Many people look at their homes as lifelong investments. Much time is given in choosing the perfect location, walls, appliances, and furniture. Furniture can make or break a home. Mismatched couches greet your mornings with an eyesore, oversized dinner sets can make your dining area feel crowded, and uncomfortable beds make you wish you didn’t need to sleep. Today, one of the more popular furniture choices are those which are made from wicker.
Ideally, wicker furniture was never meant to endure the harsh outdoor weather. Classic wicker furniture are made of fibers which become brittle and dry after long hours under the sun. Water and moisture eventually loosen the weaving which leaves most owners with no other choice but to keep the furniture solely for indoor use. Fortunately, new technologies have made wicker outdoor furniture a possibility.
Wicker is not a type of material. Rather, it is the way materials like Rattan, Bamboo, Reed, Cane, and Paper Fiber are weaved. Although these are the most sought after, they are still not tough enough for the weather. New technology has introduced Resin and Viro Fiber which can withstand any types of weather.
- Resin or polypropylene resin can resist heat fading, cracking and discoloring. They have longer life span so you don’t have to repaint it all the time, unless you want to give it a new look. Resin is tough so you need not worry about maintaining it unlike other furniture.
- You would be happy to know that there is a furniture out there with a material that can withstand almost anything like hot temperature, weather changes, UV light, chlorine and salt water. The material is Viro fiber. It is polyethylene based so its one of the most durable material in the market.
Homeowners’ number one fear is getting the furniture dirty or smudged. This is especially true for white or lighter color furniture. Resin and Viro fiber will not make you worry any longer. They are easy to clean materials that are resistant to smudges and discoloration. With a little soap and water, you can have your wicker outdoor furniture looking new everytime despite the weather it is under.
How would you know that the wicker you are buying is a quality product? The label all weather wicker alone will not be able to ensure this. Therefore, you need to make sure:
- You should be careful when buying low priced all weather wicker furniture. They might be substituted with weak materials like Bamboo or Rattan. There will rot and decay easily so don’t be cheated.
- There should not be loose weavings as this will make way for loose ends. Premature damages tend to start this way.
- Are you planning to buy expensive white wicker? If you live with small children or pets, you might want to put this idea on hold. There is no furniture in the world that can withstand constant abuse even for the tough Resin and Viro Fibers. Permanent markers can also ruin your white wicker as they don’t come off easily.
- Are there any protections for the leg bottoms? You should equip your furniture with casters before placing them on top of your expensive floorings. You can fix them on yourself if you want.
Wicker patio furniture is at its best when coupled with softer textures such as pillows, cushions, or rugs. Choose contrasting colors to add a little life or keep things at a complement to imbibe a more classy touch. Furniture should be kept in a cohesive scale to ensure that no chair or table will overwhelm the other pieces. In the end, enjoy the process of choosing your wicker furniture. With so many designs and styles to choose from, you are sure to find one that intertwine quality, budget, and will best epitomize your personality.