Best Patio Glider
Outdoor glider benches can be ever so relaxing. The gentle rocking motion they produce, coupled with seating for two, makes this an ideal choice for couples, families with kids, and retirees looking for quiet peace in the garden. After looking at several different patio gliders on the market, our top pick is the Lifetime 60055 faux wood 4′ patio glider [Amazon Link]. This outdoor patio glider bench is made from a steel frame, with polyethylene faux wood slats, making it a great all weather. This material is super weather resistant and can handle pretty much any environmental condition with ease. The Lifetime 60055 chairs are super low maintenance, stylish, and comfortable. And even better, they’re covered under a 2-year warranty. These are the best patio gliders available.
- Powder coated steel frame
- Synthetic all-weather wood slats
- Smooth gliding motion
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a complete review of the Lifetime 60055 outdoor glider chair, see below.
Runner Up: Best Wood Patio Gliders
For those who love the look and feel of real wood in their outdoor furniture, the Jack Post CG-12Z 4′ glider bench [Amazon Link] is a great choice. Made of hardwood sourced from fruit trees, coupled with a steel frame, this super comfortable glider bench looks beautiful and is really well built. Jack Post recommends that this chair is kept under a porch or other shade, as the finish will wear with sun exposure. Those who want real wood will need to deal with maintenance, so be prepared! Fortunately, the maintenance isn’t too difficult, and the chairs really are lovely.
For a complete review of this patio glider bench, see below.
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Patio Gliders Reviewed
In this section, we look closely at five different options we have selected for review. These come in a variety of materials and sizes, and we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each, before rendering our verdict on the best choices.
Lifetime 60055 Glider Bench, 4 Feet, Faux Wood
Quiet afternoons spent sitting outside, relaxing on the Lifetime glider bench are sure to be magical. The Lifetime 60055 PVC Glider Bench is a fairly simple looking glider bench, with a powder-coated steel frame (antique bronze finish) and seat made of UV-protected polystyrene, a faux wood material that looks and feels very much like wood, but does not need to be painted or maintained, and will not rot, chip, splinter, or fade, even in an outdoor environment.
Key Points at a Glance
- Frame made of steel
- Seats 2
- Faux Wood PVC slats in a medium cedar brown tone
- Gliding functionality 6″ total, approximately
- Two-year warranty
Dimensions
- Overall Dimensions: 49.5″ L x 28.25 ” W x 32.25″ H
- Minimum required width for glide: 34.5″
- Seat Width: 44″
- Seat Height: 15.5″
- Weight: 97.4lbs
- Weight Capacity: 450lbs
The Details
The Lifetime 60055 glider bench is quite attractive, and rather comfortable as well. The bench glides back and forth about 3″ each way, for a total of about 6″ of movement. The seat is comfortable, and for most people, no cushion is needed.
This bench is capable of withstanding harsh weather due to the use of polystyrene faux wood instead of real wood. This material is very similar to Trex decking and is quite robust. The only unfortunate choice with this bench is that the hardware included (screws and bolts) are not all weather or marine grade, so they may rust or fail over time and may need to be replaced eventually.
The color of the slats is a medium cedar tone, and it matches the Lifetime Adirondack chair [Amazon Link] (one of our favorite CPVC Adirondack chairs). One of the nice aspects of this material is that it doesn’t get particularly hot, even when placed in the sun.
The Lifetime Faux Wood Patio Glider Bench comes in a flat pack box and needs to be assembled. Assembly of the Lifetime bench is not particularly difficult, but having a power drill will make life much easier.
Also, when attaching all of the slats to the bench, it’s best to attach them and only half-tighten the bolts, then go back and do a second round and tighten everything up fully.
This way, you can be sure everything lines up correctly, and there’s no fighting to get the bolts where they need to go.
The Bottom Line: the Best Garden Glider Bench
The Lifetime 60055 4′ patio garden glider is an outstanding choice for many and is probably the first place to focus on when shopping for an outdoor bench. The design is pretty simple, the glide functionality is great, the bench is sturdy, the materials choice means an all-weather bench (except the hardware), and the inclusion of a two-year warranty is a super helpful extra.
Overall, the Lifetime 60055 patio bench is an outstanding buy, and is, in our opinion, the best patio glider bench available.
- Powder coated steel frame
- Synthetic all-weather wood slats
- Smooth gliding motion
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jack Post CG-12Z Country Garden Double Glider with Trays, Bronze
The Jack Post GC12Z is a simple, old-timey glider bench with a real wood frame, made from hardwood derived from fruit trees. It includes two side trays for drinks (that do not move) and is a really attractive option for those who are putting their glider bench under some sort of shade.
If this bench is left out in the sun, it will need to be re-sealed every year, or perhaps more frequently depending on exposure.
Key Points at a Glance
- Made of wood, with a powder coated steel frame
- Seats 2
- Recommended for use under a porch, awning, or other protective roof
- Wood made from hardwood fruit trees
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 71″ L X 30″ W X 37″ H
- Seat Height: 18″
- Seat Depth: 18″
- Seat Width: 44″
- Minimum required width for glide: 40″
- Weight: 47lbs
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
The Details
The Jack Post wooden glider bench is fairly attractive to look at, and while not modern, it has a charming aesthetic accentuated by the natural hardwood slats. The site tables really are quite useful, and they stay stationary, even when the bench is in motion.
The gliding motion is quite comfortable, smooth, and quiet, and is a nice feature for the bench.
The build quality on this bench is quite impressive, and while it is recommended that it be left under a roof of some sort, this bench is capable of being left out in most weather without being harmed. Re-seal the wood every year or so, or as you see the finish fading, with some high-quality Linseed oil (or whatever other treatment you like), and it will last for years.
You should consider covering it when the harsh weather comes, as snow will certainly beat up the bench over time.
Assembly is not terribly difficult, but it does take some time. It could take 1-3 hours for two people to get this bench completed, so be prepared, and be sure to have a power drill handy. As always with these benches, it’s easiest to get the screws “started” all the way around, and then go back around and do a second round to tighten everything up fully.
This way, you can be sure that the holes will all line up.
Also, it will help to get a bunch of bowls and put each of the different screw sizes in a bowl, so that they are easy to identify during assembly.
The Bottom Line: A Nice Wooden Glider Bench
It’s hard to argue with real wood outdoor furniture, and the Jack Post GC-12Z outdoor glider bench is a great choice for those who love the look and feel of wood, and who are willing to put up with the maintenance.
If you keep this bench under a shade, you won’t need to do much to it, but if it’s exposed to a significant amount of sun, be prepared to regularly re-seal it, and keep it covered when not in use.
As long as you take these steps, this bench will be an attractive, comfortable, and classic addition to your porch, patio, or garden.
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Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lifetime 2871 Indoor/Outdoor Glider Bench, 4 Feet, Putty
The Lifetime 2871 indoor/outdoor glider bench has a strongly plastic mid-century look that would be a lot more interesting to look at if it was finished in a bright color. This bench is pretty indestructible, but compared to Lifetime’s other glider bench option (the 60055 above), this one is a significant step down in aesthetics.
Key Points at a Glance
- Powder coated steel frame
- Seats 2
- Glides quietly and comfortably on ball bearings
- All weather polyethylene seat and backing
- Two-year warranty
Dimensions
- Overall Dimensions: 48″ L x 28″ W x 27.5″ H
- Minimum required width for glide: 34.5″
- Seat Width: 44″
- Seat Depth: 16.75″
- Seat Height: 17″
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Weight: 51lbs
The Details
The Lifetime 2871 bench is made of the same materials as the Life 60055 bench covered above, but it’s hard to get excited over this bench, primarily due to the aesthetics. The back and seat have a very plastic look, and while they are made of plastic, it is simply much more obvious that plastic is present here than it is on some of the other faux wood PVC benches and chairs available.
The shape is somewhat mid-century in design, but the color is rather drab. Certainly, a couple of bright, cheerful outdoor pillows could really elevate this design.
This bench is fairly comfortable, and most people will enjoy sitting on it without a cushion. It is made with all-weather materials and can be left out in virtually any weather without damage. A furniture cover still is a wise purchase, though, even to just keep dirt, dust, and pollen off this unit.
And the fasteners are not marine grade, so they may deteriorate over time.
Assembly of the Lifetime 2871 outdoor glider bench is pretty simple and can be done in under an hour, assuming two people are present, and assuming you have access to a power drill.
The Bottom Line
The Lifetime 2871 glider is made just as well as the Lifetime 60055 glider we looked at above, but the aesthetics are a significant step down in our eyes. The gray tone and the curves on the bench do not help the overall look, and most buyers will be able to find a nicer looking bench with similar quality, on this list, for the same price or better.
That said, if you like the look, this really is a high quality, comfortable patio glider bench.
- Steel Frame with All-Weather Finish
- Ball Bearings for Smooth and Quiet Glide
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Seat and Back
- Will Not Crack, Chip, Rust, or Peel
- Stain Resistant and Easy to Clean
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kilmer Creek 4′ Cedar Porch Glider W/stained Finish, Amish Crafted
Nothing says relaxing in the sun like the Amish! Well, they are certainly skilled at making outdoor wooden furniture, and the Kilmer Creek porch glider is no exception. The Kilmer Creek 4′ cedar porch glider is has a simple, all wood design that is very appealing. The frame and bench slats are all made of cedar, for a high quality build out!
Key Points at a Glance
- 4′ long bench width, seats 2
- Frame and bench made of Western cedar
- Relaxing glide functionality
- Amish-made in the USA
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 50″ W x 27″ L x 34.5″ H7″
- Seat Depth: 18″
- Seat Height: 16.5″
- Seat Width: 46″
- Weight Capacity: 550lbs
- Weight: 42lbs
The Details
The Kilmer Creek 4′ long western cedar glider bench glides back and forth quite nicely, about 5″ in each direction, give or take. The all wood construction results in a very attractive piece, and other than the two small indentations in the back support, has reasonably modern lines as well.
The wood is dipped in a UV protectant stain, and it is ok to keep this bench outside, exposed to the rain. Still, a patio furniture cover is strongly suggested and will help keep the bench looking as good as possible, for as long as possible.
As with pretty much all outdoor wood, you will need to treat this with a sealer every year or so, depending on the amount of exposure to the elements. A linseed oil sealer is a good choice, but there are many options, depending on the look you’re going for.
The bench is pretty comfortable, and for most people, no cushion will be needed. It does slope a little bit from the front to the back, which helps people sit sturdily while the bench is in motion.
Assembly is required, but the major sections of the bench come pre-built. You don’t need to put every piece of wood together, you’re just attaching the major sections together and making the glide function work.
The Bottom Line: A Beautiful Porch Glider Bench
It’s hard to beat the look of real wood, and the western cedar chosen by Kilmer Creek for this outdoor glider bench is very nice. If you love the look of real wood and don’t mind the maintenance associated with it, this glider bench is an outstanding choice.
With very little metal, there’s little chance of rust, and the wood on this bench should be capable of being out in the wild for years to come.
If you’re placing it in a lawn, you may want to put patio blocks under the feet to create a separation between the wooden legs and the ground, but otherwise, you should be good to go.
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Outsunny 48″ Outdoor Patio Swing Glider Bench Chair – Dark Gray
Relaxing in the garden, drinking a cup of tea on the Outsunny patio glider sounds great to us! The Outsunny 48″ patio swing glider chair is a simple dark gray glider bench, with sling fabric placed on the back and the seat, surrounded by a frame made of steel, powder coated a dark gray. It is not the most beautiful bench on our list today, but it is quite functional and is a nice offering for those who like sling fabric.
Key Points at a Glance
- Made of steel, with sling fabric for seating and support
- Curved seat design for added comfort
- Seats 2
- Mesh sling fabric is low maintenance and weather-resistant
- Quiet, relaxing gliding motion approximately 7″
Dimensions
- Overall size: 48.5″ L x 28″ W x 34 1/4″ H
- Minimum required width for glide: 34″
- Bench Seat Width: 46″
- Seat Height: 15″ to front
- Seat Depth: 18.25″
- Weight: 39lbs
- Weight Capacity: 440lbs
The Details
The Outsunny 4′ mesh patio glider is comfortable, can fit 2-3 people, and is reasonably attractive looking. Admittedly, in our eyes, the wood or faux wood gliders on our list look much more appealing. This bench is pretty comfortable to sit on, but the bar that goes across the middle of the seat makes laying down on the bench somewhat uncomfortable.
In terms of materials quality, this bench is pretty good. The metal frame will get hot if left in the sun, though the mesh will stay cool. However, when you sit on the bench, your body will touch metal in a few spots, so those spots may be toasty! A few outdoor pillows may help mitigate that issue.
The materials choice means that this bench can largely be left out in the elements, though it’s a good idea to cover it with a furniture cover when inclement weather is incoming. The fasteners are not all weather, and will probably be the first spot to fail due to rain and snow exposure.
Assembly is a bit of a bear, as the instructions are poorly done. Have a power drill handy, and ideally a friend, and within an hour or two you should have the bench assembled. You will likely be grumbling during that time, though!
The Bottom Line
The Outsunny 4′ glider bench is a reasonable choice for those who prioritize sitting comfort over all else. While it’s not a bad looking bench, most of the others on our list today are much more elegant looking and hit a similar price point.
The fact that laying down on this bench is awkward due to the cross brace on the seat, and the lack of a quality warranty makes this purchase less than ideal for many.
Unless this bench is heavily marked down, or if you really like sling fabric furniture, you may want to look at some of the other options on the list.
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Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I like a metal one that will last a long time but with a rounded feature like the Hampton Bay gliders where there is more back support and your back sits against the rounded area ….. a lot like the Jack Post wooden rounded back glider.