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Cracker Barrel Rockers - Stay Away!

3/10/2010

106 Comments

 
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Everyone knows about Cracker Barrel and their homestyle food and "country store" concept.  Who wouldn't be charmed by these warm refuges from the interstate highway, and especially by the welcoming front porch lined with rocking chairs?  Cracker Barrel sells a huge number of rocking chairs - they may be the largest retailer of rocking chairs in the United States!    A lot of people fall in love with a Cracker Barrel rocking chair and buy one then and there for their own porch at home.

Trouble is, they're not very well made rocking chairs, and they're not comfortable compared with many other rockers.   Here's why: 
1. Seats are not contoured.  The woven seat of a Cracker Barrel rocking chair is totally flat.  Your butt is not.  They make them this way to save money, but if you could set two chairs next to each other and one had a contoured seat, you would never choose this chair.
2. Backs are not contoured.  Same issue.  Viewed from the top they are a straight as a board (I'm looking for some photos I took of these and will post them asap).  A rocker can either cradle you, or it can just let you sit flat on it.  Cradling is better!
3. Back posts are set at an angle but are totally straight.  I've explained this in previous posts, but this is a very common way of designing a rocker that can be sold cheaply.  The post has to be set at an angle - otherwise it won't lean back at an angle and even look like a rocker - but what separates the good from the great is a elbow-cut back post, which provides far more recline and takes the weight off your back as you sit in it.  Also, an elbow-cut back post makes for a far stronger and longer-lived chair, because the lower part of the post is straight and therefore all the forces are equalized as the chair rocks.  The way this (and most other inexpensive rockers) is made, the back post pulls away from the front every time the chair rocks, gradually weakening the chair over time.
4. The chair is not weatherproof or even weather resistant.   These chairs are sold as porch rockers, but they are made of non-weatherproof woods, and therefore begin to rot and degrade as soon as you put them on your porch.  In fact, if Cracker Barrel didn't sell so many rockers, they would rot right there on the restaurant porch.  As it is, the rockers are sold within a few days and end up rotting on the customer's porch instead.
5. The chair is lightweight.  Put a Cracker Barrel chair on your front porch and you will know when the wind starts to blow, because your rockers will blow all over the porch.  The wind causes them to rock on their own, and they "shuffle" around as the wind continues to blow.  They end up scuffing your walls and each other.
6. The chair is not strong.  Especially after a few months outdoors, they get rather brittle, especially in the joints where water soaks in and causes the wood to rot.  I have seen posts rot, seat slats break, and arms break - arms usually break at the joint with the back post, although they sometimes break at the front post.

Overall, Cracker Barrel chairs are popular because they are visible, widely available, and are very well retailed, with the ambience and romance of the front porch of the country store.  Compared with lots of quality rocking chairs, they seem to be a good deal, but considering their overall quality and comfort, I would stay away from them if you plan to sit in them or have your guests do so!

UPDATE: Wow, the popularity of this post is just epic!  Had no idea it would attract this much attention.  It seems like there are many people who agree with my constructive criticisms, and others who say they love their cracker barrel rockers.   I realize my post title was harsh, but I'll stand by my comments, because while ALL rockers are comfortable and worthy of love, there ARE (big) differences in quality and comfort when you compare one rocker to another.   Anyway, love to all!   And keep those posts coming!

106 Comments
Donna
4/19/2011 11:43:35 am

please recommend an slternative for a weather resistant and sturdy porch rocker ....

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Al Dennis
6/26/2016 11:18:47 am

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DeWitt Goodrum
4/6/2019 10:52:32 am

The lower aft backet for the seats is broken

Luke
10/28/2022 03:31:03 pm

That one called "World's Finest Rocker" is the best I know of. Way better than these - heavy, sturdy as a rock, they don't creak like these do. And the seat is way better. It's on this website somewhere but I can't find it. Anyway you can search on google

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anne
6/21/2011 05:40:36 am

I agree 100% ! I thought it was just me. We bought two white slat rockers. I called the store to let them know how unhappy I was, and was told I should buy the cushions. That would make for a very expensive rocker. For that money I should have gone to a furniture store.

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Nance
3/2/2016 07:24:31 am

I disagree..I've had my woven white Rockers for 16 years on my Farmers Porch in Northern Massachusetts. We take them in, in the winter...Love Them!! Going to buy a Double Rocker this year.

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Bambi
11/4/2016 06:16:14 am

How do I clean them, we got a child size one and it's filthy

Pam james
9/18/2017 04:28:11 pm

I bought two and a furniture store in Arkansas for our kids for Christmas. They do use the company in Tennessee that makes the Cracker Barrel rockers. The whole ordeal was a nightmare mainly because of the owner of Blackmons's furniture in El Dorado Arkansas. The kids did not get the chairs until February because the company shuts down over the holidays. I got in the white ones and had their initials engraved in the back. We are visiting them in Arkansas now and it is September and they have had nothing but problems! They are cracking very badly because they are not treated! I spent around 200.00 each on them! I'm going to contact the company tomorrow and I'm also going to take the pictures of these chairs to the furniture store here in town before we leave! My husband and I have to have the wicker back chairs and we have had them for years and have not had any problems with them but they are not painted. Theynare the wood ones.
The kid's chairs are white!

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wooden rocking chair link
6/26/2011 07:55:16 am

I wish I had read your article before I bought a rocking chair. I do love the food at Cracker Barrel and I love shopping the store, especially the candy section. They always have those favorite candies that you can't find anywhere else.

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Jerry van Hoeven
8/16/2011 10:13:49 am

Disagree. I have 12 at my home in north Carolina for over 5 years 365 days on the wrap around porch and 3 at my Florida home for over 6 years on the pool deck over looking the lake. "No issues"

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Kathy
5/15/2016 06:22:55 am

Do your rockers get moldy every year? If so what do you clean them with? Did you weatherproof them?

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J carter
5/13/2017 10:57:34 am

My oak rocking chairs from Cracker Barrel are less than a year and half old. Kept on covered porch. They stay covered in mold. I clean it comes back. Oak table on porch never has mold!

Suzanne
5/16/2017 03:23:44 pm

I need the answer to this, too.

Carol Doyle
10/1/2020 09:42:55 am

Ours are moldy. We live in Louisiana where it's very humid. We can't even get the mold off with bleach and a pressure washer!

Jo Jaosm
5/28/2020 02:37:54 am

I bought mine before Ike. they road that storm without blowing around and have been outside ever since. No issues and we are big people.

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Elaine link
6/29/2021 08:53:45 am

I thought you were referring to Ike as President Eisenhower. Lolol. Thought what more could you want from a rocking chair than 70+ yrs of use. Apparently you were not. Lololol.

Luke
10/28/2022 03:35:04 pm

I think if they're tight and strong for you you're lucky but more power to you. My neighbor had nothing but problems with Cracker Barrel rockers - they got loose fast and one of them broke less than a year later - he thought it was just cheap wood. Anyway that's why I didn't buy them. I've seen them on the restaurant porches and they look fine, but if you walk up and twist them and such they def twist around - like I say some people seem happy with them but looking at all the comments on this blog wow!! seems like a lot of unhappy customers.

G. Granlund
9/3/2011 03:01:40 am

To a point, I agree with the assessment. they are made with production in mind rather than a "handmade" quality. The seat/back connection should be at about 105 degrees rather than 90 degrees. The thing I don't like is that the seat/arm height is not ergonomic. The arms are far too low to rest you elbows on. They look good on a porch however and the seat cushions make them feel tolerable. These are more for show than actual sitting and rocking. You could not touch Cracker Barrel's price in a furniture store though.

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Mike R link
8/22/2013 10:29:56 pm

Yes. The ergonomics is completely out of the question. These are mainly meant for relaxing. But these days there are many rocking chairs that comes with custom seating angles.

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Dave
9/4/2011 03:04:38 am

I read this review while shopping for new adirondack chairs, looking for the most comfortable recommendations.

I own a Cracker Barrel rocker and it has been outdoors for 7 years now on an uncovered porch in Denver colorado in the harsh CO sun and weather and it's still going strong. I bought the natural wood finish version and although it did fade it looks like it is supposed to, weathered and outdoorsy.

I couldn't disagree more on the comfort complaints, and everyone that comes over takes this chair first so more than I disagree with you. You know how when your back is sore and you lay on the hard floor how much better it feels, I think maybe the rocking chair works the same way, it sort of straightens out your body and puts it back in alignment. To be honest its so comfortable that after sitting in it for a while you don't want to get out.

I love this chair and always will. As for construction, I actually thought ahead and reinforced it. I just turned it over and put 4 wood screws of about 2.5 inch length right through the rocking part and countersunk them to secure them to the wood legs just in case the glue wore off. Still going perfect. In fact, my dogs chewed the front spines that allow you to rock foward almost completely off, but thanks to the wood screws it's still rocking perfectly.

This is a good quality rocker and with my little wood screw addition it's amazing. Considering I paid 120 dollars for it that's a great value. People always stop on the street I'm not kiddin and ask where I got that rocker.

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Ryan
6/10/2018 04:10:41 am

Doesn't that prove the point? Anything I have to reinforce from Day 1 is not made well enough! I politely disagree.
If I have to modify it, it wasn't made properly!

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Kris Carpenter
4/25/2022 03:51:25 pm

Thanks Dave, 2 were given to me for decor. I Will use your idea of re- enforcement. Although I have no issues with mine, have had for 10 years. 😊 Thanks

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Kelley
12/1/2011 03:50:46 am

I strongly disagree! I have now purchase 3 childs rockers and our grandkids love them.

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Luke
10/28/2022 03:38:21 pm

yeah but child rockers are a totally different matter - tiny chairs that are used inside by toddlers get nowhere near the stresses of big rockers on an outdoor porch with 200# people plopping down in them and shifting around.

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Arissie
12/4/2011 02:47:10 pm

I bought 2 rockers and seat pads. I love them and everyone who sit on them enjoy the comfort. I have people tell me how much they like my chairs and ask me where did I get them. It 's really sad that people are telling others to not buy Cracker Barrels chairs.

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Eric Smith
12/7/2011 12:47:31 pm

Well, I actually agree with the blog - they're not that well made and not that comfortable in my opinion too. I mean, OK they're rockers and all rockers are comfortable, but he's right - the backs are ramrod straight and same with the seats. I don't have one but my sister in law got them for her porch and they're very creaky, because they've gotten loose.

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Kathy
10/28/2022 03:43:24 pm

Good point re "ramrod straight". I mean of course its a rocker so its gonna be at an angle when you're in it, but the really nice rockers have a bent back - it's like there's a crook, or angle in it above the armrest - - which makes the back really angle back further - and that makes a BIG difference. So sure to me every rocker is comfortable, but when you've been in an amazing rocker you're just not going to be buying cheap ones again, IMO.

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James Johnson
1/12/2012 05:26:13 am

I am not sure if the earlier complaints were taken into account and new product made, but the US Army logo rocker my wife and daughter just gave me for Christmas has a properly contoured seat that is very comfortable. The back is flat, but that works for me. As to the recommendation of adding screws through the rocker bottom to reinforce the uprights, that is a good idea and I will likely do it. The rocker will not be used outside, so finish is not an issue, although the black paint would be durable in any case. The maker, at least in this version, is Hinkle, who I thought has a good reputation. In any case, time will tell.

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Rick Tenison link
1/16/2012 05:08:15 am

I know the chairs I am about to suggest are quite pricy, however, if you want a 100% US Hand Made Rocker then check out Owen Rein. His rockers are even in the White House. I own one of the Cracker Barrel Rockers and just finished gluing it back together. My late wife had to have it and of course she got what she wanted. So my next investment in a Rocker will be here.

http://www.owenrein.com/

Enjoy!!

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K
2/11/2013 01:30:20 am

No kidding they're pricey. $1200 apiece. If they're at the White House, that's another example of our government spending at it's worst.

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jack
4/19/2013 10:49:50 pm

Wow! Owen makes some fine rockers. His work is both an art and a craft. I wouldn't leave one of them in the weather. They belong under glass. They sell for about 1200 each.

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Steve
11/10/2015 03:26:19 pm

WHERE...."in" the White House have you found a rocking chair.....
That isn't from YEARS BAC?

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carolyn
1/29/2012 01:25:26 am

the best rockers and adirondack chairs are ones that are made and sold by vermont wood products in vernon, vt. they're made out of recycled water bottles. it's called polywood. they come in different colors and are ergonomically structured. they can stay outside for the entire year through all kinds of weather. i think they are the most comfortable chairs ever made. by the way, i don't work for them. lol

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Elizabeth
2/21/2012 06:56:01 am

I just received a white Cracker Barrel Rocker for Valentines Day. I love this chair. Because of it's beauty I am now changing my whole patio decor. I thank everyone here for all the advice about these chairs. I will put 2.5" wood screws in the legs and I was thinking of Caulking the joints. The seat and back feel so good on my Arthritic back. :)

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JOAN BARTON
5/30/2017 08:38:52 pm

If you do replace the screws, spend a little more and get stainless steel screws. Mine have the little rusty stain on the rocker, so I am sure they are weakening. I do put mine in the garage in the winter, take them out in the spring, clean them good and enjoy all Summer. Cushions make them a lot better. Have had them 6 years on a screened porch in FL.

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Lynette
3/14/2012 12:01:41 pm

We had 2 single rockers, a double rocker and a child's rocker on our covered porch for 7 years and loved them. I ended up on this site looking for more. We lost our chairs and house in the Bastrop fires last September. I intend to replace them with the same chairs once our house is finished. You can't beat the price.

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Vicky
6/24/2012 01:30:01 pm

Well I just bought a Cracker Barrel rocker yesterday and the seat and back ARE contoured. It is advertised as such on their website. I bought the brown wooden one, not the woven white one. I sat on it and it was not comfy, but the wooden one is awesome! Soon as I have a new porch built, I will be out there in my new rocker.

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Donna
8/22/2012 01:51:49 am

We bought a white caned Cracker Barrel rocker about a year ago for our screened in back porch...I'm more or less pleased with it...except it molds...granted we do live in the deep south...but my other outdoor furniture isn't having the same mold problems...it's due for another spray round of TSP...will probably repaint it with an outdoor paint with a non-mold additive...anyone else have this problem?...

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fRAN
9/12/2012 03:36:29 am

Donna
I bought two rockers in June. They are white and keep molding. All of my other covered porch furniture is wood and painted white and we have had no problem with mold .

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cindy
9/23/2012 12:52:01 pm

I have four white Cracker Barrel rockers that I regularly and frequently clean with strong bleach but the mold comes back almost immediately (they never look completely clean and white although they have been thoroughly scrubbed with bleach). My other white rockers look great and are much older. I got on this site to see if anyone has a suggestion before I throw the Cracker Barrel rockers away.

peggy
9/2/2013 01:35:11 am

YES! my son bought 3 white rockers a year ago and they constantly grow mildew (the black stuff) and are a magnet for dirt. they live in southeast Louisiana and these rockers need cleaning very often. the bleach cleaner helped most but only for a few months. i am planning to contact cracker barrel.

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Terri
8/3/2017 10:03:32 am

My children pitched in and bought two white Cracker Barrel rockers for my husband and I for Christmas two years ago. They are constantly filled with black mildew. I used a magic eraser and got most off but cannot get into the cracks of seats etc. I found a cleaning solution online a few minutes ago I am going to try.

1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Mixed into 1 gallon of water.

Site said if mildew comes back nip in the bud quickly with full strength vinegar.



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Reets
8/26/2017 09:05:01 am

Did it work?

Bonnie
8/23/2012 11:08:45 am

I have to say I've had my 2 Cracker Barrel rockers for 12 years and I love Love them! I loaned one to my sister and she left it out in the weather for a couple of months, and I'm going to make sure to re seal the arms. (only cause I'm picky) They're strong, the seats are comfortable (woven). I do not know how old they are tho, as I purchased both at a second hand store - I think 2 for $100 was a great deal. When I finally do retire, one is for me on the porch, the other for a visitor :)

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David
9/10/2012 09:57:08 am

I have a Cracker Barrell Rocker( white) that is 1 1/2 years old and is going to the dump. The back fell off where the arms are attached. I called and was told that they only have a 1 year warranty. They are junk and anyone who buys one is a fool. This chair even has barnackles on it. I was directed to the company that makes these for CB, it is Hinkel Chair Co.. Spend your money with someone else if you want a decent rocker.

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Brian
10/17/2012 11:23:30 am

I disagree with the complaints! I bought my parents two chairs for Christmas 2011 and they sit on a covered porch and we love them! We are getting cushions and I'm considering buying a bench:) They are not poorly made! Just because you have found flaws does not mean others will! Try again!

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Debi
12/6/2012 09:35:52 pm

I have to tell you, I have 2 single rockers and one double one. They have all been outside for 8 years. They are in excellent construction condition and are just now begining to show need for painting. They are extremely sturdy and I dont find them uncomfortable at all...without the pads.

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Jeannine
12/12/2012 07:05:01 pm

I have had two cracker barrel rockers on my front porch for over 15 years. One woven, one with slats. The seat on the woven one finally gave out and Hinkle Chair company sent me a new one for $20. They are outside 365 days a year. I just had the back patio covered and plan on getting two more + a double. Love them!

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Tim
12/26/2012 10:34:47 pm

No one has mentioned the worst thing about the chair which is the overall design is not of a rocker, but a sitter! Sit in a Craker Barrel chair and all of your weight is directed to your feet. So much so that picking up your feet will likely push you forward and pitch you out of the chair. This means when you rock, it's a lot of work! A properly designed chair requires a minimum of effort (one toe) to rock. In fact, a GREAT chair will allow you to set your feet on top of the rail (not sure if that's the right name) and just nod your head to rock!

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Anna Schmauch
5/10/2013 01:44:05 am

My husband purchased an oak rocker from Cracker Barrel for Mother's Day a few years ago. I had it in a guest room and my daughter sat down and the brace broke underneath. It is a curved piece of wood and there is no way we can fix it. I wrote to CB in hopes that they will send me something to fix it. We'll see

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Robert Cadena
11/26/2013 08:30:46 am

just had the same thing happen to me on 11-26-13 I have only had the chair for about 4 months and would like to know how that turned out for you

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Vicki Simon
5/29/2013 01:23:55 am

I have to say I agree with the poor quality of these rockers. Not because of the shape, but because they use a poor quality paint that is not mildew/mold resistant. This is especially noticeable on the white paint. I live in Pennsylvania and bring my rockers indoors every winter. During the summer they are on my covered porch and are the only pieces of furniture on my porch that grow mold. After the first year they were covered in mold. I cleaned with bleach, but as years went by the mold, which covers entire chair, does not wash off anymore. The chairs are permanently stained.

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Dwayne
5/30/2013 09:45:06 am

Rockers....lol....The back of my chair broke off a couple of weeks ago after only having it for 3 years. I called CB on Miller Lane in Dayton, OH and spoke with manager, Jan Fischer. She said that all she could do was give me the number to the manufacturer. I asked her if CB guaranteed their rocking chairs and she said, "no we do not". So I have word from CB that they do no stand behind their product. They do tell you that when you buy that they are guaranteed for a lifetime but they do not stand behind that statement...it is only to market and sell the chairs. I called the manufacturer and they said they do not guarantee their chairs. If you thinking about getting one, I would get one locally made and handcrafted. It pisses me off, I post weekly on threads letting everyone know about their rockers.

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Melanie Smith
6/15/2013 06:02:09 am

I've had mine for 15 years and looks and works the same as it did the very first day I got it. Love my chair and so does everyone else.

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Gail Strejc link
6/17/2013 11:55:23 am

Bought my double seated rocking chair from Cracker Barrel over 10 years ago when my dad died and I received some money, planning on repainting it this summer. Love rocking on it, hope to enjoy it for at least 30 more years.

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Sue
6/25/2013 04:33:52 am

I have had mine for about 13 years, have never painted them and I love them. Yhey are on a covered porch, but I do take them in in the wnter

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Christina link
8/12/2015 04:28:38 pm

My husband had bought me two chairs 4 years ago. What I must appreciate about these chairs is that they are very durable. Even if you leave it outside on your porch, still they are good for a very long time.

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Edward
6/25/2013 06:47:17 pm

I have 2 Cracker Barrel rockers on my covered porch. They are about 4 & 5 years old now. They were originally white but are now gray and covered in mold. I keep them outside year around but as I mentioned, the porch is covered. They only looked good for the first two years. I'm extremely disappointed in the paint. I would like to have them repainted and treated but am afrai that w

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Cathy
7/1/2013 11:40:30 pm

For my Birthday last year my husband bought me (after years of wishing)
5 slat porch rockers and 1 double slat porch rocker. I Loved them so much!
It has now been a little over a year and I called Craker Barrell and told them one of the runners had cracked in half, they sent me a new runner.
Now I have 2 more with broken runners and the double rocker when my husand sat down last night broke off right above the handles. He caught himself and did not fall thank goodness. We are not rough on them. We are older retired and enjoy using them to watch the deer in the evenings. I am not sure if we just got a bad batch of them or what. I do know it was a lot of money for such a short time. People would drive by and tell us how beautiful our porched looked with the rockers. We are just sick about this. We love Cracker Barrell but are very disappointed.
They were very nice while they lasted! we purchased these at our local Cracker Barrell and were ready to place on the porch.

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Woody
7/14/2013 01:40:55 am

I have 2 slat bottom and 2 rush bottom rockers. They are heavy, darkened, tight joints. They are OK with cushions. Maybe the newer chairs were crap, but mine are tough. They live outside year round on a covered porch. No complaints from me.

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Jim
7/20/2013 07:51:14 am

we have 2 CB rockers purchased about three years. My grand daughter was gently rocking and both rockers snapped on her chair. If she would have been a larger adult she would have been severely injured. Although she was badly shaken.




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Dennis
8/7/2013 11:59:03 pm

I have two and purchased them in 2011. Its a sturdy chair and my butt loves them. My porch is covered and I dont know how anybody could let mold form on furniture in this day and age. I will purchase two more for the other side of my porch.

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Lori
8/12/2013 01:50:13 pm

The Cracker Barrel's rockers are Hinkle rockers but although cleverly disguised as having a "finishing" operation in the USA, these rockers are essentially made in China. Check the label on the rocker. There are American made alternatives. One is the Polywood brand which is found on Amazon and another is the Troutman company which produces fine American made rockers that come in a variety of finishes. Both companies sell rockers in more colors than the Cracker Barrel rockers. Shame on the Cracker Barrel for trying to fool us. Buy American! If you are not convinced see the "Death by China" movie.

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Lori
9/2/2013 07:36:13 am

I have since contacted the local Cracker Barrel about the rockers. Until somewhat recently they had all been made in the USA. The lady who works there and assembles them says that the brown ones are still made in the USA. The white ones are not made here. I didn't ask about the blue ones or the other painted ones.

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Ronnie
9/14/2013 10:29:58 pm

I found this blog while searching for Cracker Barrel Rocking Chair parts. I have 2 chairs and the slats are rotting. They have been painted at least twice. This should not be the case considering the cost.

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Lee
9/16/2013 11:09:56 am

I totally disagree, I have 2 rockers purchased new. They are absolutely comfortable and very well made. They have braved storms and the winter without ever moving an inch. Great product and well worth the money.

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Macncat
9/16/2013 01:41:30 pm

Just wait a few more months and you will understand what everyone is talking about!

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Bradford Benggio
10/22/2013 01:28:22 am

Ive had two pairs of the Cracker Barrel rockers that I put outdoors under an overhang on my front porch. Both times after about 2 to 3 years the rockers have rotted and fallen apart. I had the white slatted version and live in S Fla. I filled out a survey for Cracker Barrel and commented on the rockers, but never heard anything back from their customer service. Ive looked at replacing them with something better but the really good ones are a bit too pricey for me right now. Im considering one more try with the Cracker Barrel chairs and trying to paint them with some good marine varnish to extend their life.

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Elizabeth Sawyer
10/22/2013 01:55:55 am

Everyone has something bad to say about these rockers, Well here's something good. It takes commons spence people. I bought a white rocker 4 years ago and this summer I noticed how moldy it looked. I have a screened in porch that the rocker sat in summer and winter. This summer I hosed it down cleaned to and let it sit in the bright sun to dry. Then I painted it with white Rustolium paint. It looks brand new and has stayed that way. If you live in Fla. Which I don't you have to expect that saltwater air to eat away at any furniture. With a little commons sence and matinance these chairs will last forever.

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Bradford Benggio
10/22/2013 02:12:36 am

maybe you meant common sense????

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Susan Harmon
5/17/2016 01:24:33 pm

I live in Fl and bought a brown rocker from CB last July 2015. I keep it on my porch covered when not in use & we don't use it much. It has molded and looks terrible. My son was rocking in it last weekend and the rocker broke off. I took it back to CB as it is only 9 months since I bought it. The manager looked under the arm of the chair and there is a sticker that says when it was made. Mine was made in Jan 2015. she said to bad we only warranty them for a year. When I asked how many of the chairs sit at the store for longer than a month she said none! I went and started checking the chairs and 8 of them were already out of warranty. I feel bad for anyone that buys those rockers. CB definitely does NOT stand behind their product!

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elizabeth
10/22/2013 04:21:09 am

Oh what am I back in High School or on a rocking chair blog?

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Monica B.
12/1/2013 12:48:53 pm

The quality rockers the one poster mentioned are $1,200/each. Come one! Maybe the White House can afford that, but I cannot. Geez

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Kathy A
1/24/2014 01:58:06 pm

Notice the comments on the older chairs. The new chairs are not made as well. They used to sell only the brown oak rockers, then added slat rockers. And now they have several colors.
They may be made by the same company but they aren't the same quality.
I've been going to Cracker Barrel over 25 Yeats, and the quality has gone way down while the price has increased.
So buyer beware. I sat in several tonight st Cracker Barrel and its totally obvious they aren't made like they used to be

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Chris
2/9/2014 11:23:30 am

Hinkle chair company makes a great rocking chair that will last. I was really wondering why some people were havering issues and here is what I think. I read a comment that said the price was 2 for 100. I sell furniture and our hinkle rockers go 155-175 so I think cb is selling a cheap version of the real thing...if that's all you pay and you get 2 years out of them you won believe me. We have put them outside everyday for 2 years and they are as strong as ever. They have been in freezing cold and humid air in south jersey. I would recommend these for anybody looking to get a rocker which will last. You get what u pay for so spend the 300 on 2 and I can guarantee these will b there for many years.

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Beverly
5/7/2014 04:42:11 am

My husband gave me two white rocking chairs for my birthday two and a half years ago. I love them. The paint wasn't good, so he painted them with Rustoleum. We only put them outside in late Spring until September and only in nice weather, on an uncovered porch, in Penna. We put them out for Easter. A couple days later it rained heavily,and we forgot to take them in. Two days later, when my husband sat down, the rocker broke off and the chair leg shattered. He is not heavy. The next day I saw that one arm on the other chair pulled loose and the paint is peeling. The shattered leg material was like pulp. A call to CB said $20 for a new rocker. No help for the shattered leg. And "good luck with that." That was before the arm incident. It appears that they have cheapened the product, China made, Older ones may hold up OK. I am very disappointed.

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Kristi
5/9/2014 04:53:23 am

Those Owen Rein ones do look lovely but the most beautiful (and comfy) rocker you will ever experience is here:

http://www.garyweeks.com/rocking_chairs.htm

They are actually more than $1,200. On our honeymoon, my hubby and I splurged on one of these in a specialty wood (Texas Pecan) because we fell in love with the wood and because it was an homage to my home state of Texas (that I was moving out of). However, the specialty woods can be almost double the price.

For their standard woods, the walnut and mahogany versions are stunning!

This isn't a rocking chair for everyone. But, it is a rocking chair for more than a lifetime! Something to pass down to your kids. And that is what we wanted when we bought it. Not the kind of purchase we make every day (or even every decade!)

I don't work for them but a family friend has had one for over ten years and I had coveted one for myself ever since.

p.s. We also have an oak, cane-back Cracker Barrel rocker that my hubby had when we married. Unfortunately, he let the cats get to it and scratch up some of the back and chew the fronts a little. Otherwise, it is in near perfect condition.

While I would agree wholeheartedly about the flatness of the seat and back (it is not 3K dollar rocker, to be SURE!), it is VERY heavy duty and sturdy and, if it weren't chewed up, it would be a lovely (more affordable) option for someone.

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D. Cleversley
5/31/2014 10:15:51 am

My husband bought me 2 white rocking chairs for our new deck and honestly, they are garbage! The paint is chipping on both of them, wood is splitting open and there is mold growing on the lower part of them. I was rinsing some dirt off of them the other day with a garden hose and the paint was flying off left and right. Don't make the same mistake as my husband and save your money and look elsewhere!!!

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Morris link
6/28/2015 08:56:36 am

I have four rockers on the patio. They have molded and now a rocker runner has broken off. Trying to locate some place to buy it. Any suggestions. We have enjoyed them!

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Phil T
8/13/2015 04:44:37 am

Kristi, those Weeks chairs you linked to are gorgeous - but wow, they are expensive. Also I'm pretty sure they're not weatherproof and would end up looking pretty rough on a porch after a few months - even if you would put a $1200 rocker on a porch ;)

We bought a rocker called (LOL) "The World's Finest Rocker" from Frontera.com and it is amazing. It costs more than cracker barrel rockers, I think they were $379 each when you buy 2 - but they are so much better made than the CB rockers. This is the link:
http://www.frontera.com/the-world-s-finest-outdoor-rocking-chairs/
What I love about them is that they are so much more comfortable than any rocker I've ever sat in. The seat is a little lower so you're not stretching to get your feet on the ground to push back the chair to get the right pitch - and the back angle is just perfect, it takes all the weight off your back and feels like heaven when you sit in it. It's made from a weatherproof wood, very substantial. Anyway, we just love these!

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Brian M.
8/13/2015 06:37:37 am

I have had exactly the same experience as Phil with Frontera.com and "The World's Finest Rockers". Have had two, outside and uncovered, for 3 years now. They look and feel as good as the day we put them out. Also a VERY comfortable and inviting seat, without any cushions. Take a look. Frontera has other rocker4s as well, including the Polywood ones that were mentioned. Happy rocking!

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Eric Smith
8/14/2015 03:01:02 am

There are some really out of date comments here. I just went to CB website to look for cracker barrel rockers and the cheapest adult rocker there is $159, not $120 someone here said they paid (presumably long ago). What's also interesting is that they now sell a "weatherproof" rocking chair - for $359. Of course that makes it clear they are fully aware their $159 chair is not weatherproof - so all these stories of people putting CB rockers on their outdoor porch and then experiencing rot, mold, broken runners and slats & on and on are not only true but CB knows it. So the only weatherproof rocker CB has is $359, which is about the same price as the World's Finest Rocker from Frontera.com that Phil T mentions - except that, at least to my eye, the World's Finest Rocker is a lot better looking, and at least it's made of real weatherproof wood instead of that weatherproof plastic resin stuff that Cracker Barrel is using for their $359 rocker. There, that's my story and I'm stickin' with it.

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Nancy Lilley
8/25/2015 08:22:39 am

We have two white CB rockers that were a gift. I love them! We've had them for 5 years now sitting outside on our porch. I have to clean them every so often, but I want to make them look like new again. any suggestions?

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Rhonda
4/17/2016 03:55:18 pm

We have had our Cracker Barrel chairs now for 10 years.....I love them!! We bought the wood ones with the rush seats, they sit outside on a covered porch. They are protected somewhat from the elements because we leave them there all year long. We live in NE Ohio, this year for the first time I am sanding and putting a new coat of outdoor varnish on them. Don't let anyone say these aren't comfy, if you put a cushion on them and a lumbar pillow you will love them!!

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Sarah
5/7/2016 05:48:21 am

I love my Cracker Barrel rocker. None of your comments hold true, but I do keep my indoors. It is made well and in the USA!

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Pete Pearson
10/28/2022 03:58:29 pm

It's NOT made in the USA. It's made in CHINA

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Susan Harmon
5/17/2016 01:27:26 pm

I live in Fl and bought a brown rocker from CB last July 2015. Its a Hinkle and I paid & $165 for it. I keep it on my porch covered when not in use & we don't use it much. It has molded and looks terrible. My son was rocking in it last weekend and the rocker broke off. I took it back to CB as it is only 9 months since I bought it. The manager looked under the arm of the chair and there is a sticker that says when it was made. Mine was made in Jan 2015. She said to bad we only warranty them for a year. When I asked how many of the chairs sit at the store for longer than a month she said none! I went and started checking the chairs and 8 of them were already out of warranty. I feel bad for anyone that buys those rockers. CB definitely does NOT stand behind their product!

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petersonkevin769 link
6/1/2016 11:29:54 pm

Enjoy a relaxing seat in your yard or out on your patio with this extra-wide zero-gravity recliner chair. The headrest pillow and NASA-recognized zero-gravity design help create additional support, reducing stress and relieving muscle tension.

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Fred
6/23/2016 02:12:36 am

I agree. I put these rockers on my front porch by the shore in Delaware, within 2 weeks the paint started to peel and wood rot.

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Rita Kirkendoll
10/8/2016 11:51:56 am

I have 2 CB rocking and 2 from Walmart and I'll go with Walmart any day. The CB are moldy and Walmart is not. They are on the same porch, I set them out in May and bring them in October. Plus, the Walmart chairs are contoured and more comfortable than CB.

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Becky
12/17/2016 12:58:00 pm

I have had my rocking chair for 10 years and I still love it. I have no complaints about it at all! I have not used it outside but I was checking to see if they are weather resistant??

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Cheryl D. Davis
5/2/2017 09:54:49 am

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Elizabeth
5/13/2017 12:13:32 pm

Hi
I would like to reply to everyone who is having trouble with moldy rockers!
This is what I do. Get SCRUB FREE WITH BLEACH, not with oxcy. Spray your entire rocker, do not wipe it down, place it in a nice sunny spot. Next day wipe it down with a wet cloth and let dry. Get RUSTOLEUM PAINT, and paint that rocker. Voila! Next year if you see mold scrub free it and touch up the paint. Keep you rockers beautiful for years to come, I do!

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Mary Cosey
7/18/2017 06:27:57 pm

I have to disagree I've had mine for I know over 7 years I am just now refinishing them because of being in the weather the arms mostly started to peel they are just as sturdy as when I purchased them no complaints at all on them

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Pat Mitchell
8/12/2017 12:33:32 pm

I have a oak rocker from cracker Harrell. In bad need to be refinished or a good cleaning. Living in the south where humidity is sooo bad,it has started to mildew... Would appreciate cleaning instructions...

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Cecile Burgeis
8/13/2017 01:18:27 pm

I also am having trouble with mold. Any suggestions on best way to clean?

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Sandra
2/12/2018 09:29:44 am

Can you please explain how you “contour” a woven seat??

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Tammy link
2/18/2018 02:23:14 pm

I bought 4 CB rockers used, for $160 (all together). Too good to pass up. Thing is, they were displayed out on grass, so I didn't see until we started loading them that two runners were cracked and termite eaten. No returns, :(
Still, they have done well in the year we've had them. No mold. One rocker runner has finally broken, and it's going to a repair shop in a month. The other rocker's runner is holding on, but it will be next for repairs. Still, I am very pleased with them so far. The wind doesn't rock them that I've noticed *our porch is 12x16, and they don't 'walk' anywhere.
YMMV.

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Nicole
4/25/2018 10:10:47 am

I have 2 Slat seat Cracker Barrel Natural stained rockers. They are 25 and 18 years old, they are heavy and I am going to refinish them this year. They have been moved 5 times and have not one single problem with them other than now needing a face lift. Great Rocker!

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Cindy Smith
1/18/2020 05:27:14 pm

After a visit to a local thrift store I chose 1 with a wicker back and seat. It fit me like a glove. The wicker did make some noise when I first sat on it which was expected as I am no lightweight since. However all of the joints are tight. I paid $25 for it.

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Willie
7/13/2019 07:30:01 am

I recently purchased two CB rockers with woven seats at an auction. The seats are in good condition but nasty...How do I clean them? Can they be spray-washed?

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Aunt Ouiser link
4/15/2021 07:59:38 pm

CLEANING THESE ROCKERS IS IMPOSSIBLE! I have three from a used furniture store and one new one from the store. They all started to get a black mildew looking film on them. I thought bleach would do the trick. Nope. Then I tried every heavy duty cleaning product in my arsenal. Finally, I took some sand paper and sanded it off. Now, I will sand, apply primer/sealer and then repaint.

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Kelly
5/28/2020 02:34:59 pm

We have 3 rockers with the woven seats and 1 double rocker.
No problems Absolutely love them..I have read though if you treat them with poly urethane it's a nice protection..

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Andy M. Hambleton @ chairikea link
9/5/2020 09:37:18 pm

How can I clean a rocking chair?

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Leo link
12/24/2020 12:14:30 am

Great post thank yyou

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Pete Pearson
10/28/2022 04:10:52 pm

Just read through all these comments - wowow a lot of opinions about these chairs - ya love em or ya hate em! Just wanted to add this - so many comments are outdated - old comments are referring to $120 prices and such - they're now $189 plus $138 delivery (of course free if you pick them up at a restaurant).

They are made in China, not the USA.

And I read the comments, the complaints are usually about the chair breaking in one place or another - a lot of people said the back broke, others said the runners broke.

A lot of people are complaining about mold and mildew, not sure what you can do about that, but I know this - if you get a woven seat, you WILL have problems with mold that you CANNOT just wash off - it gets into the fibers - and anyway the fibers will get wet and break when the lacquer wears off. And then saw some comments about the back being too straight or the seat not contoured enough (with plenty of other people saying they think it's plenty comfortable).

Seems to me the people who actually compare it with another chair are way more likely to say its relatively uncomfortable - to me that's way more compelling than just "love it, it's comfortable" because well---it's a rocking chair its gonna be comfortable no matter what.

Alrighty folks that's yer free executive summary if you don't have time to read 100 comments! Tips welcome ;)

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