Patio dining tables come in a variety of materials and designs, but the wicker variant is what sets it apart from the rest due to its unique appearance and style. In this article, you will learn about all the benefits and drawbacks of having wicker furniture in your patio or garden. But before that, let’s take a look at what wicker actually is and what materials are used to manufacture wicker furniture.
What is a wicker?
Wicker is commonly mistaken as a kind of material when it’s actually a production method. If we put it into simple words, wicker is a style of weaving. This weaving design dates back to ancient Egypt when it was first introduced. With evolution over time, the style has now become a popular style for outdoor and indoor furniture.
The difference between rattan and wicker?
Another misconception is that wicker and rattan are the same things. Rattan is a fibrous plant that is used to manufacture outdoor furniture due to its flexibility and durability. However, wicker, as already mentioned, is a style of weaving. Rattan is a material that can be weaved in a way to call it wicker furniture, but not all wicker furniture items can be called rattan.
Materials used in wicker
To further clear the concept, here are a few materials used for the construction of wicker furniture.
- Rattan
- Bamboo
- Reed
- Willow
- Polyurethane
- High-density polyurethane
- Vinyl PVC
- Nylon
The pros
Sense of Luxury
The sense of luxury the wicker outdoor dining table provides is second to none. The relaxed style and organic texture attract every eye almost instantly. The best way to absorb the whole luxury wicker dining experience would be to combine the dining table with wicker dining chairs. If you are buying the chairs separately, make sure to use the same color material to make it look like a set.
Variety of options
Modern wicker dining tables are made of synthetic materials, so you get a wide variety of designs, styles, and color options to choose from. You can make your furniture look both modern and traditional with Wickers’ unique look. Moreover, you will also be able to choose the tabletop of your choice, as wicker material is not usually used for dining. Glass tops are some of the most common table tops for wicker furniture.
Easy maintenance
A wicker dining table won’t require a lot of effort from you to maintain it. Cleaning it with a damped cloth would be enough to keep the material looking as good as new. Moreover, the ones buying natural materials for wicker furniture don’t need to worry about rots and bugs either. Its resistance against harsh weather is another reason why you need a natural wicker dining table on your patio. In addition, if you damage a piece of your wicker furniture, the replacement options and repairing wouldn’t be as costly and difficult as other materials.
Durable
Wicker furniture is not only easy to maintain but also durable. Considering the fact that it’s made of natural materials that are used for living outdoors, your dining table won’t be affected by environmental hazards.
Lightweight
The best part of having a wicker outdoor dining table is its low weight. You can easily move your table from one place to another, allowing you to keep the same dining table on the terrace, garden, and patio.
The cons
High cost
One major con of wicker furniture is its high cost, especially if it’s made of natural materials by hand. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outdoor furniture, you can always go for synthetic materials that won’t hit your pocket that hard.
Can get scammed with cheap material
While buying wicker furniture, make sure not to select plastic as it will need replacement in only a few weeks of use outdoors. The material is also non-biodegradable, which means that you are not only hurting your pocket but the environment as well. A store might trick you into buying the cheaper version to boost its sales, but you should never fall for it.
Comfort level
Wicker furniture is not the most comfortable when it comes to sitting. However, such problems are minimal when it comes to dining. Getting a wicker dining table means you will need to buy a wicker outdoor sofa or chairs as well to match the overall design and theme, which can compromise your comfort.
Loose weave issue
The loose weave issue is by far the biggest issue in wicker furniture. Individual strands or whole pieces getting loose is something that makes the furniture look ugly and ask for immediate fixing. Fixing, however, is not that difficult.
How to care for a wicker dining table
Keep dust free
Keeping your outdoor furniture dust-free is the best way to increase its life. You must vacuum your wicker furniture regularly to remove the dust. If you see animal hair or stubborn dust stuck in your furniture, try to remove it using a paintbrush, ice pick, or tweezers.
Control humidity levels
Wicker furniture can be affected by high humidity levels if it is made of rattan. It can cause the furniture to dry out and get mold. We highly recommend using a humidifier if your furniture is exposed to such conditions.
Protect from harsh weather.
Although natural wicker can withstand harsh weather conditions, you still need to protect it from extreme snow, sun, wind, and rain.
Remove mold and mildew
For rattan wicker, if you notice any mold growing, clean the furniture immediately. Vacuum the first piece and use a soft scrub to remove the remaining part.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can wicker patio furniture be left outside?
Wicker furniture can be left outside, but make sure that you use natural materials, preferably resin. Resin is considered to be the most durable material when it comes to resisting harsh environmental conditions outdoors.
What is the best material for an outdoor dining table?
For outdoor dining material, we highly recommend using either natural wicker or cast aluminum. Both of these materials work quite well in outdoor conditions. You can also use high-quality wood or wrought iron for more design variety.
