You see wicker patio furniture in a number of different places, ranging from beachfront resorts to many upscale commercial venues – it is a popular outdoor material. It is decorative, stylish, and modern, but can you really use it outside? When looking at wicker, you have two different types that you have to consider; synthetic wicker and natural wicker. The natural wicker is only intended for temporary outdoor use, while the synthetic wicker can be used for outdoor use.
Using It Outdoors – Synthetic Resin Wicker
There is some confusion when people talk about “outdoor wicker furniture.” Most of the time, this is the term that they use for synthetic resin wicker. When you start looking around at the different patio furniture options and many of the outdoor websites, this is what you are going to see. The synthetic version of wicker is made from Polyethylene or PVC. The most durable outdoor material between the two is Polyethylene.
Despite the fact that your outdoor wicker patio furniture is intended to put up a fight against the elements, it is still a good idea that you take care of your furniture as best as possible, to ensure that you are able to enjoy it for as long as possible.
Using It Outdoors – Natural Wicker
Even though the appearance may be similar, natural wicker is NOT meant to be used outdoors. Because it can deteriorate rather quickly, you only want to use natural wicker for indoor use. Even though you can use it on your deck in the summer, you want to take it back into the house during the evening. It is not a good idea to leave it exposed to the weather elements.
Regardless of how you treat it (spray-on, waterproofing etc.) mildew, mold, and moisture in combination with the sun are going to do a number on your natural wicker. You need to use resin wicker if you intend to use wicker furniture outside.
Especially if you want to have that natural look, make sure that you purchase quality wicker furniture if you intend to leave it outside. You will find that there is an extremely glossy finish to cheap resin wicker, which is going to make it feel less authentic and quite frankly, ‘cheap’.
If you are interested in learning more, browse through a few of our favorite suppliers and see for yourself that quality synthetic wicker furniture can look just like the real thing – but with a number of amazing benefits.
