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Plenty of outdoor furniture options are available to us these days. We have our pick of wood, wrought iron, stone, etc., but none are quite as eye-catching as wicker. Wicker is not a material; it’s actually a centuries-old weaving technique where thin, flexible strands are woven together to create decor, furniture, and other items.
Wicker patio furniture can be made of a range of organic or manmade materials, like bamboo or synthetic resin. POLYWOOD’s wicker outdoor furniture designs pair durable frames with woven backs and seats — both made from durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This combination creates woven seating that’s enduring in form and function.
If you’re shopping for new wicker patio furniture for your home, we can help you pick the perfect pieces. Explore our guide to learn about how to spot premium wicker furniture, the best construction materials, style ideas, maintenance tips, and more.
In This Article
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.
|
High-Quality |
Poor-Quality |
| HDPE or PE frames | Low-cost PVC or vinyl |
| Tight, even weaving |
Messy or uneven weaves |
|
Clean edges |
Strands poking out |
|
No loose ends |
Signs of unraveling |
|
Solid warranty, customer service, and reviews |
No warranty and bad customer service/reviews |
| Clean, detailed website and online presence | Shabby website and online presence |
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:
| Material | UV Resistance | Durability | Maintenance Level | Best For |
| Natural Wicker | Low | Low | High | Indoor or covered use |
| PE | High | High | Low | All outdoor environments |
| HDPE | High | High | Very Low | All outdoor environments |
| Material |
Natural Wicker |
PE | HDPE |
| UV Resistance |
Low | High | High |
| Durability |
Low | High | High |
| Upkeep Level |
High | Low | Very Low |
| Best for | Indoor or covered use | All outdoor areas | All outdoor areas |
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:
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.
Combine woven elements with smoother surfaces like HDPE tabletops, stone accent tables, or metal planters. Mixing natural-inspired textures — like wicker, rattan, and teak — helps your space feel more connected to its surroundings.
Create layouts that suit your lifestyle. Use wicker dining chairs around a full-sized table for hosting family dinners, or pair a rocking chair and side table for reading or relaxing.
Ground your space with neutral or earth tones, then add personality through cushions or accents. Subtle contrasts — or even modern touches like mixed finishes or tonal variation — can elevate the overall look.
Pair woven seating with contrasting materials like HDPE lumber, concrete, or wood. Layer in accessories — planters, rugs, and lighting — to create dimension and a more finished, intentional space.
Think about the purpose of your outdoor space. If you plan to host parties by the pool, go for tall tables and woven bar stools for a resort-style look. For outdoor kitchens, line the ledges with woven counter stools where guests can relax while you cook.
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.
Supplies Needed
Instructions
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:
| Season |
Cleaning Instructions |
| Spring | Clean frames and woven accents; inspect for winter damage; bring cushions out |
| Summer | Wipe down monthly; reposition furniture to avoid prolonged direct sun on cushions |
| Fall | Final clean; store cushions indoors; cover or leave frames out |
| Winter | Frames can remain outdoors; periodically check for and remove debris |
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.
HDPE synthetic wicker delivers outstanding longevity for outdoor use. This material resists weather, moisture, fading, and sun damage, ensuring your furniture remains strong and beautiful year after year.
Clean your wicker furniture regularly with soap, water, and a soft-bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly and allow it to air-dry. Throughout peak season, a brief cleaning every few weeks keeps your furniture looking fresh, while inspecting for loose strands helps prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.
Look for performance fabrics designed to resist fading, moisture, and everyday wear. Cushions with quick-dry foam cores make upkeep easier while keeping your seating comfortable and fresh.
Choose pieces made with UV-resistant synthetic wicker and durable, weather-resistant frames. For added protection, store cushions in console tables when not in use and move furniture to shaded areas when possible to keep them out of the sun.
Deep clean wicker furniture in the spring and fall, wipe down surfaces as needed during summer, and keep cushions in storage during the off-season.
Caitlin Evans
Cait is an Indiana-based creative content writer who has been with POLYWOOD since 2020. She’s a Purdue alumna, a proud logophile (word nerd), and an advocate of the Oxford comma. In her free time, Cait loves gardening, cooking, running, camping, and spending time with her husband and four fur children.
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