Add character to your porch with a joggling board!
December 21, 2016
Joggling boards are unique pieces of furniture that date back to the 19th century. While no one is completely certain how the joggling board was invented, one legend has it that the first board was built in the Midlands of South Carolina at Acton Plantation.1 If you are from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, you’ve probably seen a joggling board, or maybe even sat on one. These outdoor living furniture pieces are most known to sit on the porches of southern homes and restaurants. Having one on your porch will add flavor and character to your outdoor living space.
Dunbar Builders owner, Pat Dunbar, enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He’s built many joggling boards for family and friends over the years.
What exactly is a joggling board?
A joggling board, also known as a jostling board, is a long pliable board that is supported on both ends with wooden stands and is traditionally made using southern yellow pine. The board itself is springy, allowing for those sitting on the board to easily bounce up and down as well as rock back and forth. The board is typically between 10 and 16 feet long and is wide enough for sitting.
How can you use a joggling board?
Joggling boards are nothing short of unique with several uses, including:
Exercise
The first joggling board ever creating was created for exercise purposes, providing movement options to someone who couldn’t manage much due to a certain illness.
Courting
The joggling board was thought of as a favorite place for sweethearts. The man would sit on one end and the woman on the other, as the joggling board was gently bounced, the two would gradually be brought together, eventually meeting in the middle.
Rocking Babies
Joggling boards were known to be used to rock babies. The movement of the board would gently bounce and sooth babies to sleep.
Entertainment
Today, joggling boards provide smaller porches and patios seating for multiple visitors. They take up less space and are great alternatives for porch swings or rocking chairs.
Joggling boards are a symbol of southern lifestyle
While joggling boards were known to have several different uses during their main popularity many, many years ago, they are still seen as a symbol of southern lifestyle today. Joggling boards, while rare, can still be found on southern porches and patios, especially in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
