Can Any Wicker Furniture Be Used Outdoors?

If you have decided to join the popular trend of expanding your living space to an outdoor area such as a deck or patio, you will need furniture to fill that space. A popular decor theme for outdoor areas includes the addition of wicker furniture. Wicker has a relaxing appearance and texture that stirs thoughts of a coastal vacation or island retreat. Before you invest in furniture for your outdoor living area, you need to be aware that there is a definite distinction between the wicker furniture you use indoors and the type you use outdoors.

Wicker furnishings are made from bamboo, rattan, vines, reeds, willow, or cane materials. There is a definite difference between furnishings made of bamboo and those made from rattan. Bamboo is hollow on the inside. Rattan is actually the stem of a palm and is not hollow inside. Once molded into a specific design, rattan is strong and durable. Furniture made of rattan can be used outdoors. It is able to withstand weather related elements and provide comfortable, attractive seating for you and your guests.

When shopping for outdoor wicker furniture, the term all weather wicker will be used in the description of some furnishings. This furniture is created by using resin wicker over a natural rattan, wood, or metal frame. Resin is made from synthetic polypropylene resin fibers. You might want to look for products with polyethylene. Polyethylene is an environmentally friendly product. This type of furniture is resistant to rot, rust, mold, mildew, and fungus. It can withstand the various weather related elements it will be exposed to. Furniture that is UV and fade resistant will remain an attractive part of your outdoor living area for many years. Resin wicker is virtually maintenance free so you can spend your time enjoying outdoor living instead of spending your leisure time cleaning furniture.

It is important that you read labels and select furniture for your outdoor living area that will last for many years. While you do need to select durable furniture that is weather resistant, you do not have to forfeit beauty and style Fin order to furnish your outdoor living space. You can easily find chairs in a variety of styles and finish options. The weaving pattern for outdoor chairs ranges from tightly woven classic wicker designs to very intricately woven chair backs that would be an impressive addition to any outdoor living room. Rocking chairs are also a possible option. For the ultimate in relaxation, you can add a comfortable chaise chair to your outdoor room.

You have a large variety of outdoor wicker tables to select from. You can use them as end tables, a coffee table, accent tables, or even a dining or game table. There are many accent pieces such as trays, planters, and ottomans available to complete your outdoor room design. The addition of outdoor lamps adds ambiance to your outdoor room and extends the time you have to enjoy the relaxing vacation-like atmosphere of an outdoor room regardless of where your home is located.

You will discover that some of the outdoor rattan furnishings are so attractive they can be used indoors. They would be an exceptionally good choice for a sunroom. However, indoor wicker furnishings should not be used outdoors. They simply are not able to withstand the harsh weather related elements they would be exposed to outdoors. Check the product description and manufacturers label carefully to be sure the furniture you buy is made of weather resistant material.