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?"
-Cathryn Jungroth Peters from © Wicker Woman
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:
- The 5 Best Wicker Furniture Brands
- How to Choose Quality Wicker Furniture Without Paying the Price
- The Complete Guide To Synthetic Wicker Furniture
- How to Properly Store Wicker Furniture in the Winter
- 7 of the Coolest Outdoor Wicker Hanging Chairs
- Deep Seating Wicker Patio Furniture Sets
- White Outdoor Wicker Furniture
- Thick Wicker Furniture Sets with Rounded Strands
Reader Comments
Sam Fisher November 30, 2015
I'd assume that you could use wicker furniture outside, just as long as you don't leave it out if it rains or snows. No sense in buying furniture and then have it get ruined. For that, you'd probably want to invest in furniture that is made to be outside. This way it won't get ruined if you leave it out there for extended periods of time.
Derrick January 30, 2016
If I paint natural wicker with yacht varnish and cover it with a weather proof cover, should it still be bad?
Norman Baillie May 25, 2016
I have had a natural wicker chair which I leave outside during the summer and only store it in the garage during the winter. I have been doing this for over 20 years. All I do is give it a coat of white paint every 5 years. It has only just collapsed this year !
Patio Productions May 26, 2016
That's great to hear! Natural wicker can definitely be used outside as long as it's not for extended periods of time.
Joe Sandidge March 30, 2017
I really enjoyed your blog about natural vs resin wicker furniture. I understand that wicker weave furniture can be made out of bamboo also. It makes more sense to me to buy the resin for outdoors. I'm curious as to cost comparisons between Rattan and the Resin. Thanks again for the information
Tony April 8, 2017
I have some indoor natural wicker furniture which was bought for a conservatory. I not longer have a conservatories and the furniture is redundant and whilst originally expensive - probably isn't worth much now. If I can get 10 years use out of it outdoors then I would be happy with that - and would happily cover it in the winter. I am looking for the.the best low cost option to protect it. Any suggestions?.
Patio Productions April 19, 2017
You can use natural wicker furniture outdoors, but you should never leave it outdoors. Natural wicker will deteriorate very quickly when exposed to the elements and there is really nothing you can do to prevent that. If you want outdoor furniture that will last 10 years or more and require little to no maintenance then you should consider taking a look at synthetic wicker made from HDPE instead.
Holly Cruse May 4, 2017
I have a rattan patio set, here in Minnesota. I have just noticed the varnish peeling. I bought this for outside! New this spring! Was I lied to. No wicker. Rattan only.
Patio Productions May 7, 2017
Unfortunately, natural rattan will deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the elements. Rattan can be used outdoors for special occasions but it must be stored indoors nonetheless. HDPE synthetic wicker is the material of choice because it is UV resistant and can withstand high and low temperatures. It can be left outdoors and completely exposed for long periods of time.
JoAnne June 28, 2017
How can you tell the difference between natural wicker and resin wicker.
Patio Productions June 30, 2017
That's a great question. Have you ever tried to see if a plant (at the doctor's office for example) is fake or real? The same method applies here.
Resin wicker is a plastic when it comes right down to it. So it will feel like plastic as well. So reach right out and feel it between your fingers and use some pressure to see how it feels. Plastics won't crack, splinter, or tear easily. It would require a lot of force. However, natural materials will dent, smudge, crack, and splinter relatively easily.
You can use your sense of smell as well. Rattan and other natural wickers will have a natural aroma, reminiscent of dried wood or stacks of hay. But resin wicker will have a synthetic plastic-like smell, or no smell at all.
Visually, resin wicker is much more reflective as well, so light bounces off it easily. Whereas natural wicker absorbs light.
Bryan July 27, 2017
I have a painted wicker chest of drawers that is about 20 years old and always been inside in a guest room. In our new house, I want to put it on my outdoor covered patio. We live in Arizona and it is very dry year round. We have no mold or mildew and a mild winter. Would it be OK to put this medium sized chest under a covered patio?
Patio Productions July 30, 2017
You say you've had this piece for 20 years and have always kept it indoors. Is this an important piece to you? Is it an heirloom or an antique?
If this is a piece of furniture you care about, I would not recommend placing it outdoors under any conditions. Natural wicker will begin to fall apart much faster outdoors than indoors. A covered patio will help, but that will only slow down the natural process.
Even in dry conditions I worry that the heat will still do plenty of damage. Also, morning dew can cause mold and mildew even if it doesn't rain.
If you don't care what happens to the chest, go ahead and place it outdoors. But just be aware that you will only get a year or two of use out of it before you'll want to throw it away from how ugly it has become.
Marcia Newman June 15, 2018
I have a synthetic resin outdoor wicker set. It was not cheap. I have had it for about 5 years now. It has held up well until this year I have noticed little tiny pieces on the floor of the deck as if something has snapped it off. There are no signs of rodents. I've used a trap, fake owl and rodent repellent. I still continue to see snapped resin wicker. I wonder if it could be the sun but it is supposed to withstand the weather. Please help if you can. I can send pictures if needed.
Audrey Larkin September 15, 2018
What you I use as a paint/protectant if I want to put a wicker chair on an uncovered deck? I also plan to cover it with a chair cover when I am not using it and to store it inside in the Winter.
Patio Productions September 16, 2018
Hello Audrey, thank you for your comment. That is a very good question.
I assume this is a natural wicker chair we are talking about.
Some people recommend applying a coat of polyurethane to natural wicker furniture to protect it from the elements. Just make sure to do the necessary research as polyurethane is toxic and therefore it must be applied in open, well ventilated spaces.
There are several articles online that can walk you through the process, just search for, "How to protect natural wicker outdoors."
There are also various kinds of sealers that claim to protect wicker furniture outdoors. We have never used these products so there aren't any we can recommend specifically.
If you ever consider a change, synthetic wicker furniture would be the way to go. You can leave it uncovered all summer long and covered during the winter. You never have to bring it inside because synthetic wicker is made to be left outdoors for years.
Outdoors Furniture April 11, 2019
This is a nice blog. I really appreciate this.
Thanks for the sharing.
D. September 29, 2019
What about using a durable Rustoleum colored protectant spray paint on the natural rattan to be able to use it in Florida outside in a screened in lanai? I cant afford to buy a resin set at this time.
Patio Productions October 3, 2019
Very good question. We would recommend testing this before applying it full scale to an entire furniture piece. If possible, get a sample of the natural rattan and apply the rustoleum colored spray paint. Then see how it holds up over time. Better safe than sorry.
