All about wicker furniture

A few wicker materials are highlighted below:

Rattan

Rattan is strong, durable and versatile. It is a palm which grows like a vine to lengths of 2,000 ft which maintains the same thickness throughout. There are several hundred species found mainly in Asia and Indonesia. Rattan is produced by cutting the vine; the bark is peeled into identical widths and lengths which is used as cane, then cutting the pithy interior portion into various size rattan reeds.

Cane

Cane is a resilient material that is harvested from the rattan vine and is used for chair seats and backs and to wrap arms and legs of the chair.

Reed

Reed like cane is harvested from the rattan plant. It is cut from the pithy interior of the rattan as round, flat or oval shapes.

Danish Cord

Danish Cord is a recycled paper product which is twisted by machine into a rope and then woven. This product is used in Scandinavian wicker furniture.

Wicker furniture is an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use. It is lightweight, durable, easy to maintain and are available in a wide variety of designs both contemporary and traditional and several colours. But how do you choose the best quality wicker furniture that is suited to your d?cor?

For outdoor applications there is synthetic wicker furniture which is able to withstand the outdoor elements and does not require sealing and finishing. The natural materials are better suited indoors. Natural materials in exterior conditions develop mold and become brittle from the effects of the sun. Both applications are low maintenance.

What to look for to choose wicker that works for you:

• Ensure that the furniture is UV protected as this

prolongs its lifespan.

• Choose round fibers over flat as they are more

robust.

• Check that the frame of the furniture is strong,

powder coated aluminum not the cheaper tubular

aluminum.

• Look for the density of the weave. The denser and

tighter the weave the more durable and sturdy the

product.

• Check for rough corners and protruding strands,

avoid furniture with these imperfections.

• Choose a pattern of weave that suits you.

• Top quality natural coloured natural fiber furniture

will have colour variegations and an irregular

shaped surface with a matte finish.

• Upholstery: for outdoor use ensure that the

cushions can hold up to water or dries quickly.

For both indoor and outdoor use, cushions should

be properly padded and not like a wafer.

• Choose a design that suits the style of the home.

Similarly choose colours which work with the

d?cor.

Apart from the type of wicker material and the design of the wicker furniture, the weave pattern is very important as this forms part of the look and adds to the beauty of the piece. That said, there are many types of weave patterns ranging from the simple to the intricate. Choose a pattern that works for you.

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