Wicker furniture is a popular choice when you explore patio furniture options. But remember, not all wicker furniture has the same quality. You might be asking: Can wicker furniture get wet?
Moisture is one of the environmental elements that can seep into your outdoor patio set in 100 different ways. You need to understand how moisture affects wicker furniture and take precautions to protect it.
This article will help you with that. It will show you the water resistance of wicker furniture and give you some essential maintenance tips to make it last longer.
But first, let’s look at some excellent options for water-resistant outdoor furniture. These two picks can easily handle the harshness of natural elements like rain, moisture, or rust.
Product Reviews: Moisture Resistant Wicker Furniture
Can wicker furniture get wet? Sort of, but it depends on where you buy them from. Here are some of the best moisture-resistant wicker furniture in 2023.
The Tortuga Outdoor Portside Plantation Chair - Most Comfortable
The Tortuga Outdoor Portside Plantation wicker rocking chair offers a fantastic way to enhance the beauty of your front porch or patio. The chair is also meticulously hand-woven using top-notch synthetic resin, ensuring resistance against water damage, stains, cracks, fading, and peeling, even in harsh weather conditions.
You can choose from three appealing finishes: Coastal White, Dark Roast, and Southwest Amber.
This rocking chair combines style with exceptional durability, making it a great addition to your outdoor space. One notable aspect of this chair is its sturdy construction. It features high-quality stainless steel frames coated with a protective powder to prevent rusting.
Key Features
- UV-resistant material protecting against the sun's harmful rays.
- Designed to prevent such issues.
- Fade-proof nature and long-lasting material.
- The round arms of the chair are designed with comfort in mind.
- Maintenance is hassle-free.
- For added comfort, outdoor cushions are included with the chair.
- Easy to assemble, saving you time and effort.
- The company provides a warranty of one year.
The Saint Tropez Wicker Furniture - Most Durable
The Saint Tropez Wicker Furniture is built to last with its robust aluminum frame coated with powder for extra protection. Not only is it visually appealing, but it is also highly resistant to stains, water, UV rays, cracks, and splits. This ensures that your furniture remains beautiful and intact for years to come.
Say goodbye to worries about rusting or deterioration caused by the elements. This furniture is designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy it year-round. Its high-density polyethylene synthetic resin weave in dark Espresso adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.
Key Features
- Outdoor cushions with a variety of fabric options included.
- Cushions made with quick-dry Supreme Foam.
- Ultra stain, water, UV, crack, and split-resistant wicker.
- Ability to configure your own wicker patio sectional set.
- Mold, mildew, and fade resistant.
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
- 3-year frame warranty.
Can Wicker Furniture Get Wet?
Moisture can affect wicker differently depending on the material. It's essential to understand the distinction between synthetic and natural wicker.
Synthetic wicker is made from materials like resin or polyethylene and is designed to be weather-resistant. It can withstand exposure to water, UV rays, and other outdoor elements.
On the other hand, natural wicker, such as rattan, is derived from plant fibers and is more vulnerable to moisture and UV rays damage.
The following table shows the outcome when synthetic and natural wicker furniture gets wet:
|
Synthetic Wicker |
Natural Wicker |
|
Will not soften or rot |
Softens and rots |
|
Can be easily cleaned and dried |
Loses its structural integrity |
|
Resists mold and mildew growth |
Grows mold and mildew |
As shown above, synthetic wicker is often the better choice. It offers durability, weather resistance, and easy maintenance. Remember that synthetic and natural wicker may require additional care to maintain appearance and longevity.
Can Wicker Furniture Get Wet: Maintenance Tips and Water Resistance
You can follow several weather-proofing methods to ensure the longevity of your outdoor wicker furniture. These methods will help protect your furniture from the elements and maintain its beauty for years.
Proper Maintenance and Cleaning
If your wicker furniture gets wet regularly, cleaning it to protect it from damage is essential.
You should:
- Use a bristle brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from its surface.
- At the end of the outdoor season, clean the furniture with warm water and soap.
- Ensure the furniture is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth.
Applying Paint as a Protective Coat
If you’re wondering: "Does wicker furniture get ruined in the rain?". The short answer is yes, especially if it's natural wicker. Don’t lose hope yet, though, there’s an easy solution for this predicament: consider painting your outdoor wicker furniture.
Using specially formulated outdoor paints, you can provide additional protection to ensure your furniture’s durability.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the paint reaches every nook and corner of the furniture.
- It is recommended to repaint the furniture every three years.
- To enhance the waterproofing, apply two coats of marine varnish after painting.
Alternatively, if you prefer the natural color of the wicker furniture — you can skip the paint and apply three coats of marine varnish every two years. Doing so will provide protection and maintain the furniture’s original appearance.
Preserving with Tung Oil
Applying tung oil to your outdoor wicker furniture can enhance its water resistance. While tung oil cannot fully protect against heavy water exposure, it acts as a barrier against moisture.
To properly apply tung oil, you should:
- Apply tung oil using a soft cloth when initially placing the furniture outside.
- Reapply it at the end of the season before storing the furniture.
This helps prevent the wicker fibers from becoming soft and stretched due to excess moisture, thus maintaining the furniture's structural integrity.
Utilizing Weather-Proof Covers
Can patio furniture get wet? Well, not if you use weather-proof covers to shield your wicker furniture. Custom-fit and ready-made furniture covers are readily available to protect against sunlight, rainfall, strong winds, and other natural elements.
To properly make use of these covers, ensure that they cover the furniture legs — preventing water from splashing up and causing damage.
You can also consider installing a retractable awning and extending it over the furniture during rainy days for added protection.
Storing Indoors During Offseason
Wicker furniture gets wet and has a greater probability of damage in regions with changing climates and harsh weather conditions, so it is advisable to store your outdoor wicker furniture indoors during the off-season. Snow, frost, and ice can cause damage, even to well-prepared furniture with paint and varnish.
Find a suitable space in your garage, sunroom, or house where the furniture can safely sit during winter — protecting it from potential harm and extending its lifespan.
FAQs About Wicker Furniture and How Water Affects It
Curious about wicker furniture and how water interacts with it? This section will show you the amazing variety of wicker and how to keep them looking great in wet conditions.
Q. Does Wicker Furniture Get Ruined in the Rain?
Don’t worry, you can prevent rain from softening, rotting, molding, smelling, or discoloring your wicker furniture.
You have two options:
- Either buy synthetic wicker furniture made of plastic or waterproof resin that can handle the rain or…
- Cover your natural wicker furniture or store it indoors when it rains.
Q. What Is the Lifespan of Wicker Outdoors?
Natural wicker can typically last around 3-5 years outdoors with proper care, while synthetic wicker has a longer lifespan of 5-10 years.
Q. How Can You Tell the Quality of Wicker?
Quality wicker can be distinguished by its appearance. Cheaper wicker resembles shiny vinyl and is thin, while quality wicker is made of Polyethylene — an eco-friendly synthetic resin infused with UV inhibitors to prevent fading from sun exposure.
Q. How Can You Tell the Quality of Wicker? Does Wicker Break Easily?
Wicker furniture is prone to splitting when exposed to dry air for extended periods. Adding moisture to the air is advisable to prevent rattan from breaking, especially in hot and arid regions.
Can Wicker Furniture Get Wet? Final Words
Synthetic wicker furniture like PVC wicker is water-resistant and can handle outdoor conditions, unlike natural rattan wicker furniture that gets wet easily.
With some simple weatherproofing tips, you can protect your wicker furniture from moisture and other harmful elements. You can also choose water-resistant wicker furniture options that will make your outdoor oasis last for years.
Want to see more waterproof wicker products? Visit Modern Wicker and explore our amazing selection of water-resistant outdoor furniture that combines style and durability. You’ll love our wicker dining sets, loveseats and sofas, fire tables, and more!
Contact us anytime, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you.
