This Is The Best Type Of Wicker For Your Patio Furniture

It doesn't matter if you only enjoy your patio in warm weather or have a backyard oasis all year long — the type of outdoor furniture you purchase matters. One popular style of outdoor furniture is wicker, and for good reason. It matches virtually any aesthetic and has a beachy feel that instantly elevates your outdoor retreat. However, not all wicker is created equally, with synthetic materials such as resin proving advantageous over natural fibers. Although there are several different types of synthetic options to choose from, one stands out among the rest: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). 

If you're looking for wicker patio furniture that can withstand salt from swimming pools, for example, then HDPE is ideal. It can also withstand various environmental stressors, including insects and moisture, which might cause natural materials to rot. Another reason to invest in HDPE is its versatility. This means that, no matter what your outdoor decor looks like, you can find a set to match your style. HDPE wicker furniture comes in an array of colors and styles, so you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for. During the manufacturing process, HDPE can even be manipulated to mimic the texture of natural rattan, which means you'll benefit from the beach style that plant-based materials offer without worrying about it fraying or sustaining damage from the elements. You'll also find that resin patio furniture is lightweight, so you can move it with ease. 

You might be wondering about wicker vs rattan and whether there is a difference. Wicker is often confused with a material in and of itself when it's actually the weaving process used in manufacturing. Rattan, however, is a material and can be synthetic. Since wicker products are traditionally made from natural plant materials, they can present an issue outside. For example, you might find that they start to fall apart, their fibers fraying. Yes, there is always the option of weatherproofing natural wicker, but it's still not that durable. For this reason, your best bet is to invest in wicker patio furniture made from synthetic materials. 

When choosing a synthetic resin wicker material, there are multiple choices. For starters, you can purchase PVC, polyethylene (PE), nylon, and High Density Polyethylene furniture. These materials are all a type of plastic, which means they have pros and cons, although their drawbacks are commonly associated with lower-quality materials such as PVC. Additionally, PVC is one plastic known for harboring hazardous chemical additives, including phthalates, lead, and cadmium. This means you may want to skip it, especially if you have children using your outdoor furniture. When low-quality resins are used to make wicker furniture, you may find that it dents, scratches, or fades with time. HDPE, however, is one of the strongest resin materials you can purchase. If you're looking for high-quality wicker patio furniture, then this synthetic material is your best bet. 

HDPE is known for its high tensile strength. This means that it can withstand a good deal of weight before the material breaks or fractures under pressure, making it a highly durable material. Just be sure to read the manufacturer's label about weight capacity if you're unsure how many people your furniture can safely support. If you're looking for HDPE wicker patio furniture to outperform other brands and hold more weight, look for something that's tightly woven. 

Another pro for purchasing HDPE wicker patio furniture is its durability, especially in sunlight. It's created to be UV resistant, so you won't have to worry about your brand-new furniture looking faded and worn by the end of the season. When this material has a high tensile strength, it can stretch. This means you most likely won't have to worry about it cracking. You can even recycle HDPE in its entirety, making it more environmentally friendly than other synthetic materials. 

When shopping for patio sets, it's important to follow some pointers for buying the perfect outdoor furniture. For example, you need to know how to spot cheap wicker furniture. If it looks shiny or sticks to your skin, you may want to steer clear. Look for sets with a strong metal support frame and even, symmetrical weave patterns.