Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture – Tips for Buying and Maintenance
Today’s outdoor wicker patio furniture is a far cry from what it used to be. With a vast array of available options from traditional styling to hot new trends and a wide range of colors, the old rickety grandma’s country kitchen look is a thing of the past. Wicker furniture can fit in any dcor, and with proper maintenance can serve your family for many years.
As you are choosing the furniture for your patio, there are things you should consider carefully and keep in mind including:
Is your patio big, tiny or somewhere in-between?
Will the furniture receive heavy use?
How do you plan to use the furniture?
What style do you prefer?
Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to narrow down your choices to the right wicker furniture set for your outdoor living space. Keep in mind that a small wicker set will look lost on a large patio just as a large set will overwhelm a small space. Choosing the right size of furnishings is just as important as choosing the right color and style for your home or patio space.
It is critical that you select wicker furniture sets of high quality material and workmanship for your outdoor usage. The higher quality materials do better in outdoor conditions than lesser quality materials do. You can eliminate any options involving reconstituted paper for your outdoor wicker patio furniture. This material can not withstand regular use, or the rigors of outdoor conditions. When it comes to natural wicker furniture sets, your best choices for extended outdoor use are rattan or bamboo.
Select a wicker set that includes a heavy-duty frame made of aluminum for lasting durability. Finally, pay careful attention to the wicker weave on the furniture. In high-quality pieces, the wicker will be woven tight enough that you cannot see the frame beams. The spaces you see between the weave in a lower quality wicker furniture piece will grow larger over time, reducing the comfort and appearance of your wicker furniture.
All outdoor wicker furniture should be sealed to protect it from the weather, regardless of the climate you live in. While you could choose painted wicker, pieces coated with a resin sealant will showcase the wicker’s natural beauty. At least yearly, you should clean your furniture thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse it off with a hose and place it in a location where it will dry quickly. You may also find it necessary to occasionally refinish your furniture with a clear lacquer or varnish.
Outdoor wicker patio furniture is available in styles to fit every need. Contemporary couches and lounge chairs make for an attractive outdoor seating area. Dining and bistro sets are available in wicker to accommodate your entertaining needs, both large and small. And for those who love Grandma’s old, white furniture, you’ll be thrilled to know that the country kitchen style is still alive and well…although in a much higher quality.
If you are feeling a bit of sticker shock after looking at wicker furniture prices, remember that quality costs money. However, don’t let a high price tag deter you from your dream of a fabulous wicker set. Shop at the end of the season when clearance sales have patio furniture available at a bargain. It may be inconvenient to store all winter long, but you will not regret the purchase in the spring when you have a beautiful patio to enjoy all summer long.
