So you’re in the market for some new patio seating and you know you want wood and you know you want it to move. Beyond that, it’s pretty up in the air. Rocking chairs and porch swings are all right, but for the highest level of comfort, go with a glider or glider swing. The patented design of these seats makes not just for a smooth ride, but a scintillating addition to your patio set. But which do you choose?

Glider
People who own gliders swear by them. That’s because sitting on a glider is like sitting on a cloud. But not only that; it’s a cloud that gently sways back and forth. Gliders are modified rockers in that unlike a rocker which moves on a fulcrum arc via two base rockers, a glider has a fixed base unit, with a seat that moves back and forth on a hardware track. This means that all parts of the base are touching the ground at any given moment, unlike rocking chairs, which can lead to pinched fingers and toes. That also differentiates them from a glider swing, whose base oftentimes never touches the ground. Also, gliders operate with minimal movement of the legs, which themselves are constantly touching the ground.

That’s not all. Gliders are manufactured for both indoor and outdoor use. The indoor chairs are usually upholstered, often with plush materials like micro-suede. Outdoor gliders can be just as comfortable and attractive though, carved out of beautifully finished woods like cedar and teak. There are also reclining gliders available, and also those with matching ottomans. Often, the ottomans themselves contain a gliding mechanism so your legs can move in sync with the rest of your body.

Glider Swing
The glider swing is more of a vague term that can apply to a few different pieces of outdoor furniture. First, there is the glider swing which basically resembles a cross between a regular outdoor glider and a bench. This type of glider swing is freestanding and works in the same way as a normal glider, only with room for two to the three people instead of one.

The second type of glider swing is more complex, featuring two separate two-seater gliders that face one another. Often with an accompanying canopy top, these gliders operate on the same track system, but rather than face outward, you’re seated sideways facing the other bench. In this way, this glider swing is good for social occasions, as it seats more people and in a comfortable, intimate setting.

The final type of glider swing is the most like a swing, but the least like a glider. That’s because it resembles the second variation in appearance, but not functionality. While featuring the same canopy top and double seaters that face one another, these gliders are actually swings, upon which riders face one another and swing back and forth on connecting wooden beam that runs from the seats to an overhead framework. Choosing which type of glider swing is the right for you depends a little on space and budget, but mostly it’s a matter of personal taste.

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Glider Swing and Porch Swings.

[tags]gliders, rockers, swings[/tags]