If you think of Grandma’s old, white, rickety furniture when you hear the word wicker, you are in for a surprise. Wicker has come a long way from the county kitchen look of yesterday. Today’s outdoor wicker patio furniture comes in a variety of styles from traditional to trendy and is available in colors to suit every palette. With proper care, quality wicker furniture can serve your family well for years to come.
As you are choosing the furniture for your patio, there are things you should consider carefully and keep in mind including:
Is your patio large, small, or average?
Will the furniture receive heavy use?
How will you use the furniture?
Do you prefer traditional or more contemporary styling?
After you answer these questions it will be easier to narrow down the choices available to the wicker set that is just right for your patio. If you have a large patio, you should avoid the smaller sized sets as they will look lost in so much space. Similarly, you shouldn’t buy a large set for a small patio or it will overwhelm the space and look crowded and uncomfortable. Selecting the furnishings that are the right size for your space is equally as important as picking the right style and color.
It is critical that you select wicker furniture sets of high quality material and workmanship for your outdoor usage. The higher quality materials do better in outdoor conditions than lesser quality materials do. You can eliminate any options involving reconstituted paper for your outdoor wicker patio furniture. This material can not withstand regular use, or the rigors of outdoor conditions. When it comes to natural wicker furniture sets, your best choices for extended outdoor use are rattan or bamboo.
Select a durable aluminum framed wicker set for your patio. Heavy-duty aluminum will provide better support for your set and can handle regular use. Lastly, perform a careful inspection of the furniture’s wicker weave. If the furniture piece is high quality, you will not be able to see the frame through the wicker’s tight weave. If there are gaps in the weave, move on to the next piece as they will only destroy the integrity of your piece over time.
All outdoor wicker furniture should be sealed to protect it from the weather, regardless of the climate you live in. While you could choose painted wicker, pieces coated with a resin sealant will showcase the wicker’s natural beauty. At least yearly, you should clean your furniture thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse it off with a hose and place it in a location where it will dry quickly. You may also find it necessary to occasionally refinish your furniture with a clear lacquer or varnish.
Outdoor wicker patio furniture is available in styles to fit every need. Contemporary couches and lounge chairs make for an attractive outdoor seating area. Dining and bistro sets are available in wicker to accommodate your entertaining needs, both large and small. And for those who love Grandma’s old, white furniture, you’ll be thrilled to know that the country kitchen style is still alive and well…although in a much higher quality.
You may develop quite a case of sticker shock from the prices of wicker furniture, but good quality does cost money. But don’t let the price tag keep you from have a beautiful wicker patio set. You can often save money by shopping during clearance sales at the end of the summer. You will have to store the furniture for the winter, but when you’re enjoying your gorgeous patio all summer you won’t regret it.
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