Once you’ve made the investment in outdoor furniture, you’ll want to be certain that it will give you and your family years of enjoyment. Fortunately, wicker patio furniture sets can be kept beautiful and in tip-top shape for many years of enjoyable use by following these simple steps.
Wicker is different than other outdoor furniture types and has a few special requirements. When wicker is not properly cared for, the fibers can dry out and warp or crack ruining your investment. However, simply following these five tips will ensure lasting enjoyment of your wicker furniture.
Choose High Quality Wicker Furniture: Selecting high quality furniture at the very beginning is really the single most important element in ensuring you will have lasting outdoor furniture. High quality wicker pieces will have an aluminum frame and a very tightly woven weave that doesn’t allow the frame to show through.
Remove Dirt and Grime: You can avoid grimy build-up that occurs natural over time and exposure to the elements by wiping down your furniture occasionally with a lightly dampened cloth and mild detergent. Make sure you don’t get the furniture too wet since soggy wicker can stretch and warp. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also use a garden hose. However, avoid using this on antique or painted furniture which may be damaged by a strong water spray.
Prevent Warping and Dryness: Wicker patio furniture sets should be kept in shady areas. Natural wicker fibers are prone to drying out in direct sunlight and becoming brittle. You should also keep your furniture covered and protected from the rain. In the event your wicker patio pieces do get wet, make sure no weight is put on them and they are not used until completely dry. Wet wicker can easily be damaged permanently.
Restore Moisture: At least once a year, you should apply oil to your furniture to retain moisture. Make sure your pieces are dry and then apply boiled linseed oil to the wicker. After you wipe it off with clean paper towels, your wicker should appear shiny. If it does not, continue to apply coats of oil until the wicker weave no longer absorbs the oil. Be aware that linseed oil is flammable and care should be taken when disposing the used paper towels. Let your furniture dry for 24 hours before using it again.
Protect Your Furniture in the Off-Season: When the cold weather hits, it is time to move your wicker furniture indoors to a dry, protected location. If you do not have room to store the furniture during the winter, purchase a high quality cover for your furniture. Wicker patio furniture sets are susceptible to damage if left outside for extended periods during inclement weather.
With proper maintenance, wicker patio furniture can transform your patio into a warm and inviting space for gathering with friends and family. Wicker offers a large selection of colors and styles to choose pick from and match any dcor. There is also a wide choice of both contemporary and more traditional styles available. By choosing the furniture that best suits your needs and providing the proper care; you can have beautiful wicker furniture for years of outdoor fun.
There are a lot of resources available today to help you find the right combination of wicker outdoor furniture to fit your needs. Visit outdoor wicker patio furniture to get started and discover how to make a perfect outdoor space.