Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture – Tips for Buying and Maintenance

Today’s outdoor wicker patio furniture is a far cry from what it used to be. With a vast array of available options from traditional styling to hot new trends and a wide range of colors, the old rickety grandma’s country kitchen look is a thing of the past. Wicker furniture can fit in any décor, and with proper maintenance can serve your family for many years.

There are a few things you should keep in mind and consider carefully as you are selecting your patio furniture.

• Is your patio big, tiny or somewhere in-between?
• Will the furniture receive heavy use?
• How do you plan to use the furniture?
• Do you prefer traditional or more contemporary styling?

As you determine the answers to these questions, it will become easier and easier to eliminate options that aren’t right for you and hone in on the perfect wicker set for your patio or yard. If you are shopping for a small patio, stay away from the bigger sets as they will make your space crowded and uncomfortable. For larger spaces, skip the smaller sized sets as they will just appear lost in all that space. Picking furniture of the right size for your patio is just as crucial as selecting the right color and style.

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.

It is important to seal wicker furniture in order to protect it from outdoor conditions, regardless of what the climate is like where you live. You can either seal your furniture by painting it or applying a coat of resin sealant. While both methods work well, the sealant will also showcase your furniture’s natural beauty. You should also thoroughly clean your furniture at least once every year. You can use soap and warm water to clean the wicker, rinse it with a garden hose, and place it in a safe location where it can dry completely. Periodically, your furniture will need to be refinished by adding a new coat of clear varnish or lacquer.

Outdoor wicker patio furniture can be found in every size, shape, color and style to meet your furnishing needs. You can get wicker dining and bistro sets for outdoor entertaining and meals. There are also many attractive seating options available as well, like contemporary lounge chairs and couches for your patio. And if you love that country kitchen look Grandma had, you’ll be pleased to know, you can get that, too, although in substantially better quality.

The prices of quality wicker furniture might give you a little sticker shock, but try to remember that good quality furniture costs money. That doesn’t mean you should let the price stop you from having the patio of your dreams. By shopping at clearance sales during the late summer and early fall you can usually find great deals that can save you some cash. Of course, buying your furniture when the season is over will mean storing it for the winter. But you won’t regret it once spring rolls around and you can spend the summer enjoying your beautiful patio.

Avoid confusion when buying wicker patio furniture with expert advice. Locate the right furniture for your patio and home by visiting patio furniture. You’ll discover all the tips and advice you need to add wicker as a beautiful new addition to your home.