Many homeowners increasingly prefer to spend more time enjoying their outdoor areas with family as well as with friends. Wicker furniture caters to this need by offering comfortable yet stylish outdoor seating.
If you are thinking of investing in a wicker sofa then you may have questions regarding its ability to withstand weather elements. This article explores whether it is right for your wicker sofa to stay outside during summertime.
The Need to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is a good investment as it can cost just as much as indoor furniture. Protecting your wicker sofa is crucial if you want it to last long and retain its value. The good news is that most outdoor furniture can withstand harsh environmental elements.
However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t get a beating, especially in particularly inclement weather. The concern with wicker sofas during summer comes from the fact that harsh sunlight can breakdown and damage natural fibers.
Why You Can Keep Your Wicker Sofa Outdoors in Summer
Wicker furniture is constructed via a process involving weaving, bending and twisting. Fortunately, manufacturers use various materials to make the pieces. This gives the furniture more versatility when it comes to harsh weather climate.
Some of the wicker sofas are made from materials that are of nature, including bamboo, dried grass and thin wood. These kinds of materials are not recommendable for outdoor use. Wicker furniture made from natural materials is best suited for indoor use since they do not go well with harsh weather particularly well. However, you can still use the furniture outdoors by applying different steps to protect them adequately.
Fortunately, wicker sofas made from synthetic materials are better suited for outdoor use even on summer. These materials such as vinyl, resin, and synthetic plastic are designed to mimic natural wicker materials. Synthetic materials have enhanced resistance to environmental elements and improved more functionality.
You will commonly find these pieces in darker shades, which provide resistant to UV light. Overall wicker furniture that uses synthetic materials has exceptional durability, while having the same aesthetics as their natural material counterparts. If you conduct proper maintenance, you can trust your wicker sofa to withstand sunny weather and other inclement weather conditions.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Wicker Sofa
Implementing the following protective steps during summer will make sure you get the most out of your investment.
Shield the Sofa from Harsh Sunlight
Investing in a sofa cover is one of the most effective ways to protect your outdoor wicker furniture from sun damage. Some summers can be especially harsh. Covering when not in use serves as a great protective layer even for pieces designed to be weather resistant.
Ample covering also protects the sofa from other environmental elements such as dust and moisture. Another great option is to buy cushions for the wicker sofa. Cushions are not only an aesthetic addition, but they also protect the furniture from harmful sunrays.
You may also apply pain to your wicker sofa. Some specific paints provide a protective layer against inclement weather. A coat of varnish can also achieve the same effect. For maximum effectiveness, ensure you repaint the sofa every few years or so.
Clean the Sofa Properly and Regularly
A quick way that is easy to overlook is cleaning your wicker furniture even when it does not look dirty. The idea of maintaining it clean helps maintain the quality of the fiber and improves its longevity.
A damp cloth can be used with soap or even a deep clean by vacuuming. Do not forget to dry off the sofa before letting it to air dry.
Oil Your Wicker Sofa Periodically
Another great alternative for protecting your sofa is periodic oiling. Lemon oil for instance works well with wicker furniture.
The oil not only cleanses the fibers and weaves but also polishes the pieces, ensuring they look bright and have a fresh scent to boot. After cleaning your wicker sofa then oil it generously with a piece of cloth and then air dry. It is best to oil the wicker furniture from time to time.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it is perfectly safe to keep your wicker sofa outdoors during summer months. This is more so if the piece is made from synthetic materials resistance to outdoor weather conditions. Wicker furniture built from natural materials will be good outdoors. However, it is important to take steps to protect the pieces from the sunrays.
Most importantly it is best to purchase a high-quality outdoor wicker sofa from a reputable vendor. JOYSIDE offers well designed wicker sofas made from high quality materials. Our elegant pieces can withstand anything from harsh sunrays to everyday wear, making them suitable for enjoying summer months outdoors.