The buying of outdoor furniture is a fun and satisfying experience, but it can be equally confusing and stressful for those who do not know exactly what they are looking for. Before investing your time and money into wicker patio sets, learn what to look for and think about first.
The first thing to think about before even going to the store is where you plan on putting your furniture and what kind of storage you have available. Wicker, though typically grouped with other types of outdoor furniture, is not ideal for outside use, and works best in sun rooms or under covered decks and porches.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause wicker patio sets to break down more quickly, as the fibers dry out and become brittle. Rain, humidity and other moisture can lead to warping, rotting and mold. If you still plan on keeping furniture outdoors, bring it into indoor storage during the winter. Also, regularly clean all pieces of furniture and consider using paint, oil, or another finishing sealant to protect the wood.
Second, what some people do not know about wicker patio sets is that there are more than one type of the material known as wicker. The most common is wood wicker, which is often made from bamboo, but there is also rattan, cane and paper fiber. Each of these has a slightly different look and characteristics. For example, paper fiber was popular during the early twentieth century but does not hold up well when wet.
In more recent years, synthetic resin wicker has become widely popular. Though actually made from plastic and not wicker, the look and feel is the same. As an added bonus, it’s much more durable for outside use, and it will not warp, mold, rot, chip or become infested. As a cheaper alternative, rattan is sometimes dipped into liquid resin for the same basic effect, but this type is not quite as durable.
Like any other major purchase, the smart thing to do is take your time, compare prices and really be sure of what you want before buying it. It is much more difficult to return furniture than it is to be picky from the onset. Today, many people prefer web shopping, and this is a great way to at least get some price points on wicker patio sets. Online auction sites and customer sites like ebay are also good places to look, especially for quality used furniture.
At the same time, think about what additions you might like, including cushions and umbrellas and how those will factor in to the price. When it comes to the actual buying of furniture a lot of people still go to traditional stores. This way you can see up close and touch the furniture and you have a face to face contact. You’d also be supporting your local economy and will not have to pay for shipping. Ask around for UV ratings, warranties, rebates and any other specials the store might offer to ensure that you are getting the best value they have.
You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, so why should you treat furniture any different? To judge the quality of wicker patio sets first lightly shake the chairs. They should feel sturdy and solid. Then run your hand along the surface weave. You want the grain to be smooth, so if your hand snags then you know that it is not good quality wicker.
Next, look at how the frame is constructed. Good quality furniture uses rattan pole, hardwood, or aluminum frames. Pieces should be notched and screwed together, but too much bracing can mean that the quality of the rattan is not all that great.
by Wicker Patio Sets
The first thing to think about before even going to the store is where you plan on putting your furniture and what kind of storage you have available. Wicker, though typically grouped with other types of outdoor furniture, is not ideal for outside use, and works best in sun rooms or under covered decks and porches.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause wicker patio sets to break down more quickly, as the fibers dry out and become brittle. Rain, humidity and other moisture can lead to warping, rotting and mold. If you still plan on keeping furniture outdoors, bring it into indoor storage during the winter. Also, regularly clean all pieces of furniture and consider using paint, oil, or another finishing sealant to protect the wood.
Second, what some people do not know about wicker patio sets is that there are more than one type of the material known as wicker. The most common is wood wicker, which is often made from bamboo, but there is also rattan, cane and paper fiber. Each of these has a slightly different look and characteristics. For example, paper fiber was popular during the early twentieth century but does not hold up well when wet.
In more recent years, synthetic resin wicker has become widely popular. Though actually made from plastic and not wicker, the look and feel is the same. As an added bonus, it’s much more durable for outside use, and it will not warp, mold, rot, chip or become infested. As a cheaper alternative, rattan is sometimes dipped into liquid resin for the same basic effect, but this type is not quite as durable.
Like any other major purchase, the smart thing to do is take your time, compare prices and really be sure of what you want before buying it. It is much more difficult to return furniture than it is to be picky from the onset. Today, many people prefer web shopping, and this is a great way to at least get some price points on wicker patio sets. Online auction sites and customer sites like ebay are also good places to look, especially for quality used furniture.
At the same time, think about what additions you might like, including cushions and umbrellas and how those will factor in to the price. When it comes to the actual buying of furniture a lot of people still go to traditional stores. This way you can see up close and touch the furniture and you have a face to face contact. You’d also be supporting your local economy and will not have to pay for shipping. Ask around for UV ratings, warranties, rebates and any other specials the store might offer to ensure that you are getting the best value they have.
You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, so why should you treat furniture any different? To judge the quality of wicker patio sets first lightly shake the chairs. They should feel sturdy and solid. Then run your hand along the surface weave. You want the grain to be smooth, so if your hand snags then you know that it is not good quality wicker.
Next, look at how the frame is constructed. Good quality furniture uses rattan pole, hardwood, or aluminum frames. Pieces should be notched and screwed together, but too much bracing can mean that the quality of the rattan is not all that great.
by Wicker Patio Sets
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