Front Porch Rocker

I've had this bentwood rocker for decades. It stayed outside all year long on our covered front portal, but dust and wind and dry air took a toll.
 

In our old house it was on an enclosed porch. I loved the look of it, and I did sit out there often, but it wasn't particularly comfortable to sit in and it rocked unevenly on the brick floor.

Here in its new home, we occasionally sat on it for a rest when doing anything outside in the front yard, but it's still not comfortable and the front of our house is not a place you'd linger. It's close to the street and faces nothing to look at.

Wood furniture and cushions are not a great solution for outdoor seating in this climate. The cushion gets really dusty -- this corner has a wind pattern that brings a lot of dust around to the front -- and when it rains it gets wet. It is sun faded. 

And any kind of wood deteriorates rapidly outside. The delicate bentwood of this rocker is starting to dessicate and pull apart.

So . . .  it finally had to go. A new metal blue bench replaces it. 

This is a better solution, and it's just as practical for the occasional rest as the rocker was, but still not a place to relax for long. 

It's decorative; just enough to fill the empty wall of the front of the house. Best of all, it's metal, with no dust attracting cushions and it's easily washed off with the hose. I like the soft blue verging on turquoise.

The simple bench is a cleaner, less rustic look for the front of our house, but I think I'll miss the old rocker. There's just something welcoming about a front porch rocking chair, even if it was rarely used.