When looking at the different styles and brands of wicker patio furniture, chances are that you feel a bit confused – what should you be looking for if you want quality patio furniture but do not want to spend an arm and a leg. How do you tell the difference between buying something ‘flimsy’ and buying something where you are just spending extra for the name? In our two-part series we are going to tell you what you should be paying attention to.
Indicator #1 – Materials Are The First Sign To Look For
When you buy cheaper wicker patio furniture, it is going to unravel, tear, and scratch as time goes on. While this has an economic component (you will be paying for inferior quality) it also has an environmental component. This is because plastic non-biodegradable and will eventually sit on our landfills.
The best way to describe cheap wicker is that it feels ‘fake’. It is almost going to feel as though you are holding a piece of vinyl. When you sit on it, you will feel that the cheaper plastic wicker patio furniture sticks to your skin. One final thing to look for is the inconsistent texture in the material.
When we compare that to the quality wicker furniture (made from Polyethylene), you are going to notice the difference. Polyethylene is both safe for the environment and eco-friendly. Some of the better options are going to prevent fading due to sun exposure with the infused UV inhibitors. Because Polyethylene is resistant to fading, scratching, cracking, and able to withstand the elements, it is the type of material that you would want as your patio furniture.
You might assume that some of the large ‘bulk stores’ are going to buy in bulk – which can lead to great deals. Unfortunately, many of the larger stores have patio furniture that is incomparable to quality patio furniture in both quality and materials. Even though we get that you do not want to overpay – it is important to know what your money is getting you.
Indicator #2 – The Support System
If you are going to use your patio furniture for a long time, you want to make sure that it is not just the outside of the furniture that looks good in time, you want the frame to last as well. Many companies tend to save some money here, which leads to warping and bending as you continue to use it. If you want a light-weight construction while offering solid support, we highly recommend that you look at the thick gauge aluminum frames
One final area to look for is the finish on the frames – another tell-tale sign of quality wicker furniture. You know that you are dealing with quality furniture when the manufacturer decides to spend more time on the finish. In our second part, we are going to talk to you about the importance of the weave in wicker patio furniture.
