Wonderful Wicker
There is something undeniably charming and quintessentially southern about wicker. It makes one think of balmy summer days and lazy afternoons drinking mint juleps. But aside from being beautiful, wicker is a popular choice for patio furniture throughout the world. However, unlike its hardwood, metal and resin peers, wicker requires a little more care and upkeep to keep it looking its finest. The elbow grease is worth it though. Here are a few ways to maintain wicker furniture.
Types of wicker
Wicker is composed of delicate woven fibers, but there are actually multiple varieties of wicker, some stronger than others. Wood wicker is the most common type found in furniture, but there’s also cane, bamboo and paper fiber wicker, the latter being the weakest but also rarest. These days, synthetic wicker has also grown in popularity, being more durable, waterproof and easy to clean. Up close though, there’s no beating the texture and look of the real deal.
Placement
Because wicker is the most vulnerable of all types of patio furniture to the elements, it’s best suited for sunrooms, covered porches, or in regions of the world that don’t see much rainfall. Extreme temperature fluctuations will also affect the strength of wicker. Some moisture won’t harm most types of wicker, but prolonged exposure will cause the fibers to weaken and rot.
Finishes
Adding a sealant coat or paint to wicker furniture adds a modicum of added protection and helps to waterproof the fibers underneath. If you don’t want to cover the natural coloration of the fibers, use a clear finish. Spray-paints work especially well to get into all the little cracks and crevices throughout the woven surface. The only problem with paint is that is usually needs to be reapplied every few years, as it tends to crack and blister, especially when exposed to direct sunlight over a period of time. Oils, such as linseed oil, are another option that both protect the surface and keep the fibers from drying out, which can lead to cracking.
Cleaning
Small bristle brushes work best with the woven material, while small handheld vacs are great for picking up loose dirt or dust. Hoses are only recommended for use on synthetic and wood wicker, but even then, do not use a power hose, which will strip off the outer layers of the wood. For stains, a damp, (not wet) washcloth and soap will work. For more stubborn spots, use a mixture of bleach and water, but thoroughly rinse the area when finished, as the bleach will eat away at the fibers over time.
In conclusion, wicker patio furniture requires more work than, say, poly resin furniture, but the classic look is stunning, it’s rewarding work, and for a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, maybe one could say it’s even a pleasure, rather than a chore, seeing your hard work pay off for a beautiful backyard.
