What better way to while away the day than relaxing on a metal porch glider? For years, metal porch gliders have been a symbol of the kicked-back country life, a place to slow down and reflect on the day. Usually offered in the traditional loveseat style, you can find single-seat gliders and sofa gliders to fit a small family. There are gliders to suit every style: contemporary, traditional or modern.

Gliders are a flexible seating option, offering a seat with movement for smaller porches. You can arrange metal patio gliders with other furniture to make an outdoor room, unlike traditional swings that rely on an overhead porch or frame for support. When compared to wood gliders, metal gliders may last longer especially when exposed to the elements.

If you're considering new seating products for your customers or offering clients a comfortable resting spot outdoors, there are a few important points about outdoor metal gliders. Basics include the following.

1. Give customers a choice of styles to suit different tastes.

2. Recognize that metal gliders may cost more than wooden versions.

3. Offer a soft seat to customers. Many metal gliders will require cushions for comfort, often an additional cost.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sell your customers on the benefits of metal gliders

Some of the benefits of metal gliders include the ease of maintenance and long-lasting design. You can easily wipe down outdoor metal gliders after the rain, unlike wood or wicker versions; however, metal gliders have a tendency to get hot in the sun and should be kept in cool places.

I recommend: Patio View discusses benefits of gliders, comparing metal gliders to other types. Porch Swings discusses the evolution of the porch swing the glider.

Give your customers variety among metal gliders

Outdoor metal gliders have been around for years, but new styles and manufacturing techniques such as powdercoating and rust-resistant finishes make a metal outdoor glider a more attractive seating option. Offering a few types of metal glider patio furniture to your customers will satisfy all tastes.

I recommend: The Wingate Sling Aluminum Outdoor Glider by Woodard offers traditional style with comfortable mesh seating. Meadowcraft offers a soft seating option for the whole family.

Offer customers retro style with vintage metal patio gliders

The demand for the retro style of metal outdoor glider has returned, and customers are scouring the Internet and yard sales to find a vintage patio metal glider with the familiar pastel colors of the past. You can find companies manufacturing reproductions of the 1930s-50s style, and companies that are sprucing up the old and giving them new life.

I recommend: You can find authentic refurbished metal gliders at Vintage Glider, or a reproduction two-seater metal glider from Stacks and Stacks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can easily spruce up a found antique metal glider by removing rust and peeling paint with a wire brush and spray-painting the furniture. (Be careful of inhaling particles, however, as the metal glider may have original lead paint.)

Offering your customers metal glider patio furniture is a beautiful way to add elegance to your lobby, lounge, elder care facility, arboretum, camp ground, or pool or cabana area. Outdoor aluminum gliders are the most durable and most common material for patio furniture which adds that classiness you see in fancy hotels and pool sides. Although a costly investment, metal porch gliders invoke a romantic feel where patrons can relax and reduce stress, unwind, rock back and forth in a smooth glide, and enjoy the outdoor air. Rekindle that childhood spirit with a patio glider.

Unlike full patio swing sets, metal outdoor gliders don’t require overhead support yet they provide the same relaxing swing motion. Outdoor metal bench gliders can be moved and rearranged to any location to serve your customer’s needs and the needs of your changing designs or events.

There are a few things to note when considering a metal outdoor glider, such as:

1. Outdoor aluminum gliders are both stylish and durable. For an individual taste, choose a patio metal glider with fashionable, comfortable cushions, sling fabric, or woven seats.
2. Aluminum gliders are durable and won’t rust, chip, or tarnish. Cushions won’t fade, mold, or mildew.
3. Choose double patio gliders, or love seats, for that romantic touch.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the different metals and finishes of outdoor metal gliders

An aluminum outdoor glider is constructed of commercial grade aluminum to produce an all-welded cast aluminum glider. This construction creates a sturdy, durable frame. In addition to aluminum, metal gliders can be made of heavy gauge steel or wrought iron, and use rust-free stainless steel hardware. Over the aluminum, a rust-resistant polyester powder coat is added to ensure full coverage and add longevity to the outdoor furniture. Metal gliders are finished with a variety of either smooth or textured finish colors, such as parchment, mocha, obsidian, shell, or aged bronze.

I recommend: Top Grill Patio Furniture and Teak Wicker and More offer aluminum outdoor gliders.

Customize your metal porch gliders with different styles and fabrics to reflect your business

In addition to metal frames, outdoor aluminum gliders come in a variety of styles. The style and color of gliders you choose, reflects your business, whether you are going for an elegant, sophisticated look, a contemporary feel, or a rustic country camping environment. You can select various styles of arms and backs for outdoor gliders. Pick from armless or scrolled, rolled, or open arms. For backs, select from cushioned, strapped, woven, or solid. There is also an extensive variety of spun polyester cushions to choose from, or select underneath strap seats for your patio gliders.

I recommend: Learn how to select and buy outdoor metal gliders at Direct Patio Furniture. Home Garden and Patio provides aluminum glider love seats in numerous choices of colors and cushions. My Patio Place offers a variety of metal glider sets.

Learn proper cleaning techniques for your patio gliders

Metal patio gliders must be kept properly maintained for them to look their best. Metal gliders, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and wrought iron, that are rust-resistant or rust-free, can be cleaned with water and mild soap. But for metal gliders that are not rust-resistant, use paste wax to protect against corrosion or rusting. When the finish of an outdoor aluminum glider gets cloudy or the color is fading, use a spray-on protectant regularly to restore bright colors and maintain the luxurious finish of your outdoor furniture.

I recommend: For businesses near salt water, FeronGard helps remove oxidation buildup, prevents erosion and cracking, and adds luster. Learn about proper care of metal outdoor gliders in Patio Furniture Late Summer Care from Go Patio.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Outdoor aluminum gliders can be matched with end tables, coffee table, a deep seating sofa, three-piece chat group, metal glider ottoman, and throw pillows for an endless variety of décor.
• •  For that retro look, consider patio metal gliders with a 1950s style clamshell back, pastel colors, and striped awning.
• •  Customize your metal porch glider. Sellers are eager to work with you to choose the frame, finish, and fabric for a glider that's right for you.

Whether you host employee gatherings or client meet and greets outdoors, patio gliders are a cost effective way to make your guests feel comfortable. The price you pay for patio gliders depends upon the craftsmanship, style, cushioning and number of seats.

Setting your budget before picking out the furniture is necessary. Consider the following outdoor metal gliders pricing and cost guidelines when you are preparing your budget for outdoor furnishings:

1. Keep things simple by purchasing single seat metal outdoor gliders.

2. Encourage your employees and guests to mingle by purchasing multi-seat patio gliders.

3. Create a focal point for your event by using vintage outdoor metal gliders.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the cost of single outdoor metal gliders

Single metal outdoor gliders are a way to give you and your guests individual space during an outdoor function or meeting. The price you pay for these gliders depends largely upon the quality of the glider, as well as if the glider is cushioned or not.

I recommend: A.M.B Furniture & Design sells single seat metal patio gliders. You can expect to pay anywhere from under $150 to $200. You can find outdoor metal gliders for sale at Home Garden and Patio. Prices start at around $350 per patio metal glider.

Purchase multi-seat patio gliders

Multi-seat patio gliders are a cost efficient way to provide seating for large groups at your gathering or meeting. Just as with single gliders, the price you pay depends on the glider mechanism and whether or not there are cushions on the glider.

I recommend: You can find multi-seat patio gliders at PorchSwings.com. Prices start at under $200 per glider. Mercantila also sells a varied selection of porch gliders, including multi-seat outdoor bench glider models. You can expect to pay at least $150 for your outdoor glider.

Determine if vintage outdoor metal gliders are a good option for your business

Vintage metal outdoor gliders are generally more expensive than new gliders. These gliders are a good addition to companies, such as historical societies, that want to showcase the look of a specific era. When purchasing these, find a seller that offers a warranty on the glider. If you restore it yourself, buy a glider with a warranty.

I recommend: Mule Wagon sells refinished or restored vintage metal outdoor gliders. You can expect to pay at least $150 per glider from this store. Vintage Glider offers top quality vintage gliders. Prices vary but you can expect to pay at least $1,200 per metal glider with shipping included in the price.