While plastic and metal furniture are more durable, wicker will last a long time if properly cared for. One of the best ways to maintain wicker patio furniture is by purchasing furniture covers. Covers help keep off rain and direct sunlight, and can provide additional decorating options. Regularly re-varnishing wicker will increase its durability, in addition to keeping it looking shiny and new. It is also a good idea to keep whicker in the shade as much as possible, as too much direct sunlight and heat can cause it to warp or fade. Some wicker furniture is coated with resin, which provides additional protection against the weather without greatly increasing the cost.

Wicker patio furniture is substantially lighter than metal and plastic furniture, and can thus be easily moved, providing the home and garden decorator with great flexibility. This portability can also allow owners to store their wicker furniture indoors during poor weather. Wicker's lightweight construction also allows homeowners to easily reposition their furniture to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Remember that many of us have to transport our outdoor stuff into storage up to two times during the year as spring comes and summer ends.

As opposed to clunky plastic furniture, wicker patio furniture has a classic style that looks at home in the sunroom, in the garden, or next to the pool. Wicker comes in many varieties, including bamboo, reed, rattan, and cane, and can thus fit into any particular decorating theme.

While more expensive than plastic garden furniture, wicker is substantially cheaper than metal or solid wood. By providing a lower cost, yet elegant, class of furniture, wicker allows homeowners to get a little bit more bang for their buck. Buyers can usually get a set of wicker chairs, and a table or loveseat for the same price as a pair of metal chairs.

Wicker furniture also provides greater comfort than most other varieties of garden furniture, and this is probably wicker's greatest appeal. Plastic, while durable and cheap, is uncomfortable and lacks aesthetic appeal. Metal, while close to wicker furniture in comfort, is expensive, heavy, and can get hot in direct sunlight. With the right set of cushions, wicker chairs and sofas can become amongst the most comfortable furniture money can buy. While comfortable, wicker furniture is generally recommended for persons of slight to average build, as most pieces are not rated to support weights in excess of 220 pounds.

Although it requires some additional care to maintain, wicker patio furniture can last for a long time if properly cared for. When combined with its other advantages of comfort, portability, price, and style, it's very easy to see why wicker remains one of the most popular forms of garden furniture.