Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture - The Benefits And Advantages
Once you've made the investment in outdoor furniture, you'll want to be certain that it will give you and your family years of enjoyment. Fortunately, wicker patio furniture sets can be kept beautiful and in tip-top shape for many years of enjoyable use by following these simple steps.
Unlike other types of furniture, wicker has some special requirements. Without proper care, wicker can dry out, warp or crack. Simply follow these five tips for lasting beauty from your wicker furniture:
Select High Quality Furniture: This is probably the most crucial element in making sure you will have lasting patio furniture. For wicker furniture, quality pieces should have a metal frame, usually aluminum, and the wicker weave will be very tight without any gaps, or loose ends that let the frame show through.
Eliminate Dirt and Grime: Wipe down your patio furniture periodically with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not get the wicker too wet as soggy wicker can warp and stretch. To clean your furniture more thoroughly, at the end of the season, you can usually use a hose safely unless the furniture is painted or antique and could be damaged by the strong water pressure.
Prevent Warping and Dryness: Wicker patio furniture sets should be kept in shady areas. Natural wicker fibers are prone to drying out in direct sunlight and becoming brittle. You should also keep your furniture covered and protected from the rain. In the event your wicker patio pieces do get wet, make sure no weight is put on them and they are not used until completely dry. Wet wicker can easily be damaged permanently.
Restore Loss Moisture: You should, at least annually, apply oil to your patio furniture to help it regain moisture. Use boiled linseed oil and apply it liberally to the wicker. Then wipe off the excess with clean dry paper towels. When you are done, your wicker furniture should look shiny. If not, keep applying the oil until the wicker is saturated. As a note of warning, linseed oil is flammable so you should be careful getting rid of the used paper towel. Let your wicker furniture dry for at least 24 hours before you use it again.
Provide Protection during the Off-Season: Wicker does not hold up well under the elements so when it turns cold you will need to move your furniture inside to a dry location. If you don't have room to store the furniture during the winter, supply a quality cover for your furniture. Wicker patio furniture sets will become damaged if left outside for extended periods during inclement weather.
With proper care, wicker furniture can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for any patio. There is a huge selection of wicker styles and colors to choose from to complement any dcor. You can also choose between traditional and more contemporary styled pieces. By choosing the best pieces for your outdoor space and caring for them properly, you will have beautiful patio furniture for years of outdoor fun and entertainment.
High quality wicker garden furniture doesn't mean high maintenance. Just a few simple steps are all it takes to keep your patio pieces looking like new. Stop by outdoor wicker patio furniture for all you need to know about selecting and maintaining your patio accessories. Discover the latest trends and hottest styles today!
Filed under Shopping by Derek Hale.