Wicker Patio Furniture: Achieving a High-End Look That Lasts

If you’re going for furniture that will live outdoors year-round, go for all-weather wicker.

Synthetic wicker is typically made from durable plastics like polyethylene (PE) or HDPE that resist sun damage, moisture, and temperature changes. The plastic is melted down and reformed into long, thin strands that are woven into the desired shapes.

Look for furniture with tight weaving, clean edges, and no loose ends, and avoid pieces with messy or uneven weaves, wayward strands, and clear signs of unraveling.

Outside of physical characteristics, seek out reputable companies that back their products with solid warranties, great customer service, and positive reviews from real customers. And give their websites and social media pages a good look too. If all are poor quality with typos and bad pictures, and you can’t find a return policy or contact information, steer clear.

While beautiful, natural wicker furniture made from bamboo, reeds, or other organic materials won’t be able to handle the outdoor elements without significant upkeep. Instead, select synthetic wicker or woven rope furniture made from PE or HDPE for lasting durability and minimal maintenance. Specifically, look for pieces with:

• Fade-resistance: High-quality pigments and UV stabilizers are blended into the material.
• Durable designs: Can handle years of harsh weather and frequent use without repairs or replacement.
• Mixed-material builds: Strong frames are paired with woven inserts.
• Low maintenance: Rarely needs care; easy to clean with common household products like mild dish soap.

Well-made wicker patio furniture is a combination of solid frames and wicker inserts — structurally sound designs that are beautiful and strong. Even pieces labeled as “100% wicker” have a hidden reinforcing subframe; otherwise, they would sag and stretch over time. Plus, wicker is lightweight and delicate on its own. Attaching it to sturdy materials increases its weight capacity and wind resistance.

When shopping, take a look at product details to see the furniture’s composition and weight limit. Frames built with HDPE, powder-coated aluminum, or stainless steel are good indicators of durability and weather resistance. Also, check the joint type — you want strong welds or marine-grade quality bolts, not glue or staples.

Check for the following features:

• Frame materials
• Joint type
• Weight capacity

Families are now spending nearly as much time outdoors as they are indoors, and they’re giving their backyard aesthetic the same treatment as the most-used rooms in their homes.

To meet these needs, companies are creating patio furniture styles that are nearly indistinguishable from their indoor counterparts. This indoor-outdoor movement is where wicker furniture can really shine.

Wicker furniture can be left outdoors year-round, and with regular care, it can last a long time. If you opt for all-weather wicker furniture, like POLYWOOD products, upkeep is much easier.

Prevent wear and tear on POLYWOOD wicker furniture with this easy cleaning method.

Instructions

1. Remove cushions first.
2. Vacuum or brush off debris.
3. Mix soap and water in the bucket.
4. Scrub the soapy water over all surfaces, using a toothbrush for tight spots.
5. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.

Outside of cleaning, inspect your furniture regularly to check for wear and damage — more frequently if your furniture is used often, less so in the off-season. Fix any issues right away before they have a chance to turn into frustrating repairs or costly replacements.

Here’s an easy-to-follow cleaning calendar for POLYWOOD wicker furniture:

Cushions and pillows enhance comfort and add color and texture to your look. When shopping, look for outdoor-rated cushions with performance fabrics (like solution-dyed acrylic or olefin) sewn over weather-resistant filling. These durable textiles are designed for outdoor use and resist fading, tears, and moisture far better than indoor fabrics. The filling holds its shape, dries quickly, and doesn’t trap moisture, reducing the likelihood of mold growth.

Ties are another must-have feature. These sewn-in fabric strips let you secure cushions to wicker dining chairs or chaises, keeping them in place while you sit. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

Synthetic wicker furniture is more durable than its natural counterpart, leading to less cleaning and lower repair or replacement costs. Investing in well-made, quality wicker furniture further benefits you as it’s attached to trusted brands that offer great warranties, great customer service, and sound return policies.

POLYWOOD’s wicker furniture comes with all this and more. Our durable woven pieces include frames crafted from infinitely recyclable lumber that’s backed by substantial warranties.