You often need to cut off from everything and spend some time alone. And when you have a patio with the right furniture, it will be your go-to place to unwind.
An outdoor wicker set might be an ideal choice to lounge around, providing a relaxing experience on your patio. Additionally, a wicker patio set is an excellent choice since it lasts for a very long time and can operate in extreme temperatures and other types of weather conditions due to its sturdy construction.
However, as there are many wicker furniture options available in the market, it can be a huge task to find the perfect one for your patio. Therefore, we have enlisted 5 factors to consider before purchasing your dream patio wicker set. So let’s find out.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Patio Wicker Set
1. Initial step: Determine your needs
Before starting off, it’s essential to carefully examine the dimensions of your patio, the frequency with which it will be used, and the means by which the furniture will be stored or protected when not in use.
Correctly placing sizable furniture in your yard might give the illusion of more space. That being the case, you’ll need to make an informed decision about whether you need an entire patio wicker set or a single piece of wicker furniture.
Similarly, while deciding on your furniture use, remember that a high frequency of use will call for a long-lasting wicker set.
In addition, it’s also essential to think about how to store or protect your patio furniture during inclement weather. It’s possible that your basement or garage won’t be the best place to keep bulky furniture.
When you’ve comprehensively considered your needs and wants properly, keep in mind the factors below that’ll help you find the ideal wicker furniture for your outdoor space.
2. Material
Most low-priced wicker furniture is constructed of plastic that easily scratches, rips, and falls apart. Plastic wicker isn’t the best option because it won’t last long and will require replacement often.
How, then, does one determine whether or not a piece of wicker is of poor quality? You can tell it’s cheap wicker by looking at it; it has the appearance of slick vinyl and is usually relatively thin.
In contrast, high-quality wicker is crafted from polyethylene; a form of sustainable man made resin that is blended with ultraviolet inhibitors to protect against sun damage. This material is waterproof, won’t crack or scratch easily, and requires no upkeep. There’s a dull wooden look to it, so before purchasing a patio wicker set, check the tag or ask the store clerk whether they’re using this material.
3. Frame
Using low-quality frames for wicker is another method businesses try to cut costs. If you wish for a high-quality wicker dining set outdoors, steer clear of steel at all costs. It rusts easily in outdoor environments, and with daily use, even powder-coated steel will rust. No one wants rust on their patio furniture as it is unsightly and weakens and stretches steel as it corrodes.
In contrast, wicker made from aluminum is preferable since it oxidizes like steel and iron, but the process is invisible to the naked eye. Rusted aluminum has the same hue as conventional aluminum; therefore, it will retain its luster for decades. As it does not expand and weaken like steel, you will never have to deal with rickety outdoor furniture again. Therefore, an aluminum wicker furniture set is your best bet for durability.
4. Weave
The outdoor wicker set is manually woven by professionals, one row at a time. Retailers who care about keeping costs down and producing in bulk will have the wicker woven in 10-row increments.
This causes the rows to be too close together or too far apart. When dealing with such a vast volume of strands simultaneously, it becomes practically hard to straighten them.
Therefore, to determine whether or not the wicker is of excellent quality, check for even weaves and symmetrical patterns; this indicates that the wicker was made using a labor-intensive technique.
5. Price
In most cases, you should expect to spend hundreds of dollars on a single wicker item and thousands of dollars for a complete set. The price of upscale wicker furniture might easily exceed $10,000.
If you want a wicker dining set outdoors and the one you’re looking at is below $1000, keep in mind that you’re probably getting a subpar set that will only last you a couple of years before it ends up in a landfill.
Top Patio Wicker Sets to Buy
1. SOL 4-Piece All-Weather Outdoor Resin Wicker Mixed Acacia Wood Lounge Sofa Set
This 4-Piece All-Weather Outdoor Resin Wicker Mixed Acacia Wood Lounge Sofa Set has a resin-woven frame that is durable and weather-resistant. The cushions on this patio sofa set are made of high-density foam and have removable, washable covers that zip off for easy maintenance.
2. SOL 3-Piece Classic Outdoor Wicker Coffee Lounger Set
This Classic Outdoor Wicker Set is excellent for confined spaces because of its high-quality plastic wicker and durable steel frames.
3. SOL Patio Wicker Chaise Lounge with Dark Grey Polyester Cushion
Due to its wicker durability and resistance to the elements, you can enjoy the comfort of this chaise lounge indoors or out. This Patio Wicker Chaise Lounge is a perfect add-in for your home’s outdoor space.
4. SOL All-weather Resin Wicker Lounge Patio Sofa Storage Bench
This All-weather Resin Wicker Lounge Patio Sofa Storage Bench‘s premium foam cushions and durable woven resin wicker frame makes it ideal for outdoor use.
5. SOL Chesapeake Honey 4-Piece Patio Acacia Wooden Mixed Strapped Rattan Dining Set
This Chesapeake Honey Dining Set is a stylish, versatile option since it combines wicker’s strength and flexibility with wood’s earthy simplicity. This bistro wicker set is such a great consideration for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it best to use synthetic wicker fiber?
Synthetic wicker made from resin is artificial and mainly used for outdoor furniture. The polyethylene resin is devised into fibers, and then weaved into furniture. High-density polyethylene is used to create the finest resin outdoor wicker set.
Therefore, modern outdoor synthetic wicker furniture is far more long-lasting than traditional wicker manufactured from abaca (palm) strands.
Pros
- More durable.
- Weather-resistant.
- Requires little upkeep.
- Protects against mold.
- Inexpensive than natural wicker.
Cons
- It may not be as visually appealing as natural wicker.
What is the expected lifespan of synthetic wicker furniture?
In contrast to the natural wicker, synthetic wicker furniture will not fracture or fade for over a decade. Additionally, the patio wicker set can maintain its color even longer than traditional outdoor furniture when paired with outdoor accessories like Sunbrella and other specified fabrics.
What is the distinction between rattan and wicker?
Rattan is analogous to cotton fiber and wicker to the percale weave. The first describes the fabric, while the second describes the weaving technique used. Despite their distinct meanings, these two phrases are frequently used interchangeably.
Most rattan furniture is woven in a form known as “wicker,” which refers to the style of the weave itself.
Ending Note
No one wants their outdoor furniture to fade or become weak within some years, so it’s essential to consider the above factors before getting the perfect patio wicker set.
