Wicker patio furniture is among the most beautiful and comfortable
outdoor furniture available. There is something dramatic and romantic
about it that makes wicker quite unique. It is a type of furniture that
is in its own category.
If you are thinking of buying wicker outdoor furniture, then here are
some pointers and tips. This will make it possible for you to buy and
use wicker like a pro:
Natural wicker is not one of the stronger types of furniture.
Therefore, natural wicker furniture is appropriate for adults that are
less than 200 lbs each, and for families without overly rambunctious
children. Except for these limitations, your natural wicker furniture
will provide long service.
Those concerned with these limitations may wish to consider vinyl or
plastic wicker. The frames are usually tougher because they use metal,
not rattan as with natural wicker furniture, and vinyl or plastic
wicker looks remarkably like the real thing.
Here are some pointers:
1) Wicker is damaged by exposure to moisture and to excessive sunlight.
Therefore, natural wicker outdoor furniture is best placed in a covered
area. Good locations include a covered porch, patio, or deck, in a
gazebo, or in a cabana.
2) Know how much space is available. Furniture should never be
congested. Before buying patio furniture, first decide where you want
the furniture to be positioned. From this you will be able to better
estimate what size furniture will fit.
Be especially careful with larger pieces. If you want a dinning table
with six chairs, make sure you have the room. The same is true with a
chesterfield or sofa. It simply isn’t fun to manoeuvre around a patio
with too much furniture and not enough walking space.
3) Only buy wicker furniture that is factory-assembled. Because wicker
is not easy to work with, it is wise to buy all wicker furniture fully
pre-assembled. If you assemble the furniture yourself, take special
care with the joints. Most problems with home assembly usually involve
instability because of poor joint connections.
4) Don’t forget to budget for covers for your new furniture. Wicker
should be kept dry, so if wicker is placed in an uncovered area, it
should be brought inside when it rains or completely covered. Covers
for all sizes of patio furniture are easily available online.
5) Work out in your mind delivery and placement logistics. Thinking
this through before delivery will save you time and trouble.
Care
Wicker patio furniture will require some maintenance. Once a month, the
wicker and cushions should be vacuumed using the vacuum’s soft brush,
then wiped with a damp cloth.
At least once a year wash your wicker, cushions, and frame using a mild
detergent in lukewarm water, use a sponge. Rinse well with clear water
and dry with soft cloths. Allow to finish drying in the
sun.
Removing Mildew
Mildew is a thin growth that is actually a plant. It is caused by very
warm temperatures and humidity. Mildew on wicker is usually easy to
control. A good washing will usually do the trick.
Using a mild detergent in lukewarm water and a sponge, wash your
wicker, cushions, and frame thoroughly. Rinse well with clear water and
dry with soft cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun.
This will often be enough. However, if mildew stains remain I recommend one of two options:
1) Moisten the stained area with lemon juice, then rub salt into the
stain. Do not rinse. Allow it to dry in the sun. After drying, rinse
off the lemon juice and salt by rinsing well with clear water, then dry
with cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun. Test on colored cushion
fabrics first.
2) In one quart of warm water, mix in two tablespoons of chlorine
bleach. Sponge the solution onto the stain area, or dip the stain area
into the mixture. Allow to stand for 15 minutes, and then rinse with
clear water. Dry with dry cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun.
Test on colored cushion fabrics first.
Note: Never use chlorine bleach on wool or silk. Other wash-and-wear
fabrics or fabrics with special finishes may be damaged by chlorine
bleach. Look for a warning tag attached to the cushion. (Bleach action
can be stopped quickly by soaking the item with a solution of two
tablespoons of vinegar for each cup of water.)
With these treatments you should have little problem with mildew.
Repainting Wicker
If you need to repaint wicker furniture, completely clean your
furniture first, dry with cloths. When completely dry, slightly sand
only those areas that are needed.
Painting with a paint brush can be tricky and slow. It is best to use a
sprayer or spray cans of paint to apply paint evenly and without drips.
Only use paint in a well ventilated area.
Summary
Natural wicker patio furniture can be a beautiful addition to any patio
or porch. With a little thoughtful care you can expect to enjoy
your new wicker furniture for many years to come.
Sebastian Van Deyck is a successful writer and a noted authority that
writes for Better Patio
Furniture providing helpful tips and practical advice for the
online shopping of outdoor furniture including
wicker patio furniture. His articles offer moneysaving tips
and valuable insight.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on 9/19/2005 12:01:21 AM. View other articles written bySebastian Van Deyck(212)
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