Can Wicker Patio Furniture Be Left Outside? A Guide to Keeping Your Outdoor Furniture in Top Condition

 

Introduction 

Wicker probably remains one of the favorite kinds of patio furniture because of its stylish, pleasant sitting ability on either the patio, garden, or deck. However, one question that almost always surrounds wicker patio furniture is whether it can be left outside all over the year or not. If you are considering buying this type of piece for your outdoor space, then here is some information about how different types of wicker materials set up to different weather conditions and steps you can take to extend their life.

Don’t miss out on elevating your outdoor experience!

Below, we'll go over whether wicker patio furniture can be left outside, discuss briefly the difference between natural and synthetic wicker, and then provide you with some actionable tips on how to keep your furniture looking great for as long as possible.

Understanding the Difference: Natural vs. Synthetic Wicker

Before answering the question of whether wicker furniture can stay outdoors, it is important to distinguish between natural wicker and synthetic wicker. The two different materials behave in a rather different manner with regard to exposure to the elements, and so your way of looking after them will be considerably different.

Natural Wicker

Natural wicker will always involve organic materials such as rattan, bamboo, or willow. It may look classic and rustic, but it really is not designed to stay outdoors through harsh weather conditions. Natural wicker is vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, and changes in temperature. After some time, rain, humidity, or strong sunlight can make it warp, crack, or just disintegrate.

Example: If a natural rattan wicker chair is left out in the elements during rainy season, mildew will set in, molds will develop, and the material will eventually deteriorate.

Bottom Line: Natural wicker furniture should not be left outside in the elements for extended periods. If you want to use natural wicker outdoors, it's essential that you place it under cover or bring it inside when not in use.

Synthetic Wicker

Synthetic wicker, also referred to as resin wicker or all-weather wicker, is made using durable plastic materials such as polyethylene or PVC. It resembles natural wicker but has a greater resistance to the weather elements. Synthetic wicker has been treated to be weatherproof and UV-resistant, far stronger than natural wicker.

Example: It would be just fine to leave a synthetic wicker sofa set out on your patio or deck year-round, with no concern about water damage or sun fading, because the material is designed to brave the outdoors.

Bottom Line: Synthetic wicker can safely be left outside for extended lengths of time. However, occasional maintenance can help increase its life expectancy and make the furniture feel new again.

Can Wicker Patio Furniture Be Left Outside?

Now that we have established what the differences are between natural and synthetic wicker, let's get into the specifics of whether wicker furniture can be left outside. Here's a breakdown of what you should know for both types of wicker.

Natural Wicker: Use Caution

As beautiful as natural wicker is, it's really not built to actually withstand the outdoor elements long-term. Here's what can happen when natural wicker is exposed to various weather conditions:

Moisture: Rain, humidity, and dew can eventually seep into the fibers of natural wicker and soften it, expand it, and then weaken it. There is also a possibility that mold and mildew may rise to further damage the material.

UV Rays: Every time natural wicker is exposed to sunlight for extended extended periods of time, it dries up and turns brittle, with the possibility of cracking or splintering. It may also fade over time.

Temperature changes: When wicker heats up during the hot summer days and cools down during the night, it expands and shrinks, which causes warping and damages to the structure.

So love the look of natural wicker but want to take it outdoors? Place it in a covered patio or sunroom where it is mostly protected from the elements. And for some added protection, apply a protective sealant specifically designed to keep water off natural wicker.

Synthetic Wicker: Built for the Outdoors

Synthetic wicker also shows much better resistance to weather compared to natural wicker and, as such, is very popular for outdoor furniture. Here's how synthetic wicker resists the elements:

Water Resistance: Synthetic wicker does not have pores; hence, it cannot absorb water. It is great that rain, humidity, or spills do nothing to harm the structural integrity of the furniture for poolside or uncovered patios.

UV Protection: Most synthetic wicker has been treated with UV inhibitors that prevent fading or embrittlement in the sun. In essence, it is saying that synthetic wicker can endure sunlight for extended periods without fading or brittleness. 

Temperature Tolerance: Synthetic wicker does not warp with a change in temperature and will serve well in any season, especially during changing temperature seasons.

Tip: Although synthetic wicker is made to weather the outdoors, it should still be cleaned often, and precautions must be taken against extreme weather, such as heavy snow or even storms, by using furniture covers whenever necessary.

Caring for Your Wicker Patio Furniture

Whatever type of wicker furniture you may own, regular care and maintenance will let it live longer and stay great. Below go some actionable tips that will help you keep your wicker patio furniture in top shape.

1. Cleaning

Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can build up on the wicker furniture. If this is not cleaned from time to time, it may affect the material. Here's how to keep your wicker looking fresh:

Natural wicker: Use a soft brush to lightly sweep away loose dirt and dust. Wipe with a damp cloth-but not soaking-a little moisture can damage the item.

For synthetic wicker: Use a garden hose or a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the surface. Rinse thoroughly and let it air-dry. Synthetic wicker can bear more moisture compared to natural wicker, hence making it easier to clean.

2. Use Protective Covers

Synthetic wicker is really resistant, but placing some protective covers on when your furniture is not in use will go a long way in sustaining it through periods of harsh weather. It shields against UV rays, rain, snow, and dust while maintaining the furniture in great condition throughout the year.

3. Store During Extreme Weather

It is recommended to store your furniture during extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow, freezing temperatures, or violent storms with heavy rain. If one is staying in areas where the winters are very bad, it is worth bringing the wicker furniture inside for storage around the shed or garage during that time until spring.

Tip: In case indoor storage is not possible, go and purchase high-quality winter protection outdoor furniture covers.

4. Sealants Applied-for Natural Wicker

Some kind of sealant applied can protect natural wicker against moisture and sun damage. Look for a sealant made for outdoor furniture and apply annually for the best protection of your wicker.

5. Damage Check

Give your wicker furniture a regular check for any signs of wear and tear, like loose fibers or cracks. This early notice enables you to do small repairs before the destruction gets worse.

Conclusion: Can Wicker Patio Furniture Be Left Outside?

In other words, synthetic wicker is made to sit outdoors all year round and is ideal if you want your outdoor furniture to be sturdy and low maintenance. On the other hand, natural wicker is very fragile and shouldn't be left out in not-so-favorable conditions for a longer period. If you have natural wicker furniture, it is preferable to place it at a covered area or bring it indoors when not in use.

Just choose the proper wicker and follow some tips on maintaining them, and you will be able to enjoy the beauty and comfort of your wicker patio furniture for many years. Be it poolside lounging or a dinner party in the outdoors, rest assured with a little care that your wicker furniture will stand the test of time.

Don’t miss out on elevating your outdoor experience!

FAQ

Q: Can natural wicker patio furniture be left outside?

Q: Should natural wicker be left out in the weather for extended periods?

A: No, natural wicker should not be exposed to the elements for any extended period of time. Moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures can eventually destroy the product.

Q: What can I do to protect my synthetic wicker furniture?

A: While synthetic wicker is designed to stand up to outdoor conditions, using protective covers and cleaning regularly will go a long way to extending its life. In extreme weather conditions, it would be best to store them, perhaps, or to use heavy-duty covers.

Q: How often should I clean my wicker patio furniture?

A: One may go ahead and clean synthetic wicker every couple of weeks, or after heavy use, while natural wicker should be cleaned monthly, or as needed, to remove dust and prevent buildup.

Q: Does synthetic wicker furniture fade in the sun?

A: UV resistance treatment is common in most synthetic wickers, but extremely powerful sunlight over time will still have effects on slight fading over time. The colors can retain their shade if covers are used when not in use.