Editor’s Note
Imagine spending $2,000 on a beautiful outdoor sofa set. You leave it outside for one summer, and suddenly, the weaving is cracked, the frame is rusted, and mice have eaten the cushions! This is a terrible feeling. Buying wicker patio furniture can be very tricky because many stores sell cheap plastic that breaks in the sun. In this simple guide, we will teach you the ultimate secrets to buying the best outdoor furniture. You will learn the difference between real and fake materials, how to protect your expensive cushions from winter rodents, and how to style your backyard like a luxury 5-star hotel!
What is Outdoor Wicker Exactly?
Here is the biggest secret in the furniture industry: “Wicker” is not a material. Wicker is a style of weaving.
When someone says they have a wicker chair, they mean the chair is woven. It can be woven from tree branches, grass, or even plastic. So, when you are shopping, do not just ask for a wicker. You must ask, “What material is this wicker made from?”
What’s the Deal with Rattan vs Wicker?
Many people get confused and think rattan and wicker are the same thing. They are not!
- Rattan is a real, natural vine that grows in the jungle. It is strong like wood.
- Wicker, as we just learned, is the action of weaving. So, you can have a “wicker chair made of rattan.” But remember this golden rule: Real, natural rattan is strictly for indoors. If you put natural rattan outside, the rain will rot it, and the sun will dry it out until it snaps.
Synthetic Wicker vs. Natural Wicker
Since natural rattan rots outside, what should you buy? You must buy a synthetic Wicker.
Synthetic wicker is made in a factory. It is built to survive rain, snow, and extreme heat. But be careful! Not all synthetic wicker is good.
What’s the Best Synthetic Wicker Material?Â
Never buy cheap PVC plastic. It will crack and melt in the hot sun. Instead, look for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a premium resin. It is UV-resistant (meaning the sun will not fade its color) and completely waterproof. HDPE is the elite choice for long-lasting luxury.
What to Look for When Buying Patio Wicker Furniture
Before you hand over your credit card, you must check these two major things:
The Hidden FramesÂ
The outside weaving might look beautiful, but what is holding the chair together? The frame! Never buy furniture with a steel frame. Steel rusts when it gets wet, and it will leave orange rust stains on your beautiful patio floor. Always buy furniture with a Powder-Coated Aluminum Frame. Aluminum is lightweight, very strong, and it never rusts.
Outdoor Wicker Furniture Price PointsÂ
High-quality HDPE wicker with an aluminum frame is not cheap. If you see a full sofa set for $150, it is probably cheap steel and PVC. It will break in one year. Expect to pay higher prices for quality. It is better to buy a good set once than a cheap set five times!
Mixing Materials for Eclectic Style
Do not buy everything perfectly matched. Elite interior designers love to mix materials! Try putting a woven HDPE wicker sofa next to a sleek, modern concrete fire pit. Or, pair wicker chairs with a solid teak wood dining table.
Style Ideas for Patio Wicker FurnitureÂ
To make your outdoor dining area look expensive, dress it up! Lay a beautiful fabric down the center of your table. If you are unsure about the fit, check our easy Table Runner Size Guide. Then, for amazing lighting, place a beautiful modern light piece on the table. Read our Ultimate Candelabras Buying Guide to find a rust-free option that brings a gorgeous, warm glow to your evening parties.
Take Care of Your Patio Furniture for the Winter
All furniture types are susceptible to aging and deterioration. Even the best HDPE wicker will age if you treat it badly. When the beautiful summer weather ends, it is time to do some work to protect your investment.
The Aging of Outdoor FurnitureÂ
Ice, snow, and freezing winds will eventually wear down your furniture. The best way to stop this is to buy thick, waterproof furniture covers. Make sure the covers tie securely around the legs so the winter wind does not blow them away. (Pro Tip: Always use safe, non-toxic materials around your home. If you are curious about waterproof plastics, read our guide on What is PEVA Materialto learn about safe, chlorine-free options!)
Mice and Other Rodents Like Cushions!Â
Here is a horror story: You leave your expensive, soft sofa cushions outside all winter under a cover. In the spring, you open the cover and find that mice have chewed holes through the fabric to build their winter nests! To prevent this, never leave cushions outside in the winter. Bring them inside your garage, basement, or a sealed plastic storage box.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Fabric Cushions
Your cushions are the most sensitive part of the furniture. Always buy cushions made from solution-dyed acrylic (like Sunbrella fabric). They resist stains and do not fade quickly.
If your cushion covers get wrinkled in storage, do not panic. Many outdoor covers are made of tough synthetic blends. If you need to smooth them out before a big summer party, read our expert tutorial on How to Safely Iron Polyester so you do not accidentally melt your expensive fabrics!
FAQ’s
How Long Does Wicker Furniture Last?Â
If you buy high-quality HDPE resin wicker with an aluminum frame, and you cover it during the winter, it can easily last 10 to 15 years! Cheap PVC wicker will only last 1 to 3 years.
Can I wash my wicker furniture with a hose?
Yes! Caring for your synthetic wicker is incredibly easy. Just take your garden hose and spray the dust off. For sticky stains, use a soft brush and some mild dish soap. Do not use a high-pressure power washer, as it can cut the plastic weaving.
Do I need to bring my wicker frame inside for winter?
If you have high-quality aluminum frames and HDPE wicker, the frames can stay outside all winter as long as they are covered with a heavy-duty waterproof tarp. However, the cushions must always come inside.
Conclusion
Buying wicker patio furniture is a wonderful investment for your home. It turns your backyard into a relaxing vacation resort. Just remember the golden rules: always choose HDPE synthetic wicker over natural rattan for outdoor use, insist on a rust-free aluminum frame, and protect your cushions from winter weather and hungry mice! Take care of your patio setup, and it will give your family a beautiful place to relax for many years to come.
