Outdoor gliders are a wonderful way to unwind, relax, and take in the sounds and smell of your surroundings. A cross between a couch and a swing, they are very comfortable and come in a variety of attractive styles and designs; if you have a porch or patio with little space, gliders are a great alternative over swings or other seating options that require stands or frames. Gliders are also very convenient because they offer you a soothing, swing-like movement but are able to be moved around as well. Whether you want to sit in the shade or the sun, you can move your glider around to whatever spot you like. Gliders are available in wood, resin, wicker, recycled plastic, and metal.

A metal glider can be made of steel, wrought iron, or tubular and cast aluminum. Some come with seat and back cushions, while for other models you must purchase the cushions separately; whichever model you choose, cushions will make your porch or patio metal glider feel just as good as your sofa. While these are less classic looking than wooden gliders, metal gliders often last longer. Furthermore, different rust-resistant finishes can be applied to metal gliders to help them withstand the elements; these finishes and powder coasts can come in a variety of colors, adding to the beauty and style of your metal glider.

Modern metal gliders come in a variety of patterns, from simple to ornate designs. Cushions for an outdoor metal glider also come in a variety of styles and fabrics; just make sure that the cushions you choose are made with weather and UV resistant materials. With the wide variety of styles and patterns available, you are sure to find something to match your tastes and existing décor.

While new metal gliders are quite popular nowadays, there is a huge trend that has surfaced within the last few years: more and more people are searching for a retro or vintage metal glider. Most likely drawn to the past out of nostalgic feelings, both for personal memories and for a more laid back time period, a growing number of homeowners are opting to purchase metal gliders that remind them of the mid-20th century American lifestyle.

Celebrities have even caught the bug. Many dealers, especially antiques dealers, are seeing a huge increase in business; some of the most requested items are vintage metal gliders. You can also find several eBay and craigslist adds for vintage porch gliders. There are many homeowners who also like placing a retro metal glider inside the house, in a sunroom or living room and so metal gliders are no longer limited to porches.

Porch gliders were originally made of aluminum, wrought iron or steel and were seen as incredibly more modern than the traditional wood rockers they replaced; they often possessed lattice patterns or other designs stamped or punched into the back and/or seat. Wherever metal gliders were born, they had become a staple in the Southern states; they provide relief from the heat and tranquility for the soul. Metal gliders, and porch gliders in general, however, saw a decrease in interest when television and air-conditioning persuaded people to set up permanent camp in their living rooms; houses were also built without front porches, and so there was no place to put gliders.

Current trends have changed, however. Houses are being built with larger front porches and there is a huge increase in interest for gardening and outdoor living spaces. And since the metal porch glider is symbolic of a period of American history where relaxation and getting to know your neighbors was an integral part of society, people are quick to add this piece of Americana to their outdoor décor.

Furniture experts have claimed that there are essentially two types of people when it comes to porch gliders. The “uptown” group that buy white wicker rockers, swings, and loveseats, and the “downtown” crowd that crave the retro metal gliders. This latter group goes in search of the used metal glider, sands it down and ends up creating a classic porch green metal glider or using ‘50s pastels to paint it some other color.

You can still find typical metal porch gliders from the ‘50s for $25 if you scour flea markets and yard sales, while collectors pay 10 times that or more for pieces designed with Art-Deco inspirations from the ‘30s and ‘40s. People who don’t have the time to scour flea markets or the money to restore a vintage metal porch glider or buy an antique glider from a collector, can turn to outdoor furniture companies that are reviving the old glider designs.