10 Best Wicker Patio Furniture and Buying Guide
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Top Rated Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker Patio Furniture Buying Guide
A well-designed outdoor space can function as your portable paradise to create pleasant memories with your loved ones. However, unlike indoor space, you can’t choose the right furniture for your outdoor space without some crucial consideration. This is generally because of the weather conditions. Despite all these concerns, with its unique advantages, wicker patio furniture is one of the most preferred choices for outdoor furniture. However, it might get overwhelming to choose the right wicker furniture. This is because of the various sizes, styles, models, costs, colors, etc., available on the market. This article will teach you how to choose the best wicker furniture for your outdoor space.
Why You Should Invest in Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
Wicker furniture has been used in outdoor spaces for centuries due to its fantastic and unique features. Here are some benefits you would enjoy when investing in wicker patio furniture.
They Have Natural Outlook
The most ingenious feature of wicker patio furniture is its natural look. This feature allows it to seamlessly fit with all patios, gardens, decks, etc. It has an attractive native grain and pure natural color that can uplift your mood on hot summer days.
And it doesn’t matter how much outdoor furniture evolves; outdoor furniture with natural looks like wicker will always be a preferred option. Wicker patio furniture is classic and will also never go out of style.
They Are Made for the Outdoor Space
When it comes to weight, costs, maintenance, and moisture resistance, wicker patio furniture is the ideal option. Wicker is made especially for all outdoor uses. It has the necessary features that help it to adapt to all outdoor and weather conditions.
And despite its numerous advantages, wicker patio furniture is more affordable than most wooden materials. How easily it adapts to outdoor conditions varies due to various raw materials. However, it is still the best furniture for your outdoor area if you are under a budget.
They Have Outstanding Weight Capacity
One of the standards people use to determine if a piece of furniture is perfect for outdoor space or not is its remarkable weight capacity. Wicker patio furniture has an incredibly sturdy fiber structure of basketry and raw materials. So, it is one of the most durable outdoor furniture regarding bearing performance. Wooden materials also perform pretty well. However, their water-phobic and heavyweight properties make them less stable, unlike wicker patio furniture.
They Are Available in a Variety of Choices
Because of their outstanding performance, wicker patio furniture is available in various designs, models, colors, etc. There are also thousands of wicker furniture, including coffee tables, sofa-table sets, side tables, etc., to meet everyone’s preferences and needs. You will always find one that will seamlessly fit your outdoor area.
Wicker And Rattan: Any Difference?
There have been several conflicting answers about wicker and rattan. And many people use these two terms to represent the same furniture. However, both wicker and rattan are two different concepts. Wicker is the way a particular material is prepared or weaved.
On the other hand, the rattan is a climbing palm tree abundant in Africa, Australia, and Asia. It is significantly malleable. Rattan can also be stained in various colors because of the absorbent structure of its material. Many manufacturers use it to make handcrafts and several furniture supplies.
In summary, while rattan is a material, wicker is a way of preparing and weaving materials. The reason why people mistake them for each other is that rattan and wicker furniture have similar looks.
However, there are many differences between them. The most significant difference is rattan furniture is made from rattan material, while most wicker furniture is made from synthetic rattan.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Wicker Patio Furniture
There are various factors you should consider before choosing your wicker patio furniture. If you prioritize these factors, you will make a better-informed buying decision. Here are some of them.
Thoroughly Consider the Furniture Size, Space Limitations, And Storage
The first factor to thoroughly consider is the size of your wicker patio furniture, the available space in your patio, space limitation, and storage.
The size of your wicker patio furniture set and how you arrange them can significantly expand your outdoor space’s floor plan. However, it depends on how you adapt and place the furniture set. Generally, it is better to choose between a single corner sofa and a sofa and side table set if you have a small outdoor area. When choosing your wicker patio furniture, you should prioritize the available space in your outdoor area.
Regarding size selection, picking the one that suits your needs is advisable. It’s not necessary to go for a size that will only fill up your available space; you must also consider the functionality.
Also, when picking its size, you must consider storing your wicker patio furniture during unfavorable seasons. If you choose a size that is too large, you might have issues storing it in your garage or basement. And using up all your available space that would have been useful for other things is not ideal.
Natural or Man-made Rattan: Which is Best For Your Outdoor Space?
There are two types of rattan materials used for wicker patio furniture; natural and resin. Let’s look at both to decide the one that is best for your outdoor space.
Natural Rattan: it is refreshing to view natural rattan because of its authentic colors and attractive patterns. When you use natural rattan for your indoor furniture, you will get an airy and seamless feel in your indoor space. So, it’s ideal for various interior decor themes. However, wicker furniture made for outdoor spaces might fade over time after exposure to sunlight if not appropriately maintained. This is because natural rattan is notorious for being affected by the weather. So, if you want to use natural rattan for your outdoor furniture, you must be willing to treat it once every year to maintain its original look.
Resin/Synthetic Rattan: this is the most common material used for wicker patio furniture. It doesn’t fade after being exposed to sunlight for long, making it perfect for outdoor applications. Resin rattan replicates the weaving process of natural rattan. And it comes in different colors. Manufacturers use high-density polyethylene to make high-quality resin rattan, while regular and more affordable resin rattan are made using PVC. If you want your wicker patio furniture to last a lifetime, resin rattan made from polyethylene is the best choice.
Do Not Forget the Little Details
Some little details might seem inconsequential when choosing your wicker patio furniture. However, those are the details you must prioritize to get the best wicker outdoor furniture. Here are some of them.
Weaving Type: There are three types of weaving: flat, narrow round, and half-round. Most homeowners prefer the flat weaving type because of its lightness. The narrow weaving type uses the maximum rattan in its weaving process. This weaving type makes your outdoor furniture heavier. A heavier weaving finish will keep your wicker patio furniture strong for a long time.
Straight And Tight Weave is better: since most wicker patio furniture is handwoven, it requires massive labor and skills to complete the job perfectly. A wicker patio furniture that is perfectly woven is usually straight and tight. This makes it last longer. On the other hand, shoddy and crooked weaving indicates poorly woven wicker furniture. You will not get the needed support and comfort with this type of wicker furniture. So, it would be best if you avoided them altogether.
Cushioning Material Type: wicker patio furniture usually uses two cushion materials: sandwich and foam sponge. Sandwich foam has one layer of Dacron and another layer of foam, making it the ideal cushion for wicker patio furniture. If you are on a budget, sponge foam is the better option. They are more affordable than sandwich cushions. However, it’s not ideal if you plan to use your wicker patio furniture often. Additionally, ensure you entirely avoid foams with low density that deliver little comfort and support. The minimum density of comfortable foams starts from 28kg per cubic meter.
Choose Furniture With Adjustable Pads: while this is based on personal preferences, choosing wicker patio furniture with adjustable pads is another factor you must consider. This is because most outdoor spaces are not level, unlike indoor floors. This will affect the balance of your wicker furniture. However, your furniture will seamlessly adjust to your outdoor space with adjustable pads. It will also provide a more stable and balanced experience for anyone stilling on it.
Final Thoughts
Wicker patio furniture is an ideal option for your outdoor area. It doesn’t matter what your outdoor furniture needs are; numerous wicker patio furniture sets will meet them. However, it would be best if you consider some vital factors before choosing your wicker patio furniture. These factors include your available space, the type of rattan you prefer, the weaving type, the cushion material, and the necessary accessories. This guide lets you choose the best wicker furniture for your outdoor area.
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