use.
- Childcare Amish Rocking Chairs
Often, you’ll spend a considerable amount of your time in the nursery. It’s either feeding your little one, singing to lull them to sleep, or reading them bedtime stories.
Alternatively, you might be shopping for a child rocker. After all, children like imitating. They’ll want to rock like mummy or daddy.
- Therapeutic Needs
Ever heard that John F. Kennedy had a rocking chair to help relieve his back pain? Studies have shown that rocking promotes the release of endorphins. Aside from improving your mood, endorphins help to reduce pain.
So, if you often have long, stressful working days, it’s essential to invest in a high-quality rocking chair. Similarly, a comfortable rocking chair can help manage chronic pain and illness like depression, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. The bottom-line is comfort and longevity, and if you can use it both indoors and outdoors, the better.
Comfort Is Vital
No matter the use, style, or type, comfort is critical when shopping for a rocking chair. Following are useful criteria to help you buy the comfiest rocker.
- A relatively low seat allows you to rest your arms on the armrest for an excellent rocking experience
- Flexible but firm back and seat
- Wide armrests to accommodate your arms?
- A seat that slants downwards but fits the entire back and also supports the lower back.
- An appropriately pitched (doesn’t tip forward or backward during rocking) rocking chair
- A piece that rocks continuously (doesn’t need you to kick-start it every few minutes)
Price and Durability
Often, quality and price go hand in hand. Given that the difference between cheap and affordable is thin, it’s essential to be careful with your selection. Otherwise, you might buy a low-quality rocking chair to your detriment.
Most durable Amish rocking chairs are affordable. Also, the company offers you a range of excellent rocking chairs. So, it’s easy to find a rocker that’s within your budget range.
Given that the Amish rocking chairs are made from hardwood, they often last long. In addition, hardwood rocking chairs are better than those made from other materials because:
- They have a stately appearance.
- They’re unique.
- They’re low maintenance pieces
- They’re naturally beautiful.
- They’re resilient and durable (don’t scratch nor bend easily).
The Available Buying Options
Finding a rocking chair in a traditional store is pretty challenging. In fact, some brick & mortar furniture stores consider rockers as pieces of décor. In other shops, you’ll find rocking chairs in the recliner or swivel glider section, and in most cases, they’re just a few pieces and are often pricey.
To make the buying process easier, consider buying online. It’s an enhanced purchase option that saves you time. Also, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore different types of rocking chairs plus their respective prices.
While searching online, it’s essential to be cautious. Make sure to buy from renowned brands. Recall, american-made Amish rocking chairs are available on Amazon.
It’s also critical to confirm if you’ll have to assemble the piece or you’ll want it built before shipping. Nonetheless, most Amish rocking chairs are easy to put together.
Lastly, before checkout consider the lead time. Often, you’ll wait for 12-18 weeks for your Amish rocking chair to reach you. The long turnaround time is mainly because of periodic timber shortages. In addition, the pandemic has slowed down some processes since a significant number of people are working from home. Therefore, it’s vital to place your order as early as possible.
Best Amish Rocking Chairs Reviews
Below is a detailed review of three of the best Amish rocking chairs. Besides, they’re available on Amazon for a more convenient buying process.
The Best Amish Rocking Chair for Children: Amish Weaver Craft Child’s Rocking Chair
Star Rating – 4.7/5
Comfort 5/5
Build Quality 5/5
Ease of Use 5/5
Pricing 4/5
Although there are many Amish kids’ rocking chairs, the Weaver craft child’s rocking chair is worth your attention. It’s made from durable cherry and oak wood and has a fine finish that’ll easily complement your interior decor.
Therefore, it will be an excellent addition to your space, and also your child will safely rock as they read their favorite storybook. That means lesser T.V. time and bringing up well-balanced, healthy children.
Since the rocker is available on Amazon, you’re assured of buying a genuine piece of furniture. Additionally, all you need is to log in, complete the simple buying process, and wait for delivery.
Most Amish rocking chairs, and especially adult rockers, will require you to assemble them. However, the Weaver craft child’s rocking chair is usually assembled before shipping. So, it’s ready for use on arrival.
Stand-out Features
- Super comfortable seat, backrest, and armrest.
- Low weight.
- Excellent style.
- Extra-long runners to prevent tipping over.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Beautiful design
- Premium multiple-finish
- No assembling is necessary
- Sturdy
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cushion.
Product Changes, Updates, or Alternatives
There are no recent changes or updates made on the Amish Weaver craft child’s rocking chair. However, the company also makes other childcare pieces. For instance, the Amish children kids’ rocking chair can be an excellent alternative.
The Best Amish rocking Chair for Outdoor Use: Amish Heavy Duty 800 lb Roll Back Double Rocker
Star Rating – 4.7/5
Comfort: 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Pricing: 4/5
Often, expert woodworkers consider elements when designing outdoor rocking chairs. They ensure the piece is sturdy to withstand harsh weather. A good example is the Amish heavy duty 800 lb roll back double rocker—one of the best wood rocking chairs by the Amish.
The chair is a perfect piece of craftsmanship. Besides, the hardwood is kiln-dried and pressure treated. The chair also features thick slats attached with screws, while a fine finish offers long-lasting U.V. protection. So, no recoating work will be required. Such a carefully designed rocker is sturdy and durable, making it ideal for condos, patios, resorts, and other outdoor spaces.
This rocker can accommodate two people and a maximum capacity of 800 pounds, making it a perfect loveseat. In addition, its roll-back design means a super comfortable rocking experience.
Stand-out Features
- Roll-back design for maximum comfort.
- Accommodates two people
- Resistant to U.V. rays
- Excellent style
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- High-quality finish
- Commercial construction
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cushion.
- Has a short back.
Product Changes, Updates, or Alternatives
There are no recent changes or updates made on the Amish heavy duty 800 lb roll back double rocker. If you’re shopping for something different, you can check out the Amish heavy duty 600 lb.
The Best Rustic Amish Rocking Chair: Amish Bentwood 7-Slat Hickory Rocking Chair
Star Rating – 4.7/5
Comfort: 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Pricing: 4/5
Closing our list of the best Amish rocking chairs is the Bentwood 7-slat piece. It’s american-made using solid oak and hickory.
Therefore, you’ll use it for many years, and with proper care, you can pass it to the next generation. Also, this rocker features a high ladder back and well-positioned wide armrests—comfort is assured.
If you’re shopping for an indoor rocker, then this is the best option. Since there are four different colors to choose from, it’s easy to find a piece of furniture that will compliment your indoor décor. Furthermore, it’s lightweight and therefore easy to move from one room to the other.
When it comes to pricing, the Amish bentwood 7-slat rocking chair is affordable. The starting price is $279, and it’s available on Amazon. So, you’re sure you’ll be buying a genuine product.
You may request a pre-assembled rocking chair. However, you’ll have to pay more. Otherwise, you’ll have to assemble it upon receipt, but the procedure is pretty straightforward.
Stand-out Features
- A high back for maximum support and comfort
- Wide seat to accommodate heavy people
- Coated with protective polyurethane finish
- Wide armrests
- Beautiful style
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- High-quality finish
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Pre-assembling services available on request
Cons
- Can’t support over 250 pounds
Product Changes, Updates, or Alternatives
There are no recent changes or updates made on the Amish 7-slat hickory rocking chair. If you’re looking for a different rocking chair, you can check out the Amish Bentwood Hickory Glider Rocker.
The Amish Rocking Chair Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Amish Rocking Chair For You
As earlier indicated, the Amish is home to different rocking chairs. Choosing an ideal piece can be tricky. Following are more factors to help you identify the best Amish rocker:
Space to Rock
Some Amish rocking chairs like the heavy duty 800 lb roll back double rocker are big. If you’re dealing with space limitations, you may want to consider a different outdoor rocking chair. So, it’s essential to check the chair’s dimensions to avoid frustrations after purchase.
Your Décor Matters
Whether it’s for outdoor or indoor use, it’s necessary to match your décor. For example: what’s the dominant color in your space? What about the design of your room? Taking time to select an ideal piece of furniture saves you from buying odd-looking rockers. If you can’t find something good enough, you can request a customized chair.
Research to Know Your Options
Remember, there are many rockers available for you. So, an in-depth analysis is essential. As you go through each of the Amish rocking chairs, note their differences—style, color, and materials used. It helps you to choose the best of the best rocking chairs.
Accessories
It’s easy to transform your space by adding exquisite accessories. For rocking chairs, you can consider adding pillows, cushions, side tables, or footrests. Aside from aesthetics, accessories like cushions give you more comfort. A side table will be for convenience and aesthetics reasons too. Nonetheless, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket.
Availability of an Amish Outlet
If you prefer buying from a brick-and-mortar shop, you’ll want to find an Amish shop near you. Otherwise, the buying process will be challenging since you’ll be compelled to travel long distances. It also means additional costs from gas refills. Therefore, it’s best to buy online.
Cost of the Amish Rocking Chair
Often, Amish items are handmade and built from high-quality hardwood. The finishing is also top-notch. However, you’ll find some pieces costing more than others. Here’s why:
- Wood type: Amish furniture is made of different kinds of hardwood. Some trees aren’t readily available. Also, hardwood characteristics vary, affecting the quality of the final product. Walnut, for example, isn’t as available as oak. A limited supply means a higher price. So, it’s normal for walnut-made pieces to be pricier.
- Size of the rocker: An enormous rocking chair requires more wood. Conversely, smaller items consume a lesser amount of timber. So, expect to pay more if you’re shopping for a big piece of furniture.
- Customizations: To reiterate, you can order a customized Amish rocking chair anytime. However, you’ll pay for the additional work. Consider this if you’re looking forward to having customized pieces in your space.
Alternative Suggestions
Amish rocking chairs are convenient, comfortable, and sought after for their quality. You have to be willing to explore multiple options to get a char that truly works for your specific needs. You can check out the following seats as an alternative to the Amish rocking chairs:
B&Z KD-22W wooden rocking chair
The B&Z KD-22W wooden rocker is for anyone looking for a slatted rocker. Its white color radiates elegance. Although it’s meant for indoor use, this chair is sturdy, thanks to tight-fitting joints. Unlike other wooden rocking chairs, this chair doesn’t have any plastic or wicker parts. It’s made of solid wood, and with proper maintenance, it’ll last longer.
The detailed, carefully curved old-style frame features leg supports, a high back, headrest, and a slatted seat. The armrests are also well-positioned for the comfiest rocking hours. Lastly, a pre-tested high-quality lead-free finish is used to ensure the item is safe to use. Also, the premium finish helps to have a beautiful piece of outdoor furniture.
Jack-Post KN-10W classic child’s porch rocker
Ideal for children above one year, this Jack-Post design is made from Indonesian hardwood. So, it’ll serve you well. In fact, it can last for several generations as long as it’s properly maintained.
lso, thoroughly sanding the surfaces rids the chair of scratches. The manufacturer then uses high-quality child-safe paint for a refined finish. As a result, cleaning the piece of furniture is pretty straightforward.
However, this rocker is for indoor use only. If you’d like to use it outside, make sure to place it away from direct sun and elements. For instance, you can put it on the porch.
Lastly, the piece is lightweight (5.45 Pounds). So, it’s a great choice if you’re a busy stay-at-home parent. It’s easy to move it around and have your child relax as you go about your daily routine.
Rustic wood porch double rocker with armrest paper storage bag
For your outdoor needs, here’s a unique rocker you can consider. You can place it in the garden, balcony, or patio and enjoy comfort delivered by its ergonomic design. Further, the 100 percent wood construction is resistant to elements. So, the possibility of decay is pretty minimal.
If you love reading, this piece of furniture is fitted with a paper storage bag—read and rock! In addition, quality finishing materials are used. So, your skin is safe. The ergonomically designed rockers prevent excessive shaking. Therefore, there’s no chance of toppling over. Lastly, this rocker is sturdy and can support up to 40.4 pounds
