Wicker is a type of furniture that is not only durable but also lightweight. When you are buying for your outdoor, be sure to go for weather resistant ones or the one without upholstery. Wicker furniture would have to be treated from time to time and they are not as durable as aluminum, wrought iron or teak.
Wicker creates the relaxing atmosphere like no other. This is what more people crave after a long day at work. Another advantage of wicker is that they are fairly cheap compared to most types of furniture. Wicker comes in many different colors too and if you aren’t satisfied with what you find in stores, you may want to paint your own preferred color.
However, you may want to monitor children’s activities such as jumping on the wicker tables because the weaving can break. The woven pattern is what makes wicker different from other furniture.
Wicker has been around since the ancient Egyptian days. During those days, it was very common to find tools made from wicker and not furniture.
Also, the wicker today can be found in more variety such as vines, bamboo, willow and different kinds of reeds. The variety is also reflected in the results; one can find wicker tables, rocking chairs, ottomans and loveseats. As well, there are reproductions of Victorian furniture.
You won’t have to worry about running out of ideas in styling and finishes for your wicker furniture. You can even choose simpler style but accessorizing with cushions. Cushions for outdoor wicker furniture should complement the color scheme you already have. It is advisable to go for solid colors or busy prints for both will do a great job in concealing dirty marks. Your cushions should also be able to withstand the harsh outdoor environment for a longer period of time.
You can find two types of wicker. One is the loom woven which are made from rattan, bamboo or cane. Loom woven is the other type that is made from hand woven polyethylene, resin or fiber glass. Outdoor wicker furniture such as the tables is coated with resin emulsion to protect it. Synthetics are framed with aluminum.
When wicker is wet, it is pliable. This is when the strands of wicker is woven together tightly. After it has dried, the furniture will then be sealed, sanded, stained and lacquered in colors like bronze, sage or pewter.
Did you know that in the tropical rainforest, rattan can grow up to a hundred feet tall? It is a very strong material and is often turned into couch frames or spiraling designs for arm rests and back of furniture. You can be sure rattan will not splinter or break.
If you care for your wicker furniture like coating it with protectant and clean regularly, you can be sure that they stay around for many years. If you want to vacuum it, go with the weave. If you spill liquid on them, make it a point to quickly clean it as they can absorb moisture fast especially those that are unsealed. You can also quickly clean wicker by using hose but do not put on too much pressure.
Some may not be contented with just seeing their wicker furniture looking pretty in the patio. For those who are keen on wicker, why not take a course in repairing them? The chair canning for instance is the type of course you can take. You can also get the new look by painting your furniture.
What you need for your outdoor area is completely up to you to decide. You might want to keep it simple or have a full set. However, just be sure to choose synthetic wicker because it will do better in the outdoor and to better protect them, place your furniture under shade.
Don’t wait any longer to beautify that patio of yours. With many choices of garden chairs, benches, dining tables, swings and gliders, you should be able to achieve the best look that satisfies your need.