Resin Wicker Patio Furniture: Everything You Need to Know
Resin wicker patio furniture is not like the fabulous classic wicker chair your grandmother might have lovingly kept. Her chair is likely made of natural rattan (you can see Natural Rattan Chairs here) and must be used indoors or in very well covered outdoor areas. We are still making lots of quality natural rattan products, but now we also offer aluminum framed synthetic resin wicker. These products are made with the same tried and true methods that the natural rattan is made of, but these materials are also suitable for all seasons outdoors.
Have you considered whether resin wicker patio furniture is right for your patio, porch, or deck?
Read on for everything you need to know.
What is Resin wicker?
Resin wicker is a man made synthetic wicker. If you’ve ever wondered if resin wicker and synthetic wicker are the same thing, the answer is yes! These terms are used interchangeably,
But there are lots of different qualities being made & used for furniture. HDPE, or high density polyethylene, is the best quality material for synthetic wicker. When you see this material being used it is a sign that these are better quality resin wicker products. Also if HDPE is being used it is a reasonable assumption that the other materials and fabrics being used are also good quality.
HDPE Resin wicker is nonporous and dyed all of the way through. It is loaded with ultraviolet light treatment so the color stays true and fresh for years to come.
Wicker is a weaving process, not a material. So wicker can be anything that is woven and can be made a natural or synthetic material.
Resin wicker versus natural wicker
Natural wicker is made of rattan vine, a species of climbing plant that is grown in tropical zones of the Americas, as well as South East asia. We find the best quality rattan grows in Indonesia so that is where our partner factories are.
Natural wicker is suitable for indoor furniture & very well covered outdoor areas and if made right will be quite comfortable and very elegant elegant, it will deteriorate very quickly when left outdoors as it is porous & will hold water.
This is why synthetic wicker has grown in popularity for outdoor furniture. Being non porous any dirt will be on the outside of the wicker & can be easily cleaned. There are no pores for the dirt to settle in. Quality Aluminum Framed Synthetic wicker triumphs over natural wicker when it comes to outdoor furniture. Be careful of products made with steel Not only can they rust, but steel costs less than aluminum & may be sign that the furniture has lesser quality, less expensive materials being used everywhere.
Here’s why resin wicker is a favorite:
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Lightweight and easy to move
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Comfortable and kid friendly
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Weather resistant
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Resistant to pool water and chlorine
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Available in lots of styles and colors
The difference between HDPE and PVC
As mentioned above, there can be large differences in the quality of resin wicker available on the market.
One of the main differences is the type of material used in the wicker strands.
PVC is a vinyl polymer that is often used to make plumbing pipes. It has a low production cost and so is used in cheaper wicker furniture. The downside to the lower price is that the material can be prone to damage, in terms of fading, scratching, denting, and tearing over time.
HDPE, which stands for High Density Polyethylene is a much stronger material with a higher level of tensile strength. Especially when woven in a very tight weave, it is incredibly difficulty to do damage to resin wicker furniture made of HDPE.
Even better, HDPE is lighter and more resistant to sunlight.
What to look for in resin wicker patio furniture
Now that you understand what resin wicker furniture is and what the benefits are, it’s time to get a clear view of what other important factors you need to search for when shopping:
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Heavy gauge aluminum frames - Be sure to look out for aluminum (not steel) frames so that your furniture is resistant to rusting. It’s also a good idea to choose furniture that features heavy gauge aluminum frames so that the pieces are sturdy.
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Furniture frames that are raised off the ground - Your furniture will be outside, meaning there can mud, dirt, dust, or sand. It’s smart to find furniture that is raised a couple inches off the ground so that the frame is not sitting in the dirt.
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Little to no assembly - Not only is low or no assembly a factor convenience, it also has to do with longevity. When your furniture’s frame has been welded in the factory, that means it’s much stronger. If you have to piece it together at home, it could come apart just as easily. Choose items that are crafted and shipped whole.
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Made of HDPE - For resin wicker that is strong and durable, and not prone to cracking, fading, or peeling, you absolutely must choose HDPE, and don’t buy anything made of PVC.
An affordable investment
Because of its longevity and durability, resin wicker patio furniture is actually a very affordable investment. It’s the best option for outdoor entertaining. You can find pieces with very thick comfortable cushions and high backs.
Make sure to top your resin wicker chair, bench, or sofa with cushions that feature water-resistant inners and sun-resistant fabrics. That way you can have a true all weather outdoor setup.
We’re available to answer questions on purchasing and protecting all weather resin wicker furniture from 9 - 5 Monday through Friday and 9 - 4:30 Saturday Eastern Time. Give us a call at 1-800-274-8602.
You can also get started by looking at one of the links below: