We bought a new home and will be moving in about two months. My in-laws are very involved in renovating and decorating the house. They told me it would be really nice if we got a joggling board for our porch, and they said it like it was something I should already know about. I pretended that I did, and now it feels too late to ask. Can someone please tell me what it is and what I’ve gotten myself into?

 

Moving into a new home is a thrilling milestone, but it also opens the door to a unique brand of family politics—especially when enthusiastic extended family members decide to weigh in on your interior design.

A hilarious and highly relatable post circulating on social media, captured perfectly in the image, highlights exactly what happens when regional traditions collide with new homeowners.

The anonymous poster explains their predicament:

“We bought a new home and will be moving in about two months. My in-laws are very involved in renovating and decorating the house. They told me it would be really nice if we got a joggling board for our porch, and they said it like it was something I should already know about. I pretended that I did, and now it feels too late to ask. Can someone please tell me what it is and what I’ve gotten myself into?”

If you have found yourself nodding along in sympathetic panic, don’t worry. You haven’t accidentally agreed to host a high-intensity circus act or an aggressive lawn sport on your front porch. Here is the lowdown on what a joggling board actually is, where it comes from, and why your in-laws might actually be handing you the ultimate porch upgrade.

Unpacking the Mystery: What is a Joggling Board?

Despite the chaotic-sounding name, a joggling board is actually a historic piece of outdoor furniture. Think of it as a beautiful, low-tech precursor to the porch glider or rocking chair.

Originating in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina (specifically the historic town of Mt. Pleasant) in the early 1800s, a joggling board consists of a long, flexible wooden board—traditionally made from supple Southern Yellow Pine—suspended between two heavy wooden rocking supports on either end.

Because the central board is long and thin, it naturally bows downwards in the middle. When you sit on it, you can gently bounce up and down (the “joggle”) or rock side-to-side.

Why Your In-Laws Are Obsessed With It:

Why Your In-Laws Are Obsessed With It

If your in-laws are suggesting one for your new porch, as detailed, it means they are trying to bring a classic touch of Southern hospitality and relaxed charm to your new home. Here is why these boards have maintained a cult-following for over two centuries:

• The Ultimate Icebreaker: Historically, these boards were considered “courting benches.” A young couple would sit on opposite ends of the long board. As they bounced and talked, the natural dip of the wood would slowly and gently slide them both toward the center of the bench. It was a clever, socially acceptable way to get close to your sweetheart!

• Superior Comfort: Before modern foam cushions, the flexible, springy nature of the pine board provided an incredibly comfortable, shock-absorbing seat that beat a rigid wooden bench any day of the week.

• Porch Architecture Complement: Joggling boards are traditionally painted a rich, dark “Charleston Green” (a green so dark it looks almost black) and look incredibly striking against a classic white or brick front porch.

How to Fake it Til You Make It

If you find yourself caught in the same conversational trap as the homeowner, playing along is easier than you think. You don’t have to admit you had to look it up!

The next time your in-laws bring up the house renovations, you can smoothly navigate the conversation by saying something like: “I’ve been thinking more about that joggling board idea for the porch! I love the historical charm it brings. Do you think we should go with the traditional Charleston Green, or should we match it directly to the front door trim?”

Not only will you save face, but you’ll also score major points for embracing a beloved household tradition.

 The Verdict

You can breathe a sigh of relief. You haven’t gotten yourself into a home renovation nightmare. If you follow your in-laws’ advice, you’ll simply end up with a piece of furniture that is bound to be the biggest conversation starter at your housewarming party. Happy moving!