To begin with, how long does wicker furniture last?
Wicker furniture with proper maintenance can last ten to fifteen years. While replicating the appearance of traditional natural wicker, synthetic wicker is more resilient and simpler to maintain than natural wicker.
Please continue reading to learn more specifics about the durability of wicker furniture.
Table of Contents
How Durable Is Indoor Natural Wicker Furniture?
Before making a purchase, it’s critical to understand how durable the furniture will be. Traditionally, wicker furniture was only used outdoors, but now that it’s fashionable to use wicker furniture indoors as well, it’s important to know just how durable it is.
Furniture made of wicker is a good option because it requires little upkeep. Because of its protective coating, cleaning it is simple, and using a vacuum or soft cloth to remove dust or dirt won’t be a problem. Therefore, with proper maintenance, you can anticipate it to last for decades without looking tattered and worn.
Of course, whether you select natural or artificial wicker furniture will affect how durable it is. Both of them will endure for a very long time, but we think rattan is the best material for indoor furniture because it is much more durable than real wicker or any other natural material.
And as it gets older, you can always freshen it up by switching out the cushions, which will give it new life.
In general, natural wicker furniture should easily last 20 years, while resin wicker that looks like rattan will probably last only 10 to 15 years.
How Durable Is Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
Each kind of material used in outdoor wicker furniture has a distinct lifespan. Therefore, it’s important to know whether the all-weather wicker you’re considering is natural or artificial. It’s crucial to understand the level of durability that can be expected from the outdoor furniture you choose.
Seagrass
Normally found in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, seagrass reed has a hard, smooth, shiny exterior. It’s adaptable enough to weave into a strong, tight weave, making it a very hard material.
You won’t have any trouble maintaining your seagrass furniture because it is stain-resistant.
The woven material won’t last as long as rattan patio furniture, so it’s not a good choice for the frame structure.
Paper Rope
Paper rope is a synthetic material made from twisted kraft paper that has undergone chemical treatment. Being unbleached, natural paper cord is known for being environmentally friendly.
I don’t believe paper rope outdoor furniture will be as durable as other wicker types, though.
Rattan
In south-east Asia, rattan is a fibrous climbing vine. Wicker patio furniture is made from a woven material that is incredibly resilient.
In order to continue harvesting the vines without harming the plant, they regenerate after being picked. There is no concern about causing deforestation as long as the forest is unharmed. As a result, rattan is sustainable and kind to the environment.
And when it comes to toughness, rattan furniture is the best option because it can withstand snow, rain, and sun exposure much better than all-weather wicker patio furniture.
With the proper amount of routine care and upkeep, well-made rattan patio furniture can last for more than 20 years.
Synthetic Resin Wicker
Wicker made of synthetic resin is a man-made substance as well. High-density polyethylene plastic was used to create it, and it mimics the appearance of wicker in nature.
It is not biodegradable because it is not a natural substance. Even though resin wicker is durable and requires little upkeep, synthetic wicker furniture is not thought to be environmentally friendly.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that just because a piece of synthetic wicker furniture is labeled as all-weather wicker doesn’t mean the color will remain vibrant or won’t suffer other effects of exposure to the sun.
Water Hyacinth
Since it grows extremely quickly and can be used in its natural state, water hyacinth is comparable to rattan in this regard. However, it does have the advantage of being softer and less brittle, which can make it simpler to bend and shape into particular designs.
In order to create strong, long-lasting wicker furniture, its stems and dried leaves are woven together, but rattan offers greater durability for outdoor use.
Bamboo
Similar to rattan, bamboo also has a hollow center that prevents it from being bent or curled. It may not be the strongest material because it is easily split if improper care is not taken of it. In many cases, seagrass wicker and bamboo are combined to form the frame of the structure.
However, it is viewed as an eco-friendly material because it grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides.
Aluminum Vs Cast Iron Frames
Aluminum frames have the enormous advantage of not rusting over time while also being lightweight, strong, and durable.
Cast iron, on the other hand, is heavier and can provide a base for chairs and tables that is much more sturdy.
Iron is frequently used in low-cost all-weather wicker furniture, but you should be aware that it will rust and that this can greatly reduce the lifetime, even if the iron is protected with a powder coating.
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Wicker Furniture – What Is It?
To be more precise, wicker is a term used to describe a process used to create furniture out of a variety of materials, including plants, vines, grasses, and so on.
The oldest known method of making furniture uses this technique, which has been used as the primary weaving technique for thousands of years.
However, modern machinery and automation make it possible to create other types of hardwood furniture in a lot less time.
Wicker furniture is still popular and can be found both indoors and outdoors all over the world, thriving despite the development of resources and technology. It serves as a throwback to fashionable, long-lasting, and useful furniture.
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Tips For Extending Your Wicker Furniture’s Lifespan
You can also take the following precautions to help your wicker furniture last longer:
Rotate Your Wicker Furniture
Your wicker furniture may become permanently faded from extended exposure to sunlight. The fading process will be slowed down and evened out if your furniture is rotated frequently, preventing discoloration blotches. To lessen exposure, think about putting your outdoor wicker furniture under an awning.
Humidify The Air
If exposed to dry air for an extended period of time, wicker furniture will often split. The rattan won’t split if there is a little moisture in the air. In places where it is extremely hot and dry, this step is especially crucial.
Oil The Furniture
Applying tung or boiled linseed oil will aid in minimizing damage and halting further deterioration if your wicker furniture has already split.
Wicker furniture should last you for many years if it is properly maintained. Design Furnishings can help if you’re looking to buy wicker furniture or would like to know more about caring for it. If you need assistance choosing the ideal item to complete your collection or getting advice on how to properly care for and protect your wicker, contact our knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Gently Clean Your Wicker Furniture
Regularly use a soft cloth to dust your wicker furniture. On the wicker, you may use a small amount of furniture polish, but avoid using too much. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or paint thinners as well.
Dry Rattan Well
If your rattan or wicker furniture gets wet, make sure to completely dry it out. If you clean the furniture with a wet cloth, wipe it down again with a dry one to get rid of any remaining moisture that might harm the wicker. Set it in the sun to finish drying if it does become overly saturated.
Treat Mildew Immediately
Remove your wicker furniture as soon as you notice any signs of mildew or mold growth. You can try a number of different techniques to get the unsightly stains off your furniture. Decide which option suits you the best. To see some straightforward techniques for cleaning mold from wicker, click here.
Lift Rattan When Moving It
When moving wicker and rattan furniture, lift and carry it. Dragging it reduces the wicker’s lifespan and can cause the fibers to split.
Protect The Feet Of The Furniture
the bottoms of the furniture’s feet should have felt pads or rubber stoppers. This action will safeguard the cane on the feet and keep it from withering.
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How To Weatherproof Wicker Furniture
Depending on the style, the material used to make the wicker furniture may already make it weatherproof.
You really don’t have to worry too much about adding much to synthetic wicker furniture because it is typically made of waterproof material.
You can use one or more of the following products to weatherproof wicker furniture:
- Varnish
- Paint
- Stain sealant
- Tung oil
- Polyurethane
You should evenly cover the entire wicker and reach between the majority of crooks when varnishing or sealing. Two coats are advised for maximum protection, and they should be applied again every three to four years.
Make sure to allow a few hours for the varnish, tung oil, or polyurethane to cure and dry between coats. Depending on the size of the wicker furniture in question, you could expect to spend anywhere from 4 to 6 hours doing it.
It’s advised to wipe down wicker furniture with a damp cloth after a quick spray of plant mist because it has a tendency to dry out. A coat of tung oil, which is renowned for restoring wicker furniture, is an additional option.
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Wicker Furniture Material: Synthetic Vs. Natural
Although synthetic wicker is more durable outside than natural wicker, it still has a similar appearance. Resin wicker, synthetic rattan, all-weather wicker, or HDPE wicker are some other names for synthetic wicker. These materials require little maintenance and are very long-lasting.
There are numerous materials available for the creation of wicker furniture. In the wicker technique, anything that can be woven may be used. But there are some materials that you’ll find in conventional wicker furniture. These include:
Paper Rope
Chemically treated twisted kraft paper is what makes up paper rope, which is man-made. This material resembles wicker furniture from the early 1900s in style.
Seagrass
In Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, seagrass is a strong, textured material. It has an island-inspired style and is very robust.
Rattan
Southeast Asia produces rattan. Tropical palm trees are what it is. This solid wood is used to make furniture that will last for a very long time.
Resin
A synthetic material called resin mimics the organic appearance of wicker. High-density polyethylene plastic is used to make it.
Water Hyacinth
Rattan and water hyacinth are comparable. It is a plant that grows incredibly quickly. The raw material doesn’t require much processing; it can be used as is.
Bamboo
However, unlike rattan, which has a solid core, bamboo has a hollow core in the middle. Bamboo is a less durable material than rattan because it tends to split more easily.
We Recommend Wicker Rattan Because…
Rattan is one of the most environmentally friendly materials used to make wicker furniture because it can be harvested continuously without harming the plant.
It has a very appealing, entirely natural appearance. This is because the rattan grain will always have a few minor flaws.
In terms of toughness, it will outlast goods made of hardwoods like maple, oak, or ash. If you treat it properly, it also has the added benefit of not rotting.
It is even more durable than all-weather wicker. Despite the fact that this kind of resin wicker needs less maintenance, it usually fades after five years.
How To Prevent Wicker Furniture From Drying Out?
Because it is so porous, natural wicker will quickly dry out. Use a plant mister or a clean, damp cloth to occasionally wipe down your wicker furniture. Linseed oil or lemon oil can be used to rehydrate and restore wicker that has become significantly dried out.
Clean Routine For Long-lasting Furniture
One of the best ways to keep your wicker furniture in top condition and extend its lifespan is through preventative maintenance. Your wicker furniture will last and be protected by the following tactics.
- As much surface dust as you can, brush off or vacuum.
- Use a soft brush and water that has been soaped up and has one to two teaspoons of ammonia added.
- Rinse thoroughly, then leave your furniture to air dry in the sun.
- For difficult-to-reach crevices, use a can of compressed air.
Murphy’s Oil Soap diluted with warm water can be used to thoroughly clean wicker if your furniture is heavily soiled or contains a lot of dust.
Storage & Protection
Despite being made to withstand the elements, synthetic wicker will still benefit from additional protection. You should bring your furniture inside for storage during the off-season and use furniture covers to protect your wicker when not in use.
Wicker that is natural requires additional defense. Natural wicker can benefit from covers as well, but the best defense is to keep it inside and out of the elements. Even covering your furniture with an awning or overhand will help keep it safe.
Ensure Beautiful Wicker For Many Years
By following the advice given above, your wicker furniture will last for many years while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Your wicker furniture will last longer if it is properly maintained. Synthetic wicker beautifully mimics the appearance of natural wicker while requiring less upkeep if you prefer a more low-maintenance approach.
Final Words
So how long is the lifespan of wicker furniture?
This concludes our discussion of the durability of wicker furniture. It is clear that proper maintenance and a few preventative measures can extend the life of both natural and synthetic wicker furniture.
Using the advice mentioned above, I believe it is highly likely that your wicker furniture will last for well over 10 years.
Having said that, I hope you enjoyed, learned something new, and found this article on wicker furniture durability to be helpful. Please leave a comment below if you have any additional advice or queries that you’d like to share with me.
I really appreciate you reading. Have a nice day!
