Outdoor wicker patio furniture looks beautiful and is easy to care for compared to other forms of furniture. Additionally, its versatility fits nicely into many home decor styles.
Cleaning wicker patio furniture involves using mild soap or non-bleach laundry detergent mixed with warm water on a soft brush or rag, followed by leaving the furniture to air-dry completely before placing back outside in order to avoid mold and mildew build-up.
Styles
Since 1912, wicker furniture has been used to beautify interior spaces from elegant city apartments to suburban sunrooms and vacation homes. Even today, it remains an attractive option for outdoor living spaces due to its natural look and feel, welcoming both eyes and bodies alike. Wicker can even pair well with wood accent pieces and metal finishes.
When purchasing wicker patio furniture sets, it’s essential to take both space and function into consideration. If your goal is to entertain guests, a sectional sofa may provide ample seating capacity while still leaving room for conversation. Conversely, for creating a cozy reading nook in an intimate corner of the garden a wicker chaise lounge could be more appropriate.
Color should also be an important consideration. Wicker furniture comes in many hues, and choosing one appropriate to the climate in which you reside will ensure long-lasting beauty. If you live in a warm and humid area, lighter colors would help minimize heat absorption while more temperate areas might prefer darker tones to protect from UV rays from the sun.
While most wicker furniture sets are produced using synthetic resin wicker, natural rattan may also be found. While natural rattan will require more maintenance to keep its appearance intact than resin-made sets, natural wicker furniture sets still add charm and character to your backyard space.
No matter your style, PatioLiving has all of the latest and greatest in outdoor wicker furniture to meet every taste. Our collection includes all weather wicker sets as well as individual pieces crafted from high-quality materials such as durable synthetic ArtFibre handwoven over aluminum frames. Browse through our chairs, loveseats, sofas and ottomans to find that perfect addition for your outdoor living space today – shop with confidence today!
Materials
There are various patio furniture materials to select from, each offering its own set of qualities that appeal to different individuals. Some prefer cast iron’s timelessness while others appreciate wood’s natural aesthetics. Furthermore, homeowners don’t necessarily want a single style dominating their space so opting for pieces with multiple styles can add variety.
Wicker furniture is an ideal solution for anyone who seeks an adaptable material that blends easily into existing spaces. While traditional wicker is made from rattan that is vulnerable to weather elements, synthetic versions are constructed using high-performance plastic that is resilient against harsh climates and heavy usage. You’re sure to find an array of colors in synthetic wicker to complete the look of any outdoor living space or create something completely unique!
Manufacturers combine wicker with aluminum or wrought iron frames to produce more stable and long-term patio furniture pieces. If you opt for this style of patio furniture, be sure to purchase high-quality pieces as cheaper frames may warp or rust more quickly than their higher quality counterparts. Additionally, aluminum and wrought iron cannot withstand humidity or rain conditions, so when stormy conditions strike keep these pieces protected.
Resin wicker furniture is another great choice, thanks to its resistance to weather elements and beautiful aesthetics. Resin fibers are tightly woven into tight weaves to resist damage. Resin fibers also resist sunlight exposure and the depredations of pets or children (although sharp teeth or claws could do some damage even to tough resin fibers).
Maintaining your wicker furniture regularly is the best way to extend its life and prevent mildew growth on its surfaces. Use a garden hose and mix water and bleach together for routine washings of the surface to eliminate dirt, debris and stains from its surfaces as well as mildew growth on them.
Maintenance
Wicker furniture is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor seating, offering simple care and an array of decor styles. However, as with any piece of patio furniture, regular maintenance must be performed to keep it looking its best and ensure longevity of use. Here are three maintenance considerations for wicker patio furniture to help extend their longevity:
Clean Wicker Furniture
Wicker is an extremely resilient material, but it can become subject to dirt buildup over time. This buildup can leave it looking worn-down and faded; while stubborn grime may even damage fibers over time. In order to prevent this, be sure to clean your wicker furniture at least once each month using either a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment, broom or toothbrush to get deep into any crevices or corners in your furniture or by gently brushing with soapy water if you don’t own either option!
Synthetic wicker furniture may be more resilient than natural wicker, but it still needs to be maintained regularly to avoid abrasions and discoloration. Create a solution of mild dish soap, non-bleach laundry detergent or non-abrasive household cleaner with warm water in a bucket and use this to form a solution with which you use soft bristle brush to lightly scrub over surface of furniture using this solution. After brushing away surface debris using soft bristle brush scrubbing solution, rinse thoroughly using garden hose or cloth so as to avoid soap water staining over time!
If you own natural wicker furniture, it is crucial that any excess moisture be removed immediately in order to prevent mold and mildew growth. If any buildup of mold or mildew occurs, try using a mildew remover such as bleach to treat affected areas. In addition, avoid placing your furniture near salty ocean breezes as this could shorten its lifespan significantly.
Protecting wicker furniture when not in use with covers is recommended to prevent dirt accumulation on cushions and make removal and cleaning easier when necessary. You could also add another layer of defense by sealing it with clear sealant or wax coatings.
Storage
Although wicker furniture is long-lasting and resilient, it still requires care and maintenance in order to look its best. Most importantly, natural or synthetic wicker should be stored properly to keep out moisture damage, dirt and grime accumulation as well as prevent any irreparable damage in storage. Cleaning will help make sure it’s ready to go once warmer weather returns – which could save time when looking back through it later!
Wicker furniture may be designed for outdoor use, but temperature fluctuations and sun can still damage it over time. Even resin wicker is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays which can wreak havoc over time by fading it over time; to limit this fading process it should be stored away in dark environments or covered with protective covering when not being used.
Cleaning wicker furniture is relatively straightforward, although the specific steps may differ depending on its material. Natural wicker should be vacuumed regularly to remove surface dirt while synthetic wicker may require damp cloth or sponge wiping down for best results. Manufacturers also often recommend mixing water and mild soap for outdoor wicker furniture frames and crevices, and wood trim pieces require cleaning with wood cleaner in water mixture to restore their beauty.
If your wicker furniture features cushions, it is important to wash them prior to storing them away for winter storage. The process for washing cushions should mirror that of other indoor fabrics like sofa cushions. Most cushions can be washed in the washing machine with mild detergent while some may need to be taken apart and washed separately; when washing covers separately ensure they are completely dry before putting back on cushions.
Wicker furniture often contains metal framing that is vulnerable to corrosion in wintertime, which can compromise its structure and lead to structural issues. To combat this risk, certain kinds of wicker pieces, particularly those constructed with aluminum frames, should be coated in an outdoor furniture protector to seal out moisture that could corrode and damage metal. Alternatively, galvanization provides another means of shielding it from environmental elements.
