Wicker furniture has always appealed to people with its timeless quality. Homeowners and designers have embraced its authenticity and organic vibe recently. Today, wicker furniture graces both indoor and outdoor spaces. It suits versatile settings, from a relaxed alfresco setting to an outdoor wicker dining setup.
But is this wicker wonderland worth the hype? In this article, we explore the pros and cons of wicker outdoor furniture. First, let’s understand what wicker furniture is.
Quick Wicker Furniture 101
Let’s dispel the myth first. When you say “wicker,” you’re referring to the weaving technique, not the material. It is a unique method of weaving natural and synthetic fibers to create functional furniture. A lot of people equate wicker with “rattan.” While both are intertwined, they are distinct entities.
Rattan is a fast-growing palm species harvested for its long-lasting fibers. Wickerwork employs rattan as one of the many materials to create furniture.
Wicker also uses other pliable materials, such as:
- Bamboo
- Willow
- Reed
- Vinyl
- Resin
Vinyl and resin are synthetic materials.
Indoor and outdoor wicker furniture have different requirements. Natural fibers are used to create indoor wicker furniture, whereas synthetic materials are used to produce outdoor wicker furniture.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of wicker outdoor furniture.
Wicker Furniture: Pros and Cons You Should Know About
The popularity of wicker furniture isn’t unfounded. When used with care, it can spruce up your outdoor space and last for years.
Here are some wicker furniture pros:
Classic & Timeless Quality
Wicker's charm rests in its one-of-a-kind, handwoven quality. Unlike machine-made furniture, wicker furniture involves a careful weaving process.
The result of this process is:
- Seamless finish
- Intricate weave
- Aesthetic craftsmanship
Thanks to its close-knit fibers, the finished product is highly durable. Wicker furniture of high quality can survive for decades. It also has a vintage aesthetic, one of its main selling points.
Sense of Luxury
Wicker furniture costs a pretty penny, but this is not the only reason for its luxurious appeal. Most wicker furniture is constructed from natural fibers like bamboo, reed, or rattan. This sets it apart from low-grade materials like plastic or aluminum.
Wicker’s tonal value complements most patio layouts and contrasts against tropical and coastal surroundings. Its noticeably high quality gives any home a "richer" character.
Lightweight
Any outdoor place functions best when it’s flexible. Homeowners prefer furniture that can be moved or reorganized, and wicker fits well into this agenda. It is lightweight and easy to move around because it is constructed of woven fibers.
Versatile and Eclectic
Wicker furniture complements any outdoor setting. There are diverse wicker furniture options to fit your preferences, whether you desire a breezy poolside setting or a dining place beneath the stars. To know more, check out wicker patio furniture ideas here.
Easy to Maintain
Premium wicker furniture has a dust-proof coating, making cleaning a breeze. Even if dust accumulates, it only needs a gentle cleaning with soap and water. Because of its simple upkeep, it is a top contender for outdoor furniture.
Wicker also has some disadvantages you should be aware of before purchasing. Here are some wicker furniture cons:
Expensive
High-quality wicker furniture, especially rattan outdoor furniture, is not cheap. Outdoor wicker furniture is made from Polyethylene, a type of synthetic resin.
This sustainable material checks all the boxes for high-quality wicker, including:
- Sturdiness
- Resistance to cracking and fading
- Low maintenance
This also makes it one of the most expensive furniture options in the market. You can look out for online furniture sales to purchase quality wicker at reasonable prices.
Prone To Unraveling
Poor-quality wicker weaves tend to unravel. Unraveled weaves on patio chairs can make your outdoor space appear worn. It can be uncomfortable for you or your guest to sit in. Check for loose ends in the weaving when you buy wicker furniture. Poor finishing or ragged weaving indicates the weave will unravel soon.
Low on Comfort
Wicker furniture is not for you if your idea of relaxation is to sink into a plush sofa. Wicker furniture is both attractive and practical, but not the most comfortable. There are ways to fix this. By fastening cushions to the furniture or adding throw pillows to the set, you can make your wicker sofa set as cozy as you’d like.
Getting Around the Pros and Cons of Wicker Outdoor Furniture: What to Consider When Buying
We all love the idea of wicker furniture in our backyard. Don't let the drawbacks of wicker outdoor furniture keep you from designing the patio of your dreams. Follow these guidelines to make the best wicker-led investment for your outdoor space.
Try It Before You Buy It
If you're designing your outside space with wicker furniture for the first time, you should give it a test run. Avoid buying furniture sets in one go. Instead, gradually transition into a wicker-themed space.
You can purchase individual items, such as a wicker end table or a wicker chair before committing to a wicker furniture set.
Examine it for factors like comfort, upkeep, and weather resistance. If and when you're satisfied with its overall performance, you can invest in larger pieces. Mixing and matching wicker pieces will also help you create a more eclectic outdoor setting.
Figure out Your Outdoor Furniture Needs
Understanding why and how you want to decorate your outdoor space will help you choose the right wicker furniture.
Try to answer questions like:
- How do you want to use your outdoor space?
- Do you intend to hold dinners or social gatherings here?
- Do you intend to use it for casual sundowners?
- Do you want to use it as a place to relax?
Answering some of these questions will also help you mitigate the potential drawbacks of wicker. Say you intend to use wicker furniture for seasonal cocktail parties. You can cover the furniture during the off-season to avoid damage.
Invest in Synthetic Wicker for the Outdoors
Natural wicker appears to be the best option for furniture, but it may not be as supportive when used outside. It will exhibit signs of disrepair after a few months of being out in the open.
While natural wicker is ideal for interior use, you need something more durable for your patio. Invest in all-weather synthetic wicker furniture for your outdoors.
Synthetic wicker, made from resin, nylon, PVC, and other synthetic fibers, can withstand weather, mold, and other elements. Despite its synthetic material, it has the look and feel of natural wicker. Synthetic wicker is also waterproof, making it easy to maintain.
Purchase From a Quality Retailer
Wicker furniture is a long-lasting fixture worth the investment. Natural wicker lasts up to 20 years, whereas rattan or synthetic wicker lasts 10 to 15 years. This is only true if the wicker is authentic, and of good quality.
If you're keen on getting patio wicker furniture, ensure you source it from a reputable manufacturer. Before making a purchase, research the best places to buy wicker furniture.
Pros and Cons of Wicker Outdoor Furniture: Proper Care & Maintenance
Wicker patio furniture, like any other material, has downsides. But proper care will breathe new life into your wicker furniture.
Here’s how you can care for it the right way:
Keep Wicker Dust-Free
Wicker's open weave design attracts dust. Dust can accumulate in its crevices. If left unchecked, it can cause wicker fibers to degrade over time.
You can use the following tools to clean it:
- Feather duster
- Angular broom
- Microfiber cloth
- Vacuum cleaner
Wash with Soap
Aside from vacuuming regularly, clean wicker furniture with soap and water at least once a month. Use soapy water and a gentle brush for best results. You can remove the cushions and rinse the furniture with a garden hose. Do this on a sunny day because the furniture must dry before use.
Touch-Up Regularly
While wicker furniture might survive for years, it requires a touch-up now and again to keep it looking brand new. A coat of varnish can transform the appearance of your wicker furniture.
Spot Check for Open Weaves
As we’ve mentioned, one of the drawbacks of wicker furniture is its tendency to unravel over time. An unruly weave can ruin the look of your furniture. To avoid this, conduct spot checks for open weaves or broken strands. If you find any, use wood glue to repair them.
Consider Seasonal Storage
The best thing you can do to keep your wicker outdoor furniture in good condition is to store it carefully during the wet season. Many people bring the cushions inside during the off-season but leave the furniture outside.
Instead, do your furniture a favor and keep it in the garage or basement. Alternatively, you can protect your furniture from the elements by covering it with a tarp or waterproof cloth.
Key Takeaway: Wicker Furniture Pros and Cons
Wicker furniture adds charm and warmth to your outdoor space, and that is no secret. You don’t have to worry about durability or upkeep, which is a relief for homeowners.
Wicker is not the most cost-effective furniture option, though. It can also disappoint customers with its low level of comfort. Even so, the benefits of wicker far exceed the drawbacks.
You can find a diverse range of high-quality outdoor wicker seating on Modern Wicker. Feel free to contact us for more details. Our staff will gladly assist you in choosing the right wicker furniture for your home.
