All About All-Weather Outdoor Wicker Furniture
When you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, it’s important to find a material that can hold up to the elements. You’ve probably heard of wicker, but there’s a special type you should look for. Here, we dive all-in on all-weather wicker patio furniture options and what you need to know about this material.
What is Wicker?
Wicker is a weave, not a material, technically. There is no wicker tree, and you’ll never find comfortable patio furniture growing naturally in the high wilderness. Wicker furniture can just as easily be synthetic as natural. And that’s where we can suss out the all-weather varieties.
Natural Wicker Options
Lots of wicker furniture is made from common natural materials, including rattan, bamboo and willow.
- Rattan is:
- Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible and durable.
- Low maintenance with no need for oiling.
- Hardy enough to stay on the patio year-round.
- Bamboo is:
- Fast-growing and sustainable.
- The strongest wood in the world.
- Naturally resistant to the elements.
- Willow is:
- Usually wrapped around a steel reinforcing skeleton.
- Kept supple by the heat of the sun.
Why Many Manufacturers Have Gone Synthetic
To sum it up, synthetic wicker is UV and weather-resistant, non-fading, highly durable, easily washable and lasts longer overall.
One of the most popular examples of synthetic wicker furniture is Cabana Coast outdoor wicker furniture. It looks, feels and functions just like natural wicker and is 100% recyclable. Plus it is covered by a 3-year warranty.
Synthetic Wicker Material Options
Synthetic wicker is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, offering a classic woven look with enhanced durability. The main materials include resin wicker, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
HDPE wicker is the highest quality and resistant to UV damage, cracking, and fading, making it ideal for all-weather use. Resin wicker is another durable option, often made from polyethylene, offering a balance of affordability and longevity. PVC wicker, while more budget-friendly, is less durable and prone to brittleness over time.
Choosing Your Outdoor Wicker Furniture
We recommend most buyers stick to dark colours of wicker furniture. If you choose white or light beige wicker, even though the look can be classic, wear and tear takes a toll faster than on dark furniture.
There are still plenty of dark options, including shades of brown, green, shadowy beige, red and black.
Also, measure out the space you have and think about the best way to maintain a balance of sitting and standing space. Large furniture sets can fill up an area quickly and your outdoor space should never feel cramped. The appearance of wicker already reduces the feeling of a cramped space, but planning is very important.
Find Other Sources of Light Colours
Although we recommend staying away from white wicker, we are very much on the side of brightening up your space with light pillows and accessories. Light-coloured cushions and pillows bring a beautiful contrast to your outdoor living space, especially if you have a medium-dark stain on your wood patio and dark wicker furniture.
Many cushions and pillows say they’re weatherproof, but we still recommend bringing them in or covering them when you aren’t using them. And, of course, bring them in for the winter.
Need New All-Weather Wicker Furniture?
Take a look at our complete selection of all weather wicker outdoor furniture and find the perfect set for your outdoor living space today.
Find everything online or stop by our showroom and take as many “test sits” as you want. Hey, an associate may even allow you to spill a drink on our showpieces, too. At the very least, you can ask about how the materials hold up to water.
OUTDOOR LIVING REDEFINED.