Telling the Good From the Bad in Wicker Patio Furniture
When considering which piece of furniture to buy, quality is always of the utmost concern. We all want to spend our hard-earned dollars only on something that’s going to last us a while. When buying wicker patio furniture, the question of how to distinguish good pieces from bad becomes even trickier, since most of us don’t know what to look for. Just follow these few simple tips, and you’ll be sure to only get the best wicker money can buy.
The first way to judge good wicker patio furniture is by feel. Pick the piece up (if practical) and give it a gentle shake. It should feel solid, with no loose pieces. Each element (arms, back, seat, etc.) should feel tightly secured to the frame. If you feel anything rattling or twisting, the furniture is probably poorly constructed and not worth your time. (For those of us who carry a few extra pounds, we don’t like to hear the “creaking” either!)
Next, sit down and test the item’s comfort and durability. If you feel poking, or if pieces seem to shift too much under your weight, it’s best to walk away. Wicker patio furniture will have some natural give, which is part of its comfort, but nothing should sag or twist. Likewise, if you feel anything poking you, it probably means a piece of the wicker has splintered prematurely.
Run your hand over the wicker weave in multiple places. If the weave is rough in texture, the piece is probably of poor quality. Good wicker patio furniture should have a uniformly smooth weave, with no protruding ends, cracking, or splintering. Some forms of wicker, such as bamboo, may have a naturally rougher texture, so make sure you take the furniture’s composition into account as well.
Check the underside of the furniture to see how the frame is constructed. In general, the best wicker is made from rattan poles which have been notched together or connected with screws. Hardwood is sometimes used to reinforce wicker frames, but the best wicker patio furniture will not require hardwood bracing at all. The joints in rattan frames are commonly wrapped with cane. Be sure to check that the wrappings are tight. Loose wrappings and a lot of hardwood bracing are signs of poor construction.
Finally, make sure that if the furniture is finished, that there is no cracking or flaking in the varnish. Wicker can be very durable if properly varnished. If improperly done, however, wicker can suffer from mold, mildew, and excess heat and moisture. Make sure that your investment is properly protected. Synthetic wicker furniture is also available, which can be much more weather-resistant than traditional wicker.
A set of wicker patio furniture can be a great addition to any outdoor space. It adds a touch of class to any garden, patio, pool area, or sunroom. If you follow the steps listed above, you can be sure to pick out only the highest quality furniture, which will last you for years to come.
