Little Bit of Green

Seeking the finest of furniture to adorn your outdoor living space, you can go in for wicker patio furniture which is known for its unique sophisticated appeal, authentic looks and durability. It easily becomes one of the popular choices due to being both cost-effective and comfortable enough to make your patio existence truly unique. Patio furniture made from a variety of material is easily available in the market and every type has its own advantages and disadvantages to contend with. The same holds true for wicker furniture.

In most outdoor patio furniture, rattan is normally used. Rattan is a fibrous plant that commonly grows in tropical countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia and it is related to the palm family. Rattan is a favorite because it is strong but still easy to weave and it’s highly resistant to any splitting and splintering. After going through a process of painting, staining, varnishing and polishing, the rattan turns out to be beautiful and durable furniture. Rattan is among the sturdiest of wicker varieties and is also make into chairs and sofa frames, love seats, divans and ottomans.

Cane presents another viable alternative to rattan for making wicker furniture which is also easily available and stands apart for its look and feel. However, most of the similarities end right here because cane has basically a glossy unfinished natural look which is difficult to copy or create artificially which is also an advantage in terms of aesthetic appeal. It cannot be varnished which does not make the perfect choice for making outdoor patio furniture, though it can still serve as excellent material for making indoor furniture. Combining the natural looks of cane with other suitable material can transform the natural effect in various ways which can be used in making wicker furniture of all kinds. Its unfinished textured feel along with the part glossy finish is what makes it so popular in terms of a wicker furniture material.

Reed is the least sturdy of the wicker variety. Reed is softer and unlike rattan, it can be painted, varnished and stained more easily than the other wicker types. Reed is normally used to make wicker accessories such as baskets, coasters, storage trunks and mirrors and many other items. Furniture or accessories made from reed are normally used indoors. Since they can be easily varnished, they are more resistant to moisture but aren’t durable enough for regular outdoor use.

Bamboo is yet another variety of wicker material but less often used for making wicker patio furniture. It is very similar to rattan in appearance but stands apart for being more difficult to weave to make furniture. Mostly furniture like desks and cabinets are made out of bamboo which may not have to bear much weight although bamboo is considered one of the toughest wicker materials. Outdoor cushions can well complement the look and feel of bamboo wicker furniture. It is also more of an environment-friendly alternative in that it saves use of scarcer natural material for making furniture and other material. One thing you can count upon in using bamboo is durability. Its natural strength of fiber makes it more suitable and adapted to withstanding natural elements easily.

Apart from these natural materials used in wicker outdoor patio furniture sets, there is also the synthetic material kind. Synthetic wicker is formed to closely resemble rattan, cane, reed, and bamboo, but it is far more durable than its natural counterparts. Synthetic wicker patio furniture can be used widely outdoors and are resistant to stains, rain, mildew, sun, and even salt water. Synthetic wicker is suitable for those looking for a natural finish but still want something that looks and feels natural.

You can choose the perfect piece of wicker furniture for your patio by keeping in mind the above described qualities of various material and pick the ones made from the right kind of material. The choices could differ widely based on your individual taste and preferences but you can more easily attain desirable results. It can also prove economical way of doing things because you can choose from the whole range of products placed at your disposal. However, do not forget to spice up your patio existence by using suitable furniture covers, outdoor cushions and other accessories to make the most of your outdoor living experience.

Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using outdoor patio furniture, patio umbrellas, patio umbrellas, patio heaters, patio lighting and so on to create exquisitely beautiful layout. His work on propane patio heaters and so on are widely distributed and is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com.

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