The most common type of wicker is rattan. Rattan is a fibrous plant material closely related to the palm. It is strong, easy to weave, and highly resistant to splintering and snapping. Rattan is also easily painted, stained, or varnished, which makes it extremely popular for furniture. Among the sturdiest varieties of wicker, rattan is usually made into high use furniture, such as chairs, sofas, love seats, divans, and ottomans.

Cane is another variety of wicker, and uses a different part of the rattan plant. Similar to rattan in strength and durability, cane retains a naturally glossy finish that makes it impossible to paint or varnish. As a result, wicker patio furniture made from cane has a natural, unfinished look that can be exceptionally appealing in the proper setting. Cane is best suited for indoor use only; however, as the inability to varnish it greatly increases its vulnerability to the elements.

Reed is made from the innermost most layers of the rattan plant, and is the least sturdy variety of wicker. While soft, reed also takes paint, varnishes, and stains the most easily. Wicker accessories, such as baskets, and mirrors, are most commonly made from reed. Reed accessories are best used indoors. They can be varnished easily and are thus resistant to moisture, but are not sturdy enough for regular outdoor use.

Bamboo is commonly mistaken for rattan, but is actually a different plant. Bamboo is not commonly used in wicker patio furniture, as it is harder to weave into traditional patterns. It is commonly used in furniture items that aren't required to bear excess weight, such as cabinets, footstools, and desks. One of the toughest plants in the world, bamboo is highly durable and can be easily treated, making it highly resistant to the elements. Bamboo has become extremely popular because of it is an eco-friendly material and helps conserve our natural resources including rain forests.

Several varieties of synthetic wicker also exist. These are made to closely resemble rattan, cane, reed, and bamboo, but are far more durable. Synthetic wicker patio furniture can be used with impunity outdoors, as it is resistant to stains, rain, mildew, sun, and even salt water. Synthetic wicker is very difficult to tell apart from the real thing, and can be a great substitute for those looking for outdoor furniture.

When choosing your wicker patio furniture, make sure to find out whether the pieces you are interested in are made from rattan, cane, reed, bamboo, or synthetics. The differences might be important in choosing pieces suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and can save you money and time in the long run. Many of these look similar, so it is not that easy to tell the difference by just looking.