A double rocking chair is a great choice for a backyard patio or front porch, and such a chair can come in a wide variety of sizes and designs. Choosing the best double rocking chair is a matter of first deciding how much space you have to spare for the chair itself: a front porch, for example, may be quite large and accommodate a larger chair, but smaller porches or patios may require a smaller chair. Once you have determined how large of a double rocking chair your space will accommodate, choose the style and features you would like to see and use regularly.
Some double rocking chair designs mimic the traditional rocker design. This means the chair will use two or more feet known as rockers that are made from curved pieces of wood. These pieces of wood allow the rocking motion. Other designs are glider chairs, which feature a stable platform to which the chair itself is attached by rocker arms. This design is best for tighter spaces, since it features no rockers that will take up a significant amount of space. Choose the design that fits best in your space, as well as the design you are looking for in an aesthetics sense.
Be sure to carefully consider the materials available for construction of a double rocking chair. Wood and metal are the two most common choices for rocking chair construction, and some woods and metals are better than others. For outdoor use, choose materials that are somehow protected from water damage. Cedar and teak wood are great choices for a wooden double rocking chair, though they tend to be more expensive than other types of wood. These woods are naturally beautiful and also naturally resistant to water damage such as mold, mildew, and warping. Metals such as steel should be galvanized if possible, and iron should be coated with waterproof paint or other coatings.
Extra features will also have an impact on your choice of double rocking chair. Some designs, such as an Adirondack rocking chair, will feature a reclined position, aesthetic appeal, and wide arm rests for comfort. A bentwood chair will feature elaborately curved woods that make for a highly decorative chair. Other, simpler gliders may feature small tables on the ends for drinks, or even a small table in between the two seats of the double rocker. Carefully consider who will be using the rocker most often and for how long to make the best design decisions.