Can You Use Wicker Furniture Outside?

Wicker is a popular outdoor material seen at many upscale commercial venues and beachfront resorts. It's modern, stylish, and decorative but is it safe to use outside? There are two types of wicker; natural and synthetic. Synthetic resin wicker is best suited for outdoor use while natural wicker is only intended for indoor use or temporary outdoor use.

First we need to clear up a few things; the difference between wicker and rattan and the difference between natural wicker and synthetic resin wicker. Synthetic wicker (most popular) can be used outside but natural wicker is the material that comes into question more often than not. To rephrase:

The question is asking, "Can you use wicker furniture outside?"
What you probably mean is, "Can you use natural (rattan) wicker furniture outside?"

FAQs: Can You Use Wicker Furniture Outside?

Yes for synthetic resin wicker; no for natural wicker. “Outdoor wicker” usually means resin wicker. It’s purpose-made for weather and can stay outside with reasonable care. Natural wicker (rattan or paper fiber) is for indoors or only brief outdoor use—it deteriorates quickly if left out.

Wicker is a weave; rattan is a plant material. “Wicker” describes the crisscross weaving technique. “Rattan” is a natural plant fiber often used to make wicker pieces. They’re not the same thing, and the material used determines outdoor suitability.

It’s designed for outdoor use—use care for longest life. Most resin wicker is made from PVC or polyethylene (PE). PE is the more durable outdoor choice. While built to handle the elements, sensible care and cleaning help any outdoor furniture last longer.

No—sprays won’t stop sun and moisture damage. Natural wicker isn’t intended for permanent outdoor exposure. Sprays and sealers won’t protect it from sun, rain, mold, or mildew. If you want the wicker look outside, choose all-weather/resin wicker instead.

Beware of an overly glossy finish. A tell-tale sign of cheaper resin wicker is an extremely shiny, plastic-y sheen. Opt for quality sets for better longevity and a more authentic look.

PVC or polyethylene (“plastic wicker”). Resin wicker strands are extruded plastics—commonly PVC or polyethylene—tufted and woven to mimic natural wicker. PE (often labeled HDPE) is recognized for superior outdoor durability.

Clean regularly and handle with basic care. Even with weather-ready resin wicker, routine cleaning and sensible care extend life. For cleaning how-tos and maintenance guides, browse our blog’s wicker care resources.

This initial overview just begins the discussion, continue reading to learn everything about using wicker furniture outside.

Wicker vs Rattan

Wicker and rattan are often used interchangeably however they are not the same thing. Wicker is a type of weave and rattan is a natural material (plant fiber) that is used to make wicker furniture. Learn more about the differences between wicker and rattan.

Outdoor Use: Natural Wicker vs Synthetic Resin

Using Synthetic Resin Wicker Outdoors

When people say "outdoor wicker furniture," most of the time they are referring to synthetic resin wicker instead of rattan. This is what you'll see on most (if not all) home decorating websites. Synthetic wicker is typically made of either PVC or Polyethylene, the latter being the most durable outdoor material. Synthetic wicker is perfectly fine to be used outside. Although outdoor wicker furniture is made to withstand the elements, you should always use care to ensure that any type of outdoor furniture lasts for extended periods of time. At the bottom of the article you can find articles that will teach you how to clean and care for wicker furniture.

Close up of Polyethylene Synthetic Resin Wicker.

Full details on the the difference between Natural Wicker and Synthetic Resin

Using Natural Wicker Outdoors

Natural wicker on the other hand is not intended to be used outdoors. Natural wicker is usually only meant for indoor use because it can deteriorate rather quickly. Even Wicker Woman advises:

"...it's OK to use your wicker outside on your deck, but leaving it out there permanently, exposed to all the weather elements, is not a good idea at all...Antique wicker furniture can never be replaced, so is not intended for outdoor use! ...Or if you really want the wicker look, be sure to buy all-weather wicker or resin wicker which are made to be used outdoor or buy a cheap reproduction rattan wicker that's easily replaced?"

A close up shot of natural wicker fibers.

Natural wicker is not intended to be used outdoors and no amount of "water-proofing" spray-on's will protect natural wicker from the sun, moisture, mold, and mildew. If you want to use wicker furniture outside, it has to be resin wicker. Resin wicker is one of the most durable outdoor materials and looks just like the real thing. Just make sure you purchase quality sets. One of the tell tale signs of cheap resin wicker is that it will have an extremely glossy finish. Find out more tips below.

Conclusion

Natural rattan or paper fiber wicker cannot be used outdoors for extended periods of time, it frays and falls apart quickly, and even sealing it won't make it truly weatherproof. However, synthetic resin wicker can be used outside, and is in fact purpose-made for that use. Most of the time when you're searching for outdoor wicker furniture, what you're seeing is synthetic resin, and for good reason. Please browse our Blog or review some of the resources below for more information. Shop outdoor wicker sectional sets, wicker dining sets, and resin wicker daybeds!

Related Topics: