Hey there! If you want to spruce your patio with some contemporary and stylish furniture, then wicker should be up on your wish list. This durable material is used in many high-end beach resorts and commercial venues for good reason. If I had known about wicker when I began spicing my patio a few years ago, I would have saved lots of money, time and exasperation with subpar outside furniture.
In this guide, I will be sharing with you a few gems I’ve picked over the years about how to select a sofa for your patio furniture.
First Things First! Understand What’s Wicker?
Wicker is an ancient technique for weaving fibers into homewares and furniture that goes back 5000 years. In Ancient Egypt, people used natural wicker products like marsh grasses while nowadays, people use rattan (flexible plant materials like hyacinth and seagrass) to craft natural wicker furniture - cool huh!
However, as technology improves, today, around 90 percent of all outdoor home furnishings are made from high-density synthetic fibers like polyethylene (PE) and resin.
This man-made wicker is made to withstand the elements, and is simple to store away when not in use. Natural wicker is not meant for outside use as it can deteriorate relatively faster.
For a patio sofa, opt for synthetic wicker as this material can last up to 20 years if you give it proper care. Plus, most synthetic wicker is fused with UV blockers to prevent fading in sunlight.
Check for Built Quality
Wicker sofas can vary in quality by a lot, so it’s helpful to know what features to look out for when shopping for one:
a) Wicker Weave
Wicker sofas are done professionally by hand, a few rows at a single go. However, sometimes manufacturers attempt to prioritize quantity over quality by weaving 10 rows at each turn.
The result is poor craft work with patterns swaying in one direction coupled with inconsistent and symmetrical gaps.
b) Weather Resistance
Be sure to purchase all-weather wicker or resin wicker. These materials hold up perfectly against snow, sun, humidity or rain without fraying or falling apart. Make sure to verify from your seller about the wicker’s UV protection and waterproofing qualities.
c) Frames
What’s the first thing you always do when you visit a furniture store? Collapse on the seats and test how it feels, right? You don’t want to skimp on this step either when checking the construction quality of wicker sofas. Anything unsupportive, weak or just flimsy is a big NO!
Premium quality wicker sofas incorporate aluminum frames to support their inner structure.
Aluminum is the gold standard in premium quality wicker sofa construction because it’s lightweight, sturdy, and corrosion and rust resistant. Powder coated steel frames are also popular for their sturdiness and durability.
Test Comfort and Cushion Quality
a) Fabric
Outdoor wicker sofas should be comfortable as it’s meant to be enjoyed whether hanging out with family or lounging by the pool with friends - This is non-negotiable! Ensure the fabrics are soft, durable and the cushion inserts exude plush and maintain their shape. Basically, the quintessential cushion - is this too high a standard? Not at all.
b) Cushion Material
Lavish and ergonomic shaped cushions are the hallmark of a comfortable wicker sofa. Deep seater sofas need at least 6 inches of high-density foam cushions to give you that comfy feeling - otherwise what’s the point?
While shopping, remember that the cushions compromise 50% of the sofa’s cost. In this regard, you’ll be well advised to keep off inexpensive cushions stuffed with Dacron fillers that won’t last a year.
c) Set a Price Point
As mentioned above, outdoor wicker sofas are marked by stark differences in quality and price. To illustrate, you can buy a cheap set at your local store, but it will inadvertently wear out relatively faster.
You’ll also find premium, exorbitantly priced sofa sets on the opposite extreme running upwards of $10,000. If you buy from premium brands, you’ll actually be paying for the brand, not the product.
Luckily for the savvy shopper, a few brands out there have reasonable and pocket-friendly prizes. While you won’t find genuine sofa pieces below a hundred dollars, why shell more for the same product? - It beats logic! Right?
To Wrap Things Up
Well done, friend. You made it to the end! At this point you are a certified wicker expert - Wink, nudge! - Knowledgeable on how to select a wicker sofa for your patio! Here’s the bottom line: On your next wicker sofa outing, watch out for construction quality, aluminum frames, comfortable cushions and prizing. Also, don’t neglect a little TLC, and your wicker sofas will become an enduring masterpiece to your patio for years to come.