05/02, 2010
Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture – From Victorian Styles To Ultra Modern
When you make an investment in patio furniture, you want to make sure that your purchase will give your family lasting enjoyment. Fortunately, with wicker patio furniture sets, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your pieces will remain fresh and in good repair for years of use.
Wicker furniture has special needs not shared with other types of outdoor furniture. Neglecting your wicker furniture and not providing the proper care will cause the furniture to dry out and crack or warp. You can prevent these problems and ensure the long-lasting beauty of your wicker year after year by following these five simple tips:
Choose High Quality Wicker Furniture: Selecting high quality furniture at the very beginning is really the single most important element in ensuring you will have lasting outdoor furniture. High quality wicker pieces will have an aluminum frame and a very tightly woven weave that doesn’t allow the frame to show through.
Get Rid of Dirt and Grime: Eliminate dirt and grime before it can accumulate on your furniture. Simply wipe down your furniture from time to time with a damp cloth and soap. Avoid getting the wicker too wet as wet wicker has a tendency to stretch and warp. In addition, you should clean your wicker thoroughly at least annually year. You can also use a water hose for this purpose, unless the furniture is antique or painted and might get damaged from the powerful water pressure.
Prevent Wicker From Drying Out: Wicker patio furniture sets should be located in the shade. Natural wicker fibers can become dry and brittle when subjected to direct sunlight. Your furniture should also be kept covered and sheltered from inclement weather. If your wicker does get wet, do not allow anyone to use them before they are totally dry. Wet wicker is very fragile and can easily be permanently damaged.
Replenish Moisture: At the end of the season apply a protective coat of oil to your wicker furniture. This will help your furniture to replenish its moisture. Your furniture should be thoroughly dried before the oil is applied. Carefully rub boiled linseed oil into the fibers and wipe off the excess oil with paper towels. Afterward, the wicker should look shiny. If not, keep applying oil to the wicker until it will not absorb anymore. A note of caution, linseed oil is flammable so be careful when getting rid of the used paper towels. You should allow your furniture to dry for at least 24 hours before you use it again.
Store Your Furniture Properly During the Off-Season: As the weather begins to turn cooler you will need to move your wicker patio furniture inside to a secure, dry place. If your furniture can’t be stored indoors for the winter, buy high quality furniture covers to provide protection. Wicker patio furniture sets are prone to damage if left outside for long periods during inclement weather.
With proper maintenance, wicker patio furniture can transform your patio into a warm and inviting space for gathering with friends and family. Wicker offers a large selection of colors and styles to choose pick from and match any dcor. There is also a wide choice of both contemporary and more traditional styles available. By choosing the furniture that best suits your needs and providing the proper care; you can have beautiful wicker furniture for years of outdoor fun.
Don’t wait. The wicker lawn furniture of your dreams is out there. Get shopping tips and up to date information on the latest styles available in patio furniture design, and visit outdoor wicker patio furniture today. We’ll make your patio shopping adventure simple and fun.