When it comes to purchasing wicker furniture, it can be difficult to distinguish between high and low quality wicker. Wicker patio sets can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, so how can you tell a good one from a bad one? We're going to debunk some myths about wicker so you can tell the difference right away.
To evaluate the quality of a particular wicker set, consider the following factors: materials, weave, support system, and price.
If you're looking for how to choose perfect rattan patio furniture, check this article!
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Say No to Cheap Plastic Materials
The majority of low-cost, low-quality wickers are made of plastic materials that will tear, scratch, and fall apart over time. Plastic wicker is not the best choice of wicker due to its short-term durability, as you will have to replace the set much more frequently over time. Furthermore, non-biodegradable plastics contribute to landfill pollution and increase our country's ecological footprint. So, how do you spot this low-cost wicker? Simply look at its appearance; cheaper wicker resembles shiny vinyl and is frequently very thin, so you will never be duped!
Quality materials, on the other hand, is made of Polyethylene, an environmentally friendly synthetic resin infused with UV inhibitors to prevent fading from sun exposure. This material is extremely long-lasting, low-maintenance, resistant to cracking and scratching, and resistant to the elements. This material has a matte wooden appearance, but we recommend asking or reading the sales tag to ensure that the wicker set you are shipping is made of this material.
Be aware that the wicker furniture available at big box retailers is not of the same quality as Polyethylene, particularly lacking UV stabilizers, and thus wears and breaks more quickly.
Hand Weaving
Professionally handwoven wicker furniture is woven a few rows at a time. Wicker is woven by rows of ten at a time when retailers want to cut costs and mass produce. This results in wicker patterns that run in one direction or the other, as well as odd spacing between the rows. This is because it is nearly impossible to straighten the strands when working with so many at once. The process of making high quality wicker is time-consuming but results in beautiful pieces, so look for even weaves and symmetrical patterns to determine whether it is high quality or not.
Thick aluminum frame Support System
Producing inexpensive frames for their wicker is another way businesses try to cut costs. As a result, frames become bent and wrapped quickly. A sturdy aluminum frame, preferably powder-coated to prevent rust and add aesthetic appeal, should be included with a high-quality wicker set. While maintaining its lightweight design that makes it simple for you to rearrange your patio furniture, the aluminum frame supports the seating area.
There is a higher chance of drooping seats and the weave unraveling when under extreme stress if this support was constructed with flimsy materials or if specific sets that required additional support did not include it built in. Also, be wary of box stores that claim their furniture has sturdy metal frames because they are typically hiding steel construction, which corrodes and rusts.
Consider the support system underneath the set, and if in doubt, ask a salesperson to lift the wicker furniture and demonstrate the support frame system.
Get what you pay for!
A good quality wicker piece will usually cost you a few hundred dollars, and a set will cost you a few thousand. High-end wicker furniture can cost up to $10,000. Quality wicker brands such as Sunset West and Lloyd Flanders range in price from $2,000 to 5,000 for a set that will last you 10+ years in perfect condition.
Remember that you get what you pay for, and if the wicker set is less than a thousand dollars, chances are it is a mass-produced, low-quality set that will last you 2-3 years and pollute the landfills.
