subject: Precisely What is Wicker and Exactly Why Does It Make the Ideal Patio Furniture? [print this page] Precisely What is Wicker and Exactly Why Does It Make the Ideal Patio Furniture?
Wicker is not really a material -- it is actually an exceptionally versatile weaving process.
One of the main materials widely used for wicker patio furniture is rattan.
Rattan was likely one of the first organic substances used in furniture.
Like the more well known bamboo, rattan is actually a vine that grows in the tropical rain forests of Indonesia and South-East Asia. However, unlike bamboo rattan is actually solid, not hollow.
Expert furniture manufacturers employ sizeable, strong pole-sized pieces to produce the strong frames of the furniture. Steam is employed to soften the pieces so they can be fashioned into amazing contours we observe on various pieces today. As the rattan cools, it retains the contour.
When looking for wicker garden furniture -- specifically substantial items like sofas and tables -- make sure to choose a frame made of sturdy, rigid, "broom handle" sized poles.
To finish the pieces of furniture, the weavers connect smaller size parts (the "wicker") onto the outside of the frame. This technique of weaving and attaching the smaller bits to the surface of the pole rattan frame requires much raw materials along with expert ability and effort on the part of the weavers.
That is why most woven ("wicker") furniture is more expensive than mere pole rattan furniture.
On the other hand, natural wicker furniture does not weather well and is not suitable for exterior use.
Treating the wicker by using resin makes it appropriate for garden furniture. Resin treated wicker will be UV, heat, and frost resistant and is practically maintenance-free.
Today's Wicker Garden Furniture
Nearly all pieces of wicker garden furniture currently have bodies manufactured from powder-coated aluminum. Pole rattan is porous which enables it to absorb water and eventually deteriorate. Aluminum will never rust and can be finished to match the color of the furnishings and will provide you with many years of use and satisfaction. Due to their increased endurance, powder-coated aluminum frames tend to be by far the most desirable for wicker garden furniture.
In addition synthetic, non-porous, vinyls and resins are generally used over those aluminum bodies. You will see this referred to as synthetic wicker. Considering that wicker is the weaving method instead of the material, this really is not necessarily a false or inaccurate identification.
Although not quite as pretty or "organic", these types of man-made pieces ought to last considerably longer than their organic counterparts.
