Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture - Helpful tips for choosing the right one for your needs
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 furniture has special needs not shared with other types of outdoor furniture. Neglecting your wicker furniture and not providing the proper care will cause the furniture to dry out and crack or warp. You can prevent these problems and ensure the long-lasting beauty of your wicker year after year by following these five simple tips:
Select High Quality Furniture: This is probably the most crucial element in making sure you will have lasting patio furniture. For wicker furniture, quality pieces should have a metal frame, usually aluminum, and the wicker weave will be very tight without any gaps, or loose ends that let the frame show through.
Eliminate Dirt and Grime: Wipe down your patio furniture periodically with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not get the wicker too wet as soggy wicker can warp and stretch. To clean your furniture more thoroughly, at the end of the season, you can usually use a hose safely unless the furniture is painted or antique and could be damaged by the strong water pressure.
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 Loss Moisture: You should, at least annually, apply oil to your patio furniture to help it regain moisture. Use boiled linseed oil and apply it liberally to the wicker. Then wipe off the excess with clean dry paper towels. When you are done, your wicker furniture should look shiny. If not, keep applying the oil until the wicker is saturated. As a note of warning, linseed oil is flammable so you should be careful getting rid of the used paper towel. Let your wicker furniture dry for at least 24 hours before you use 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 care, wicker furniture can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for any patio. There is a huge selection of wicker styles and colors to choose from to complement any dcor. You can also choose between traditional and more contemporary styled pieces. By choosing the best pieces for your outdoor space and caring for them properly, you will have beautiful patio furniture for years of outdoor fun and entertainment.
Designing the right patio space doesn't have to be difficult. Finding the perfect wicker outdoor furniture can be a breeze. Start your search at outdoor wicker patio furniture where you will learn how to improve your patio space.
Filed under Shopping by Brandon Dorsey.