Of all more traditional styles of outdoor furniture, rattan and wicker continue to be the most popular and most inviting of all. While they are somewhat nostalgic in their look – shabby chic or tropical – a bit of maintenance over the years keeps them fresh. They are the most fragile of all outdoor furniture materials, moreover two of the most lovely.

The wood fibers that comprise these two beauties are more fragile than most, but it is what makes them so warm and inviting too. Their vulnerability to weather’s elements is well-known. A small amount of maintenance and preventative action can keep them looking good and useable for many years.

Moisture is the biggest enemy and culprit for both wicker and rattan. While both of them come with either paint or a varnish coating, it will need to be periodically updated to ensure that moisture is kept away from the fibers. The coating is what keeps them dry, and if the barrier becomes cracked or broken, damage can happen quickly. Even a little mildew can work its way into the body of a piece faster than you think. Get rid of mildew by using just a little water with bleach in it. Used in a spray form and allowed to air dry, it will kill off growing mildew.

The cracking of varnish resin or paint is important to watch for too. This comes from the sun’s heat but can be remedied each year with a fresh, thin coat of paint or varnish applied over the existing one. Keep it thin so there isn’t a huge build up that would need to be sanded off prior to a new coat.

In many climates, it is necessary to put rattan and wicker into storage for the winter months. Invest in high quality outdoor furniture covers and it makes the job easier and safer too. If the legs and feet are also wrapped to keep out moisture, it’s all the better for greater longevity as dampness can’t work its way up to the main structure of the pieces.

These protective covers are also excellent during the summer months for sun protection when the pieces aren’t being used on a regular basis. This can actually add years to the life of both wicker and rattan and the theory holds for indoor sunrooms as well. The sun makes the resin or paint contract and can create cracks where moisture can enter.
That’s where damage can begin.

Vintage wicker and rattan holds its value due to the fragility of the fibers. Many homeowners forget or don’t bother with proper protection and the pieces will start to disintegrate. Vintage pieces become rarer and rarer because of this attrition. Taking care of rattan and wicker not only means it lasts longer for the owner but adds to its long term value.

In climates where winter weather is an issue, it is necessary to store wicker, and it is why many only use the pieces on sheltered patios or porches where there is some protection. In summer months it isn’t necessary to pull out the covers as often, and in many areas, it is well enough protected even in winter. Decorating these particular areas with the softness of wicker and rattan adds both comfort and beauty to a home.

Yes, rattan and wicker require more maintenance than other materials for outdoor furniture, but the reward is through style and comfort. The newer versions of these materials have plastic resin coatings, which offer better and longer protection, but don’t expect that they will look and feel as good either.

Author Bio: If you want to know more about wicker patio furniture, then visit Gabriel Meriwether’s site and see some of the best patio dining sets available.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: