Natural Wicker vs Synthetic Resin Wicker
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."
FAQs: Natural Wicker vs. Synthetic Resin Wicker
Wicker = weave; rattan = natural fiber; resin wicker = synthetic "all-weather" weave. Wicker describes the weaving technique. Rattan is a plant fiber often used for natural wicker. Synthetic resin wicker is an all-weather version made to look like natural wicker but resist outdoor aging and moisture far better.
Great indoors, vulnerable outdoors. Natural wicker is made from plant materials and is susceptible to rain, sleet, snow, and moisture. It becomes dry and brittle, cracks, and can unravel—fine inside the home, but not practical for patios or decks.
An all-weather polymer weave over lightweight aluminum frames. Resin wicker (aka All-Weather Wicker) is made from resins that harden permanently through polymerization. It's typically woven over aluminum frames, creating light, durable outdoor pieces such as sectionals, dining sets, and daybeds.
Durability, easy care, and better value. Resin wicker resists weather, cleans easily, and costs less than natural wicker. It avoids the cracking, unraveling, and pest damage that can affect organic fibers—making it the practical outdoor choice for most homes.
PVC, nylon, PE, and HDPE—HDPE is the top tier. Budget resins can scratch or peel. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is dense, durable, and the same material through-and-through, so color doesn't flake off. It's the highest-quality choice for outdoor wicker.
Look for matte finish, UV inhibitors, and solid color. HDPE typically has a flat, non-shiny finish, won't chip or scratch easily, resists stains, and includes UV inhibitors to prevent fading. It won't stick to skin like low-grade vinyl and is 100% recyclable.
Yes—thicker-gauge aluminum frames are key. Resin material is only half the story. Quality pieces use heavier-gauge aluminum frames under the weave for strength and longevity while keeping weight manageable for everyday use.
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.
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
The Coronado Wicker Dining Set from Sunset West features thicker wicker strands that look more like natural rattan fibers.
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"—which is why discovering these budget-friendly resin wicker furniture options that deliver style, durability, and comfort without breaking the bank makes smart sense, since imperfections are hard to find even on HDPE wicker sets that have been used for years, maximizing your outdoor space investment.
- 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
The Coronado Wicker Chaise Lounge from Sunset West.
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
Reader Comments
Tracy K September 12, 2016
Is there a place to buy the resin wicker for repairs?
Patio Productions September 14, 2016
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.
Mary Wilson May 31, 2017
Is rattan wicker the same as resin wicker? I cant seem to get a straight answer. Or is rattan wicker all weather?
Patio Productions May 31, 2017
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.
Lisa Jones August 2, 2017
I bought some used resin furniture and need to repair how do I get the same resin to replace it with
Patio Productions August 6, 2017
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.
JMallany January 12, 2018
I have two high quality aluminium frames that need the resin replaced. Who does this kind of work in the greater Toronto area?
Patio Productions January 15, 2018
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.
