Patio & Deck: Selecting The Right Outdoor Wicker Furniture
One of the most common items found outside of the home is outdoor wicker furniture. Yet, many people do not understand just what wicker is and how to choose good wicker furniture for outside use. Outdoor Wicker Furniture: Just What Is It? For furniture to be classified as 'wicker,' it does not have to be made of any specific type of material. The term 'wicker' simply refers to any fiber or material that is woven by hand into something that is functional. Some wicker items - including outdoor wicker furniture - are made from plant materials, such as rattan, reeds, bamboo or willow. It is also possible to weave wicker items from plastics and resins. The wicker that is most familiar to us is the traditional kind, which is made from various plants and woods. Outdoor Wicker Furniture: Everything Old Is New Again Although many people think of outdoor wicker furniture as a 'modern' trend, wicker-weaving is in fact very old, going back to ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered wicker items in ancient Egypt, and also in the ruins of Pompeii. The Celtic peoples used it, as well as various American Indian tribes. Yet, it is true that moderns have 'rediscovered' this ancient art. It is said that the 'Arts and Crafts' movement - which stressed a return to simple design and functionality in art - was heavily influenced by wicker design, beauty and usefulness. Outdoor wicker furniture is simply the logical extension of this craft to meet the need for durable furniture. Outdoor Wicker Furniture: What Do I Look For? Why do people choose outdoor wicker furniture over other types? First, wicker furniture wears well in the out-of-doors. Second, despite being durable it is lightweight, so it can be moved easily on the porch or deck. Finally, outdoor wicker furniture is far less expensive than other types such as wood or metal. In choosing your outdoor wicker furniture ideally it should be built around a sturdy frame. The frame can be made of wood or metal. Some feel that the metal frame is more durable than the wood, but some metals can corrode or rust, or make the furniture too heavy to be moved. Wood frames are lighter, but not always as durable, as some woods can decay over time. In evaluating your outdoor wicker furniture for purchase you must also consider color and design. Will the piece 'fit' with the other items? Or will it stick out like a sore thumb? It should also be sized right for the area it will occupy. Outdoor Wicker Furniture: How Do I Care For It? You must remember that your outdoor wicker furniture is a hand-made and hand-crafted item, not mass-produced, so it must be properly cared for. A gentle cleaning in warm water, a little soap and a soft cloth will remove most forms of dirt. If over time your outdoor wicker furniture begins to show signs of wear, you can have any broken fibers repaired (re-woven), or you can do it yourself. You can also protect the wood with various varnishes and finishes which you can get at your DIY center. With a little care, your furniture will give you great service for many, many years. |
