Wicker Furniture

Caring for Wicker Furniture

Wicker is a very popular type of outdoor furniture. Interestingly, the term “wicker” does not describe the materials used to make it, but rather, denotes the process used to weave the materials together. Wicker furniture comes in many forms and is typically made from rattan, bamboo, willow or synthetic materials.

Rattan is one of the more popular varieties of wicker furniture. A long and thin palm located in Southeast Asia, rattan is very hard and durable and is often used for outdoor furniture. Bamboo is a large tropical grass with distinct joint-like segments and a hollow stem, while the willow is a light and sturdy wood that is quite popular in Europe and North America. Its ability to retain its natural moisture makes it durable and very pliable, ideal for wicker furniture making. Finally, synthetic wicker furniture is typically made of fiberglass and resins that are formed into long pieces and woven together.

Non-resin wicker furniture normally has been coated with a clear lacquer finish, but has no adequate protection from harsh elements and should not be used outdoors. Some wicker furniture pieces, despite being made from natural wood, are dipped in resin emulsions that form a protective barrier. These pieces can be used outdoors. Synthetic wicker furniture pieces often contain ultraviolet protection which helps protect them from the sun and other harsh elements. They are the perfect choice for outdoor decorating. Still, they should be put in storage during extremely cold seasons.

Caring for your wicker furniture is essential to its long lifespan. Remove dust regularly with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Clean spills using a mild detergent solution, but only on the parts not made of wood. Synthetic wicker furniture that has not been marked for “indoor use” can be completely scrubbed with a detergent solution and can be rinsed using a garden hose. Natural wicker furniture that has been treated for outdoor use can also be cleaned thoroughly and rinsed with a garden hose. Make sure however to completely dry the pieces for several days after the washing. Placing them under the sun is the best way of drying the pieces. Never use wicker furniture until it has completely dried.

For scratched or blemished natural wicker, try to smooth imperfections with fine sandpaper. A coating of varnish, shellac or lacquer can then be applied. After the new finish has completely dried, you may want to apply a thin coating of liquid furniture wax. This will help ensure that you’ll have a beautiful piece of fine wicker furniture for a very long time.