Today’s outdoor wicker patio furniture is a far cry from what it used to be. With a vast array of available options from traditional styling to hot new trends and a wide range of colors, the old rickety grandma’s country kitchen look is a thing of the past. Wicker furniture can fit in any dcor, and with proper maintenance can serve your family for many years.

There are a few things you should keep in mind and consider carefully as you are selecting your patio furniture.

Is your patio big, tiny or somewhere in-between?

Will the furniture receive heavy use?

How do you plan to use the furniture?

What style do you prefer?

As you determine the answers to these questions, it will become easier and easier to eliminate options that aren’t right for you and hone in on the perfect wicker set for your patio or yard. If you are shopping for a small patio, stay away from the bigger sets as they will make your space crowded and uncomfortable. For larger spaces, skip the smaller sized sets as they will just appear lost in all that space. Picking furniture of the right size for your patio is just as crucial as selecting the right color and style.

In addition, it is essential to select a wicker furniture set made of high quality materials if you plan to use your patio furniture on a regular basis for outdoor use as higher quality materials will hold up better against the elements over time. Outdoor wicker patio furniture made of reconstituted paper fiber should be avoided at all costs. It simply will not hold up to the elements or regular use. Bamboo or rattan furniture sets are better choices for long-term, outdoor use of your wicker furniture.

Select a wicker set that includes a heavy-duty frame made of aluminum for lasting durability. Finally, pay careful attention to the wicker weave on the furniture. In high-quality pieces, the wicker will be woven tight enough that you cannot see the frame beams. The spaces you see between the weave in a lower quality wicker furniture piece will grow larger over time, reducing the comfort and appearance of your wicker furniture.

It is important to seal wicker furniture in order to protect it from outdoor conditions, regardless of what the climate is like where you live. You can either seal your furniture by painting it or applying a coat of resin sealant. While both methods work well, the sealant will also showcase your furniture’s natural beauty. You should also thoroughly clean your furniture at least once every year. You can use soap and warm water to clean the wicker, rinse it with a garden hose, and place it in a safe location where it can dry completely. Periodically, your furniture will need to be refinished by adding a new coat of clear varnish or lacquer.

Outdoor wicker patio furniture comes in shapes, styles, colors and sizes to fit every dcor. You can find modern lounge chairs and couches to create attractive patio seating areas. Wicker bistro and dining sets are available for outdoor meals and entertaining. And if you loved Grandma’s old white country kitchen look chair, you can get that, too, only in a much higher quality.

The prices of quality wicker furniture might give you a little sticker shock, but try to remember that good quality furniture costs money. That doesn’t mean you should let the price stop you from having the patio of your dreams. By shopping at clearance sales during the late summer and early fall you can usually find great deals that can save you some cash. Of course, buying your furniture when the season is over will mean storing it for the winter. But you won’t regret it once spring rolls around and you can spend the summer enjoying your beautiful patio.

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