Find out what the difference is between wicker and natural resin wicker. Synthetic usually means fake, right? Well, not in this case. Organic wicker is considered the original and authentic form. While this is true, it is just not practical for outdoor use. The best move is to go with outdoor wicker furniture.
99% of the time, outdoor wicker patio sets are made from synthetic resins. Resin wicker is made to look like natural wicker without aging like it as well. The word Wicker is derived from the Scandinavian word “wika” which means “to bend.”
Rattan is Not Wicker and Wicker is Not Rattan
First, I want to make clear the distinction between wicker and rattan. A lot of people use the terms interchangeably but they are two very different things. Wicker refers to the type of weave while rattan is an actual a natural material fiber. Rattan is fiber used to make natural wicker sets. You can jump to this page to learn more.
Natural Wicker
Natural wicker is made from plant materials. Natural materials were used long ago during the times of Ancient Egypt to make wicker baskets. Unfortunately for your patio, natural wicker is susceptible to rain, sleet, snow, moisture, and other forms of inclement weather.
A close up of natural wicker.
Natural wicker is perfectly fine for indoor use but it’s not suitable for the outdoors. That is why resin wicker is used to make outdoor wicker furniture that looks and feels like the real thing.
What is Synthetic Resin Wicker
Also known as All-Weather Wicker, synthetic resin wicker is made from resins that are extracted from plant matter. These liquids are capable of hardening permanently. There are several types of resin wickers ranging from cheap plastics to HDPE. Resin wicker is used to make outdoor sectionals, dining sets, and even daybeds.
Synthetic resin wicker undergoes a polymerization process that creates an epoxy like material. Resin wicker is typically built on aluminum frames. This makes them very lightweight so you might have to find some ways to keep your patio furniture from blowing away.
Wicker vs Resin Wicker
- Organic wicker will become dry and brittle over time. It will crack and cause the weave to unravel over time.
- Natural wicker can be subject to damage caused by insects and small pests.
- Synthetic wicker is much more durable. As the name implies, it is suitable for outdoor conditions. Resin wicker can also be used indoors.
- Resin wicker is easy to wash. Learn how to clean resin wicker furniture.
- All of this and resin wicker is still less expensive than natural wicker.
Types of Resin Wicker
- PVC Wicker
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wicker
Why Choose HDPE Wicker
Put simply, HDPE wicker is the highest quality resin material. It’s made from a compound that is very dense so that it is extremely durable in all outdoor conditions. I hate to admit this but I’ve actually tested floor models in other stores that use materials like PVC and regular PE. If you scratch them with your nail, the exterior layer will peel off and reveal a mismatched color.
HDPE on the other hand is made with the same material through and through meaning that what’s inside is the same as what you see on the outside; you can’t “peel away the layers.” This is why imperfections are hard to find even on HDPE wicker sets that have been used for years.
- Infused with UV Inhibitors that prevent fading in the sun
- High Density compound won’t break, chip, or scratch.
- Stain Resistant
- Won’t stick to your skin like low-grade resin wicker.
- Has a Matte (flat) finish that isn’t shiny. This is a tell-tale sign of a cheap vinyl material.
- HDPE is 100% Recyclable unlike other resin wicker materials. BE GREEN!
What to Look For & Where to Buy
Without comparison, Harmonia Living is the best brand of All-Weather Wicker Furniture based on price and quality. They only use eco-friendly HDPE wicker and frames that are made from a thicker gauge of aluminum. Resin wicker material is one aspect, but the frames are equally important! Here are some resources to help you shop for resin wicker furniture:
- The Complete Guide to Synthetic Wicker Furniture
- How to Choose Quality Wicker Without Paying the Price
You can order resin wicker furniture online and have it shipped to you free. Patio Productions.com carries an assortment of styles aside from the standard espresso finish. You can click on the link below to jump to the wicker section.
Patio Productions – Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture
2161 Hancock St
San Diego, CA 92110
More information:
- Wicker vs Rattan – What’s the Difference?
- The Best Material For Outdoor Furniture
- The Urbana Eclipse Sectional Set from Harmonia Living
Cheryl is an award-winning landscape design consultant in San Diego, CA. She has over a decade of experience in the design world, working on both interior and exterior projects. She received her certification in design in 2010 and has contributed to the design of 7 separate furniture collections. Cheryl began lending her expertise to Patio Productions’ blog in 2012. When she’s not living in the furniture and design world, she’s busy playing with her dogs at home, or curling up with a cup of black coffee and a beautiful book on modern design. Her favorite patio furniture are her Acapulco Chairs in lightning blue.
Is there a place to buy the resin wicker for repairs?
Are you a customer of ours? If so, we may be able to provide you with a resin wicker repair kit.
Or you can contact the manufacturer and ask them for replacement wicker. We recommend trying to get it directly from the manufacturer so the wicker matches perfectly.
Is rattan wicker the same as resin wicker? I cant seem to get a straight answer. Or is rattan wicker all weather?
Thank you for your question Mary. Rattan wicker and resin wicker are not the same, they are the opposite.
When people refer to Rattan wicker, they are most likely talking about natural rattan. Natural rattan as the name suggests is made from natural materials. Natural rattan is very popular in folk art to create items such as baskets and hats like the sombrero. Some furniture is made from rattan but that furniture is made for indoors. Rattan furniture that is left outdoors will deteriorate very quickly, therefore rattan furniture is not meant for outdoor use.
Resin wicker is made from synthetic materials. Essentially it is a plastic. Resin wicker tries to recreate the look of natural rattan by recreating the look, color, and texture. This is the reason some people refer to both natural and resin wicker as rattan, because they are both trying to achieve the same look. But only synthetic wicker is truly made for outdoors and can withstand the elements.
Not all resin wickers are made the same. For the highest quality, make sure to look for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin wicker. It is the most weather resistant and will not crack and peel in the sun.
I bought some used resin furniture and need to repair how do I get the same resin to replace it with
I’m assuming you’re referring to resin wicker. If you want exactly the same wicker you will need to know the name of the manufacturer. If the color of the wicker is very generic, such as black or brown for example, you may be able to get away with just matching it as close as possible. There are also various sources online that deal in resin wicker for wicker furniture repair.
I have two high quality aluminium frames that need the resin replaced. Who does this kind of work in the greater Toronto area?
We are not familiar with anybody in Toronto unfortunately. You may need to look for a local artist or furniture maker who specializes in weaving. It’s very difficult to find people who specialize in this type of work because most of it is done overseas.