Is wicker furniture durable

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wicker Outdoor Furniture

There are many advantages and few disadvantages to wicker furniture. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, there are many materials that can be used in wicker furniture. Wicker is a type of weaving that’s done with reeds, cane, or rattan vines to craft the furniture.

Advantages of Wicker Furniture

Attractiveness

When you have wicker furniture in your outdoor space, it’s like blending nature with nature. Its construction and materials make it seem tropical while at the same time being a natural addition to the environment in your backyard.

Wicker furniture doesn’t have to be brown, either. Wicker furniture can be a variety of colors depending on the color scheme you need in your backyard.

You could have a splash of color or have the furniture be a neutral tone. The choice is yours, but wicker furniture is beautiful in any color.

Devoko 5 Pieces Patio Furniture Sets All-Weather Outdoor Sectional Sofa (…)

Best Choice Products 3-Piece Outdoor Wicker Patio Bistro Set With (…)

Phi Villa 3 Piece New Patio Sectional Furniture Outdoor Sofa (…)

Durability and Construction

The materials used in the making of wicker furniture are incredibly strong and durable. Whether it’s rattan, reed, or bamboo, the material is strong before it’s even turned into outdoor furniture.

Once the material is woven onto a frame, it increases in toughness and durability. When you’re weaving the material, it increases the strength of the material dramatically.

Little to No Maintenance

If you’re purchasing wicker furniture in natural materials, they have a natural aversion to bugs and rot. They may be susceptible to extreme weather, but they can be lacquered to avoid water and mold. It’s easy to clean natural wicker by coating it yearly to keep it looking its best.

If you purchase wicker furniture in a resin or other man-made material, you’re getting a beautiful patio set. It’s one that won’t need to be cared for weekly or monthly, either. Just wipe it down if it gets dirty.

Steady and Safe

Wicker furniture is safe for children to use outdoors. While being steady, this furniture is also safe. Some wood furniture is heavy, and can become off balance.

A child might climb and tumble from the furniture pulling the piece to the ground, too. Wicker furniture is steady while also being lightweight. Children won’t get hurt if they tumble out of the chair.

Wood furniture is heavy while some other types of outdoor furniture is too light. It ends up tipping with the slightest shift of balance from the user.

Great Outdoor Options

Wicker furniture can be used indoors, of course, but the best options for seating are outdoor options. They will have sturdy metal frames and durable materials for the couches and chairs, which will also come with great cushions.

Much of the outdoor furniture will have options like seating as well as side tables and coffee tables. They’ll all be crafted from wicker to be incredibly durable.

Disadvantages of Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Loose Weave

When you purchase wicker furniture, you need to be sure that it’s well crafted. If there are any loose parts that weren’t weaved properly, those spots can unravel later. It will take some time for the weave to unravel, but it can ruin the entire conversation set.

Loose weave can be very uncomfortable, too. If the weave is loose on the seats or the arm of a chair, it will poke or scratch anyone who sits in the furniture. It might also scrape people as they walk by the chair.

Badly crafted wicker furniture are usually made by people who are charging a little amount of money. They’re cheaply made and cheaply sold.

Comfort Level

Wicker furniture isn’t always the most comfortable. That’s also true of most wood furniture, too. The outdoor furniture set that you choose should have comfortable cushions for increased comfort.

You’re not going to find natural wicker furniture that’s truly comfortable without some foam cushions. Thankfully, outdoor furniture usually comes with those accessories. Some even come with extra throw pillows and other cozy accessories.

Higher Cost

There are higher costs associated with some wicker furniture. If it’s handcrafted and made of natural materials, you’re paying for that craftsmanship. In this case, we almost added this to the advantages section.

If you’re like us, you don’t mind spending extra money for well-crafted pieces. They’ll last longer. You’ll have to decide whether your budget can handle a handwoven furniture set.

Conclusion

Many of the disadvantages we’ve talked about can be negated with some research. If you want to find well-crafted furniture, you’re going to spend a little more. It’s going to be cozy and built to last. It won’t have loose weaving or broken pieces. It’ll be reinforced and able to withstand the elements outside.

We are huge fans of wicker outdoor furniture. It’s stunningly beautiful. If you want the look of wicker without the price tag, you could always choose a resin or other composite material. It’ll give you the same beauty at a lesser price.

Related posts:

The Best Types Of Naturally Bug And Rot Resistant Wood For Patio Furniture
How to Winterize a Gazebo
How to Set Up a Gazebo on Grass, Concrete, or Pavers
Your Guide to Decorating Your Gazebo For Christmas

What You Should Know Before Buying Wicker Furniture

Weaving Process, Materials, and Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Abe Abbas

Abe Abbas is a furniture expert who has worked as a design consultant for Sears Home Life, Levitz, and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. He has over 30 years of experience in the furniture industry—working with all facets from retail sales, design, buying, marketing, and importing. He has also owned and managed high-volume furniture stores in California.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/07/22

Fact checked by

Sarah Scott

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

During the process of buying furniture, there are several different materials and styles to consider that have a variety of purposes in the home. When it comes to outdoor furniture, a popular choice is wicker, and if you're wondering what is wicker made of, you'll be surprised by the answer.

What Is Wicker?

The term "wicker" refers to a style of weaving used in making furniture—in fact, the method of furniture-making was found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Natural wicker is made from a variety of vines, grasses, and plants. Wicker furniture is sometimes referred to as rattan furniture, but wicker and rattan are not the same things technically. The rattan plant is a commonly used material for wicker furniture.

It's common for wicker to be confused for a material or believed to be a type of wood when it is really the term for a weaving process. That means wicker furniture is not confined to being made from only natural materials. Wicker can be made from any natural or man-made material that is pliable and durable enough to be woven into furniture.

Wicker can be used for outdoor and indoor furniture, as seating, tables, storage shelves, plant stands, and more. Outdoor areas and coastal-style homes are popular settings for wicker furniture. However, there are some differences in the manufacturing material that is used depending on where a specific piece of furniture is designed to be placed.

The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Use

Many furniture manufacturers commonly use synthetic vinyl and resins as materials for outdoor wicker furniture rather than organic materials preferred for indoor wicker pieces. Because pieces placed outside need to withstand moisture, sunlight, and dry conditions for use in various climates, synthetic options help prevent wicker furniture from breaking down over time. Organic and natural materials are better suited for indoor use and in more protected environments.

The Weaving Process

While the materials used for construction may vary, a similar weaving process is utilized to create wicker furniture of both organic and synthetic types. The material used for weaving wicker is run horizontally in an over-under pattern between vertical strands to achieve a uniform, sturdy piece. The same process is used for making indoor or outdoor wicker furniture.

There are also many styles and weaves to choose from. When browsing wicker furniture for your home, you'll find modern and traditional options to suit your decor that ranges from pieces with straight, even lines to designs with more curves and unique details. Wicker can also be found in many different colors along with natural or white finishes.

Materials Used in Wicker

Synthetic vinyl and resins create a consistent aesthetic appearance on outdoor wicker furniture. These man-made materials, especially when paired with aluminum frames, create more durable furnishings for outdoor use, especially when exposed to sunlight and moisture.

Furniture made from organic materials should not be used outdoors, as moisture and excessive sunlight can cause deterioration over time. Natural options are more likely to dry out and fray when exposed to the elements.

If you've ever wondered how to tell if a piece of wicker furniture is real, you're likely questioning if the wicker is woven of natural materials. There are four major types of organic materials used for indoor wicker furniture:

Rattan
Bamboo
Reed
Willow

Rattan

Rattan is the most popular for indoor use. This material is made from the thin, pliable stem of a palm, which is easy to bend into various shapes—often after a steaming process—but sturdy enough for use in furniture. Along with making the exterior surfaces of wicker furniture, rattan is also commonly used to build the frames around which the weave is created.

Bamboo

Bamboo is less flexible than rattan, but this material can be a great option for unique looks and hardy frames.

Reed

Reed is derived from the inner pith of rattan, and it maintains the stem's sturdy construction but with a lighter color. Reed was a favored material for antique wicker furniture.

Willow

Willow is commonly used to construct woven wicker baskets and other light-duty furniture and decor that aren't required to hold as much weight as rattan.

Caring for Wicker Furniture

If you want maintenance-free furniture, you might want to pass on choosing wicker. Even if your wicker furniture is designed to stay outside, it requires care to stay in good condition. Moisture can lead to mildew when trapped inside tight weaves. Wipe down your furniture after rainfall or dewy weather to keep it as dry as possible.

The sun may also play a part in deterioration, so it's best to place your outdoor wicker furniture in an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Overexposure to the sun may lead to splintering in certain types of wicker. A large umbrella can help protect your furniture to maintain its look and quality.

Take care to keep wicker furniture clean. Touch-ups from time to time with a freshening coat of paint or replacing broken strands can keep it looking beautiful for years.

Features of operation of wicker furniture made of artificial rattan

Wicker furniture made of artificial rattan is a worthy alternative to products made from natural wicker. It is light, beautiful, relatively inexpensive. And yet - durable, if you follow the simple rules of care, operation and storage.

Where and how to use artificial rattan furniture?

Artificial rattan furniture can be used not only indoors, but also outdoors, balconies. It is ideal for cafes, hotels, boarding houses, gazebos and terraces of private houses. nine0003

It is believed that artificial rattan is not afraid of high and low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation. However, products made from this material should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time (the shade may change slightly).

It is strictly forbidden:

place hot objects on the surface;
to shake furniture, for example by swinging on the edge of a chair;
to exert an unusual load on the object - for example, to stand with one's feet on a deck chair; nine0017
use solvents, acetone, cleaning abrasives;

Artificial rattan is a fairly durable material, but it can be accidentally damaged with a knife, coloring agents (spill brilliant green, iodine).

Transport and care instructions

Caring for artificial rattan furniture is a little more difficult than for plastic products, but much easier than for natural vines. Periodically, you need to clean the surface with a vacuum cleaner or a regular brush with soft bristles (sometimes just lightly tapping with your palm is enough). After removing the small debris accumulated in the grooves and crevices, you need to wipe the artificial rattan with a rag or a napkin soaked in soapy water. The next step is to rinse the furniture straight out of the garden hose and let it air dry until completely dry. nine0003

The procedure takes place indoors and there is no possibility of wet cleaning? Dry wiping is sufficient. For heavy soiling, use a high-pressure cleaner in moderate mode.

If the furniture includes elements made of wood, glass, textiles, metal, they are looked after with the help of special household chemicals. Of course, a natural wood countertop or textiles should not be hosed down. The pillows are made from water-repellent acrylic fabric. Dirty covers can be easily machine washed on a gentle cycle. nine0003

When transporting furniture, it should be packed in a stretch film and securely fastened. It is necessary to avoid the pressure of heavy objects, proximity to chemical reagents, piercing and cutting objects.

How to choose

Before directly purchasing artificial rattan furniture, you need to decide where exactly it will be used. In the garden or indoors? In room? Will the furniture be used all the time or only occasionally? Also of great importance is the design performance of the product, the color of the material. nine0003

It is important that the purchased furniture is in harmony with the interior. It should not play the role of a pleasant addition without attracting too much attention.

In the selection process, you should pay attention to the density of weaving. The denser the loops are placed to each other, the better the product will be. The same applies to the degree of weaving tension. The frame of rattan furniture must be very stable and reliable. If the furniture is of high quality, then the frame should be made of stainless steel or aluminum. nine0003

All rattan furniture that will withstand heavy loads should have another layer of weaving on the inside. Usually these are either belts or a mesh made of metal.

If artificial rattan furniture is chosen for a garden plot, then attention should be paid to the quality of the joints. If the product is of high quality, then it will have only one joint. If the weaving is not even, cracks are visible, then this indicates a low quality of the product. Naturally, its acquisition should be abandoned. nine0003

As a rule, artificial rattan is coated with oil-based paint, which also contains polyurethane. After that, it is opened with a special varnish. With a significant load, rattan furniture with such a coating may begin to “crunch”. This is not a disadvantage. The sound comes from the fact that the lacquered rattan rods rub against each other at the junctions.

It is also necessary to pay attention to how comfortable rattan furniture is. Agree that only comfortable furniture is able to show all its best qualities in the process of use. Preference should be given only to reliable manufacturing companies that have proven themselves only on the positive side. nine0003

Benefits

Furniture made from artificial rattan is increasingly gaining the trust of consumers. There are many reasons for this, and the very first of them is the affordable cost. In appearance, there is practically no difference between products made of artificial and natural rattan. Both types of this material are actively used in furniture production. However, artificial rattan has certain advantages. From it, you can create more original and multi-tasking designs with increased practical characteristics. nine0003

So, the main advantages of artificial rattan are the following nuances:

This material has a long service life. Therefore, furniture made from it will also last for many years. It should be noted that natural rattan cannot boast such a long service life.
High wear resistance. Artificial rattan furniture is made by creating a metal frame, which is then braided with artificial rattan ribbons. The finished silicone fiber construction is very durable and retains its beautiful appearance for a long time. Therefore, such furniture is very often used in public institutions. nine0017
Another advantage is that artificial rattan is not afraid of exposure to moisture, temperature changes and other vagaries of the weather. Therefore, artificial rattan furniture is great for outdoor use. It will retain all its properties regardless of weather conditions.
Products made of artificial rattan do not require special care. They can be washed under running water. If necessary, cleaning products and washing agents can be used to clean such products. In other cases, it is enough just to wipe the furniture from dust with a damp cloth. nine0017
Rattan furniture has a high degree of convenience. It is ideal for relaxation. Armchairs and sofas made of rattan have some orthopedic properties, taking the shape of the human body, creating an unforgettable comfort.
Naturally, all the qualities of artificial rattan furniture that were listed above are nicely complemented by the low cost of tables, chairs, armchairs and other interior items.

Finally, it is worth adding that rattan furniture can be very diverse in terms of design. Artificial rattan can be of any color, length. It may have a different cross-sectional shape. Furniture from it goes well with textiles, leather, metal, stone and glass. nine0003

How to store artificial rattan furniture?

For long-term storage, artificial rattan products can be stored in an unheated room (garage, closet) or left under a canopy. As an option, garden furniture can also winter in the open air, but it should be packed in a film, installed in a place so that icicles and tree branches do not fall. An important point - it is necessary to ensure air circulation. The "enemies" of artificial rattan are condensation, mold, rodents (mice, rats). nine0003

For compactness, chairs, armchairs, are stacked on top of each other. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the uniform distribution of the load and avoid excessive pressure of heavy objects in order to avoid deformation. Textile pillows are stored in a dry place.

Subject to these simple rules of operation, care and storage, artificial rattan furniture will last at least 10 years.

Material source

Video. production of artificial rattan furniture

Rattan furniture. An overview of the pros and cons. Advantages and disadvantages.

Rattan furniture for the domestic consumer is quite an exotic product. Rattan is one of the 600 palm tree species. The birthplace of the breed is Asia, Africa and Australia. Rattan is a fiber of a palm tree, specially processed as a material for making furniture. Due to its unique look, rattan furniture is able to match with any kind of garden design, which means it is perfect for those who are looking for a chic addition to their backyard. nine0003

Palm material for rattan furniture, as a result of processing, it acquires weather-resistant characteristics. It is durable and stylish looking. Rattan furniture is often used outdoors, in gardens, country houses, patios, etc. Manufacturers offer expensive handmade wicker furniture and industrial options at an affordable price. Find out all the pros and cons of rattan furniture, we offer from our short review.

Fresh air, warm sunshine and fragrant flowers… . There is nothing better than being in nature on a fine day. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee while basking in the sun's gentle rays, or enjoying the cool, crisp evening air with friends, you'll definitely need something comfortable to sit down on. nine0003

Rattan garden furniture sets are the perfect addition to your yard. It will become an indispensable assistant in organizing a party. Rattan furniture offers a great variety of combinations of chairs, armchairs, and kitchen tables of various sizes.

No other piece of furniture fits into outdoor spaces like wicker rattan furniture. Wicker type of furniture, reminiscent of creepers, vines and naturally blends with plants, becoming part of your gardens and your lawns. Rattan garden furniture creates an enchanting picture that just invites you to sit down and enjoy a warm summer day. nine0003

However, like all other options, wicker furniture has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, wicker rattan furniture is a great option for those who want to achieve a more natural look to their patio. When natural wicker furniture is used, it brings a retro design feel to your home, a natural, earthy feel. You can also design with wicker furniture to match the modern rhythm of life - the sharpness depends on the project you choose. nine0003

The main reason why rattan furniture is found in modern society is its versatility. The furniture elements are extremely easy to fit into any part of the garden and blend easily with the decor of the patio. That is why rattan furniture is present in various landscaping and gardening projects.

In fact, most homeowners tend to look for a certain, established look. A style that has been associated with rattan garden furniture for many years. However, works from this material open up new possibilities beyond this standard style. The description below shows how items made from this material can help enhance both simple rustic and more complex garden landscapes. nine0003

Rustic rustic rattan furniture

Rustic or earthy style is one of the most popular ways owners look at furniture for their gardens. After all, an outdoor area is an opportunity to enjoy peace and commune with nature. This has its own meaning. One gets the feeling that rattan furniture should be grounded in the terrain, offering something natural and durable.

And these are not empty words. Such an association with rattan garden furniture can really help to improve the overall atmosphere of a rustic garden or summer cottage strongly connected to nature. The main factor that attracts most homeowners to this style is the depiction of the beauty and delights of simple rural life. nine0003

Such bucolic poetry creates a natural scene, such as the landscape of a forest. Rattan furniture perfectly sets the trend for a rustic mood. Each piece of rattan actively contributes to help you feel like a real villager in your outdoor home garden.

Indeed, a suitable rattan sofa or table, hidden in a cozy corner of the garden under a deciduous tree, brings peace and beauty at the touch of a glance. It seems that when placed among the raw textures of vegetation and other edges of the neighborhood, faux rattan furniture stands out for its regular geometry. However, rattan elements go well with the rustic type of landscape. nine0003

The designers claim they are a suitable alternative to rustic mounds. In a rustic outdoor area, rattan furniture brings an extra touch of style.

Sophisticated style rattan furniture

Of course, an idyllic rural feel isn't the only thing rattan furniture can provide. Wicker garden furniture can be used to create unusual projects. The material is convenient in the implementation of bizarre forms for the garden, equally similar to the process of gardening. nine0003

There are many features that make rattan furniture attractive to homeowners. The most obvious is the visual appeal. The natural beauty makes wicker rattan furniture ideal candidates for stylish parties. It serves as an adornment of modern recreation areas. Rattan furniture "feels right at home", on the terrace of the house, on the beach or in the pool area.

Some urban areas can also be strengthened by the presence of unusual projects at first glance. You can meet wicker rattan furniture at the summer cafe grounds. In trendy youth bars. In the chic restaurants of some of the largest and greatest cities in the world. nine0003

As in rural landscapes, rattan furniture helps to give these areas an extra touch of class equality. At the same time, without leaving visitors impersonal. Street cafes are literally filled with a cozy atmosphere that cannot be obtained if metal furniture were preferred.

It is clear that rattan garden furniture is much more versatile than it might seem at first glance. Its potential is much wider than the average homeowner can imagine. The easy way in which rattan furniture blends in beautifully with most types of landscaping draws in the buyer. nine0003

Exterior solutions give the garden patio an atmosphere of stylish coziness. Even artificial rattan furniture makes you feel better at your summer cottage. This is a significant reason why more and more suburban homeowners are falling in love with rattan furniture and other interior items made from this material!

Benefits of rattan furniture

Durability. You will be surprised, but despite the apparent frivolity of the design, rattan furniture perceives daily loads with enviable stability. Furniture made from natural fibers cannot boast of a low price. However, the owners do not worry about a sharp deterioration in its condition and calmly leave wickerwork in the sun, rain and wind. nine0003

Lightweight and stretchy rattan construction for everyday use. In fact, the lifespan claimed for rattan furniture exceeds that of traditional wooden products. Needless to say, that modern furniture with leather or fabric trim is inferior to rattan in terms of reliability?

Exterior versatility. In addition to the stated strength, rattan furniture may have the characteristics of a classic spring look. Versatility lies in equal use both outdoors and indoors. nine0003

Wicker products can remain in their natural color, rattan can be tinted and varnished, sometimes even bleached, in any case, rattan furniture can be easily combined with any color scheme in the house and on the street. Brown with “highlighted” veins furniture braid is the main and traditional color combination of rattan products. Reminiscent of the Victorian era, rattan furniture is a great tool in the hands of a designer who wants to fill the interior with new solutions.

The wicker design of rattan furniture, which has proven itself from the best side, has not lost its relevance over time. It still remains in demand, and modern, despite its classic forms. The versatility of designs allows the use of rattan furniture in multi-purpose rooms. Living room, swimming pool, bathroom or solarium - everywhere it will be relevant and will give the owner and guests the opportunity to touch nature without leaving home.

Climate change resistance

The rattan wood structure is extremely durable. The fibers are able to maintain strength characteristics in conditions of extreme heat and cold. One of the main reasons why wicker furniture is used outdoors is that it looks great no matter the weather.

Another advantage is that rattan furniture is very durable. Well-made and tightly woven rattan furniture can last you several years without causing problems. With regular maintenance, it will look great in your garden for decades, if not more. nine0003

Manufacturers, in addition to natural rattan, offer synthetics. It is cheaper, but the imitation of natural fiber is impeccable. Synthetic wicker furniture is an all-weather product whose material is exceptionally hardy. Synthetic fiber furniture is resistant to everyday wear and tear.

Wicker furniture, made from natural and therefore more fragile materials, is very resilient. To a certain extent, it can withstand the damaging effects of bad weather and is able to perceive the hot sun. But we must understand that this is not an Egyptian pyramid. Avoid direct contact with water on the furniture, do not let it soak in water. If possible, with the onset of rainy weather, hide rattan furniture under a canopy, this will help increase the service life. nine0003

Cons of rattan furniture

Potentially less comfortable than in a home chair. Woven fiber furniture is durable. But unfortunately may be less comfortable to sit comfortably. This is especially noticeable if you sit for a long period of time. Certainly furniture with cushions, fabric or leather wins this round.

However, it may be more comfortable than solid wood chairs. In addition, you can purchase cushions or cushions to make your wicker chairs and sofas more comfortable. There are wicker things that you don't sit on at all, like tables, cabinets, and shelves. nine0003

High cost of production

Wicker furniture is really expensive. Compared to conventional types of furniture, it is more expensive. This is mainly due to the fact that the construction details are painstakingly handcrafted for each chair. Weaving vegetable fibers requires many labor-intensive operations. Furniture items made of natural fibers are handmade by craftsmen. They cannot afford to sell products at cheap prices.

Unlike large manufacturers, handicraft single items are more expensive than mass-produced furniture on machine tools.