The Complete Outdoor Wicker Furniture Buyer’s Guide

wicker Furniture Buyers Guide

Hey friends! If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space with some stylish and durable patio furniture, you absolutely need to consider wicker. I wish I knew about wicker YEARS ago when I first started decorating my patio – it would have saved me tons of time, money, and frustration with flimsy outdoor furniture!

Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about outdoor wicker so you can avoid the mistakes I made. Get ready to become a wicker wizard!

Key Points

  • Outdoor wicker is fade, crack, and mildew resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use. The synthetics like polyethylene mimic the look of natural wicker while being weatherproof.
  • Quality resin wicker is woven tightly over aluminum frames. Avoid cheap steels frames that can bend and rust over time.
  • Look for comfort features like thick cushions and curved shapes. Deep seating sectionals are worth the investment.
  • Measure your patio carefully and buy appropriately sized wicker patio furniture with some clearance for walking around.
  • With proper care, synthetic wicker lasts 4-7 years on average. Higher-end pieces can last over a decade!
wicker dinning set in a backyard

First: Want more patio furniture shopping tips? be sure to check out our Complete Patio Furniture Buyer’s Guide to help you with all your furniture buying needs.

What is Outdoor Wicker?

Traditional, all-natural wicker is woven from natural plant materials like rattan, reed, and (in some cases) abaca hemp. While beautiful, these materials degrade quickly outside.

Outdoor wicker utilizes woven man-made fibers like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are specially formulated to be weatherproof. It provides the same gorgeous, natural look of wicker without any of the downsides!

Other terms you may hear for outdoor wicker include synthetic wicker, resin wicker, all-weather wicker, and polyethylene wicker. These are all the same thing – HDPE wicker made for year-round outdoor use. Don’t be fooled – high-density polyetheylene is the gold standard for durability and environmental safety. A lot of cheaper brands will opt for PVC wicker instead, because it costs much, much less to produce. But PVC is far more brittle than HDPE and does not hold up well to water exposure and long term sun damage. If you want to buy something that lasts more than a season or two, buy HDPE wicker, not PVC. To add to the confusion, there’s also Polypropylene, or “PP”. This stuff is not great either. I’ll discuss the differences between these materials further down.

Benefits of Outdoor Wicker Furniture

There are so many reasons to love outdoor wicker furniture! Here are some of my favorite perks:

  • Fade resistant – The color won’t dull or bleach out from sun exposure
  • Crack resistant – Won’t become brittle and split like natural wicker
  • Mildew resistant – Repels moisture and won’t develop mold
  • Easy to clean – Just needs occasional wiping down or hose washing
  • Lightweight – Sets weigh under 100 lbs total so they’re portable
  • Affordable – Cheaper than natural wicker and other patio furniture options over the long run
  • Comfortable – Features thick cushions in weatherproof fabrics

Synthetic wicker is the whole package – stylish, comfy, AND durable for your outdoor oasis!

Types of Wicker Furniture

You can find just about any type of furniture nowadays with an outdoor patio wicker makeover. Some popular categories include:

Dining and sofa lounge sets are the most common, but wicker works great on just about any type of patio furniture. Let your imagination run wild!

a couple sitting on wicker chairs outside by the ocean having a glass of wine

What to Look for When Buying Patio Wicker Furniture

The quality of wicker pieces can vary quite a bit, so it helps to know what features to look for. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:

Frames

The inner frames provide structural support. Aluminum is the best choice since it won’t rust or corrode like steel. Make sure to inspect frames for sturdy welded construction.

close of of wicker weave

Weave

The synthetic fibers should be woven tightly with lots of texture and natural variation. Avoid pieces with large gaps or perfectly smooth, shiny strands.

Fabric

For the cushions, look for Sunbrella fabric. They will resist fading and are suitable for outdoor use.

Weather Resistance

Quality outdoor wicker holds up to full sun, rain, snow, and humidity without degradation. Verify waterproofing and UV protection.

Warranty

At minimum, you want a 1 year warranty on the frame and 2 years on the cushions. Higher-end pieces often come with 3-5 year warranties.

Comfort

Plush cushions and ergonomic shaping make a huge difference in comfort. More than 50% of the cost of a wicker set is in the cushions. If you see a cheap wicker set somewhere, it is probably made of PVC and has cheap cushions that will not last much more than a year.

sofa set by the pool in the desert

Synthetic Wicker vs. Natural Wicker

How does synthetic wicker stack up to traditional, natural wicker? Here’s a quick comparison:

Synthetic WickerNatural Wicker
Weather resistantProne to sun damage and fading
Mold/mildew resistantCan develop mold if moisture gets trapped
UV protection addedNo UV protection
Textured and colorfast 5+ yearsTextured fibers can become smooth over time
Stays rigidCan become less rigid over years
Requires no seasonal storageNeeds seasonal storage or will degrade faster

While natural wicker has an undeniable beauty, its delicate nature just doesn’t work well in outdoor settings long-term. Resin outdoor wicker gives you the beauty of wicker with added toughness.

How Long Does Wicker Furniture Last?

With proper care and maintenance, you can expect quality outdoor wicker furniture to last anywhere from 4-7 years on average. Higher end pieces often last over a decade!

The weave will show wear before the frame gives out, so your furniture won’t suddenly collapse on you. Outdoors, the synthetic fibers will slowly lose some texture and the color will begin to fade after several years of exposure.

wicker sofa set by the pool

Caring for Your Wicker

Looking after your resin patio wicker properly ensures it stays beautiful year after year. Here are my top care tips:

  • Rinse with water occasionally to prevent dirt buildup and debris getting trapped. Allow to air dry.
  • Check for loose or damaged strands and re-weave or glue back into place if needed.
  • For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and warm water with a soft bristle brush. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Apply protective formula made for outdoor wicker once or twice a year. This resists moisture and UV damage.
  • Use furniture covers when not in use for long periods.
  • Fluff and rotate cushions regularly to maintain shape and even wear.
  • Wash cushions on gentle cycle using mild detergent. Air dry only.

With the right care, your wicker patio set will stay gorgeous season after season! I speak from experience – my very first wicker set is still going strong after 7 years!

What’s the Best Synthetic Wicker Material?

If you start reading about different synthetics used to make wicker, it can get confusing fast. Here’s a quick 101:

  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – This is the gold standard for outdoor wicker. It’s colorfast, durable, and weatherproof for decades. Made from ethylene gas.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Cheaper option but degrades faster. Can become brittle when exposed to sunlight. Avoid.
  • Polypropylene (PP) – Very resistant material but not as flexible as PE for weaving. Usually used for frames.
  • Resin – Catchall term for synthetic wicker material. Can be made from PE, PVC, etc. Ask for specifics.

I recommend HDPE wicker as it has the longest lifespan outdoors and is recyclable. Steer clear of furniture labeled “100% resin wicker” as it’s likely cheap PVC.

wicker daybed on the beach

What’s the Deal with Rattan vs Wicker?

If you’ve done any patio furniture research (like me!), you’ve probably come across both “wicker” and “rattan” used to describe similar furniture styles. What gives?

Rattan and wicker refer to two different parts of the furniture:

Rattan – Name for over 600 species of palm vines. Used to make wicker furniture frames.

Wicker – Technique of weaving flexible strands into furniture pieces. Originally used natural fibers like rattan.

So rattan refers to the material, while wicker describes the weaving method. Rattan was the OG natural wicker material back in the day. Now, synthetic wicker uses man-made fibers like PE but with the same woven technique.

The more you know!

Outdoor Wicker Furniture Price Points

Outdoor wicker spans the budget spectrum so you can always find options to suit your space and price range! Here’s what to expect:

Budget ($1000 – $2000) – Individual chairs, small bistro sets, basic construction. Best for occasional use.

Mid-Range ($2000 – $4,000) – Most common 3-5 piece dining sets and sofa sets. Great everyday quality.

High-End ($4,000 +) – Oversized sectionals, premium details and fabrics. Investment pieces.

Harmonia Living is a great brand that gives you high-end quality for a mid-range price and is our best-selling brand for wicker furnishings.

a stack of cushions for patio furniture

Maintaining Your Outdoor Fabric Cushions

Outdoor fabric on wicker cushions takes a real beating from sun exposure, dirt, and regular use. Here are my top tips for keeping cushions looking fresh:

  • Flush regularly – Fluff and rotate cushions to prevent sagging and indentations from forming.
  • Use cushion covers – Zippered cushion covers protect from dirt, rain, and UV when not in use.
  • Wash periodically – Every few months, wash on gentle cycle using mild detergent and air dry.
  • Protect in winter – Bring cushions indoors or keep covered when not using furniture for winter months.
  • Spot clean spills – Immediately spot clean any spills before staining can occur.
  • Repair damage – Patch small holes or tears with fabric glue to prevent further ripping/damage.

Don’t be afraid to invest in quality outdoor fabric like Sunbrella. The years of extra life are worth the higher price tag.

Mixing Materials for Eclectic Style

One of my favorite patio design tips is mixing different materials to create an eclectic, collected style. Wicker pairs beautifully with other outdoorsy elements like:

Blending the natural texture of wicker with other materials outdoors makes spaces feel curated. Have fun and get creative with your combinations!

Style Ideas for Patio Wicker Furniture

The styling versatility of wicker is one of my favorite things about it! It works with any patio decor style you can dream up. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate wicker furniture:

Contemporary – For modern spaces, choose wicker in darker hues like espresso or black. Add sleek lines, metal accents, and crisp cushions.

Traditional – Lean into classic elegance with neutral tones, curved silhouettes, and vintage-inspired cushion patterns.

Tropical – Weave in bright colors and botanical prints. Accent with palms, rattan ceiling fans, and ceramic garden stools.

French Country – Weathered finishes, painted frames, and checkered cushions evoke Provence style. Add urns and olive trees.

Coastal – Light blue and white color schemes with weathered wicker and vintage nautical accents are perfect for waterfront homes.

Let your imagination run wild – the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to take risks and have fun with your style.

synthetic wicker set by the pool at night

FAQs about Wicker Furniture

Still have some lingering questions? Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs about wicker furniture:

How do you clean synthetic wicker?

Use a soft bristle brush, mild soap, and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing.

How long does HDPE wicker last outside?

10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. Fading and texture loss occur gradually.

Can synthetic wicker go in the rain?

Yes! Synthetic wicker is waterproof and won’t be damaged from rain, snow, or humidity.

What is the best wicker material for outdoors?

Polyethylene (HDPE) wicker has proven superior durability against sun, rain, cold, and salt air.

Is resin wicker good quality?

“Resin” is vague – make sure it specifies polyethylene resin for optimal quality and durability.

Should I cover my wicker patio furniture in the winter?

Covering protects from snow accumulation and makes spring cleaning easier. But it’s not required.

wicker sofa set on the beach

Final Thoughts

Well friends, we made it! By now you should be a wicker expert, armed with all the knowledge you need to find your perfect outdoor wicker furniture!

The bottom line: Look for all-weather polyethylene wicker, aluminum frames, quality fabrics, and comfort-focused design in your budget. With a little TLC, it will provide a gorgeous, enduring foundation to your outdoor oasis for years of joy.

Let me know if any other wicker questions pop up. Patio Productions is here to help! Now get out there and start weaving your outdoor dreams!

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