Outdoor wicker is a smart and practical choice if you want to put furniture in your yard or patio. Here are a few useful things to know before you buy and own your own set:
Not all wicker furniture pieces are the same
Natural, unfinished wicker chairs or tables won’t stand a chance if you put them outdoors. The constant exposure to changing weather conditions will immediately take a toll on the material.
Make sure it’s coated and finished
If you’re going for outdoor décor, the ideal outdoor wicker furniture you should look for are coated or finished pieces. Put them out on a covered porch and keep them out of the rain or direct sunshine and you’ll have those chairs and tables for years.
Proper care is key
These pieces will definitely last you longer with proper care and maintenance. However, you don’t have to do anything drastic. Clean it regularly and you won’t have to worry about spending money on a new set anytime soon. A dust rag will do the trick. If your furniture has stubborn dirt and stain, you’ll want to dampen your cleaning cloth with a mild soap to wipe that off.
Use vinegar
You can use a cleaning solution that’s 25 percent vinegar and 75 percent water, Do It Yourself. This will prevent molding from happening. Just make sure you remember to wipe the furniture off with a rag that’s damp with water.
Wear and tear
In case your wicker chairs and tables have been with you for years, though—and look every inch of it—you might want to heed the many signs of wear and tear (and there will be) by shopping for a replacement set. With so many new styles and designs out in the market, updating your outdoor décor should be easy and simple enough to do.
