No other type of furniture has a more natural look than wicker. Lightweight and beautiful, wicker furniture comes in a variety of elaborate shapes crafted from woven wood. Learn more about wicker in our overview below:
Types of Wicker Furniture:
It is important to note that not all wicker furniture is rated for use outdoors. To ensure that the piece can handle outdoor stress, look for a label that says “outdoor use” or “UV protected”. Most manufacturers are quite explicit in saying what conditions their chairs can handle. Outdoor-rated wicker pieces can be used in all locations around the yard. Such locations include pool sides, patios, gardens and decks. They require occasional cleaning to remove dirt which becomes trapped in between the wicker weave.
Framing:
Small wicker patio furniture pieces like ottomans and side tables are usually assembled from pure wicker woods, but larger pieces often have hidden reinforcements. For the longest lasting results, look for pieces which have internal aluminum frames (these will not rust). Without an internal frame, wicker chairs can sag and warp over time.
Longest Lasting Qualities:
The longest lasting wicker chairs not only have an internal frame but have a protective exterior. Look for wicker furniture which has UV inhibitors built into the finish. These inhibitors stop harmful UV sunlight from reaching the wood, potentially causing fading and cracking. The exterior finish should also be waterproof, otherwise water can seep into the wood and cause it to rot.
Some wicker furniture is coated in resin (a form of plastic) which forms a very good protective seal. The wood is completely coated in resin which can be a variety of colors. The downside is that you cannot admire the beauty of wicker wood.
Finally, look for pieces which are tightly woven, as this is a sign of strength. The tighter the weave, the stronger the piece will be overall.
Materials:
The term “wicker” does not describe a species of wood, but rather the way the wood is assembled. This style of wood working involves weaving strands of wood together to form a solid structure. Wood species used in this process include but are not limited to: willow, rattan and bamboo. To allow the wood to be woven, it is soaked in water to make it pliable. Once dry, it is coated in finish to prevent it from becoming soft again.
Nowadays, modern synthetic materials in addition to wood are being used to create wicker furniture. Resin wicker furniture is popular because it is rot proof and easy to clean.
- Learn about sunroom furniture.
- Learn about the hammock chair.
- Return to Wood Outdoor Furniture.
