At The Joggle Factory, we’re passionate about preserving more than craftsmanship. We’re preserving a symbol of Charleston front porches—the joggling board. This Southern staple has a rich history dating back to 1803, when Mary Huger, managing her brother’s plantation in Sumter, South Carolina, received plans from her family in Scotland for a “jostling board.” Built by a skilled carpenter, this original joggling board quickly became popular, inviting guests to enjoy the relaxing, rocking motion reminiscent of a carriage ride.
What is a Joggling Board?
If you’re unfamiliar with joggling boards, imagine a long, flexible board set on rockers at either end. The gentle, bouncing motion is both relaxing and energizing, offering light exercise and a cozy spot for company. Early Charleston joggling boards became a front-porch fixture in the 19th century and soon developed a romantic reputation. Young couples would sit on either end of the board, “joggling” until they met in the middle for an intimate chat, making joggling boards a symbol of hospitality and Southern charm.
The Start of The Joggle Factory
Fast forward to modern times, where the joggling board’s Southern charm still appeals. When Chris Outland wanted to give his bride, Kristi, a joggling board as a wedding gift, he couldn't find one, so he crafted his own. This sparked neighborhood interest, and soon, Chris and Kristi turned their hobby into The Joggle Factory, producing custom boards for homes around the world. As demand grew, the couple eventually left their jobs—Chris as a firefighter and paramedic, and Kristi as a dietitian—to focus on their business full-time. Now, with over a decade of experience, they continue to share this special piece of Southern history.
Heirloom Joggling Boards: Sizes and Styles for Every Space
The Outlands make heirloom-quality joggling boards ranging from 6 to 16 feet, each thoughtfully designed to fit modern, more compact porches. Painted in Charleston Green—a deep black with green undertones—they come in a variety of sizes, including a children's version and DIY kits. Their boards fit perfectly into smaller spaces without overwhelming them, embodying the slim, sleek elegance suited for Charleston front porches and Southern-style homes alike.
Sustainability and Community Commitment
What makes The Joggle Factory stand out is not just its craftsmanship but its commitment to sustainability and community. All wood is sourced from within 100 miles of their shop, reducing transportation emissions, and they purchase through the Forest Initiative, ensuring responsible logging practices. The boards are untreated, free from harmful chemicals, and painted with no-VOC paints, making them safe for families and the environment.
Supporting the local community is also a key value. The Outlands partner with the South Carolina Vocational Rehab program, which matches individuals with physical or mental disabilities to suitable jobs. This collaboration not only helps meet the demand for joggling boards but also supports the art of woodworking and local job creation.
A Joggling Board for Every Charleston Front Porch
“You don’t have a true Southern front porch if you don’t have a joggling board,” says Kristi. While northern porches might feature rocking or Adirondack chairs, which seat people individually, joggling boards invite shared moments, embodying a spirit of family, connection, and togetherness. In a world where time is precious, joggling boards encourage a moment to slow down, share a conversation, and take in the surroundings.
The Joggle Factory celebrates the legacy of Charleston front porches through the joggling board, inviting people everywhere to experience a piece of Southern history. Whether for the nostalgia, charm, or joy of the gentle sway, a joggling board brings people together—just as it did in 1803.
