Once you\’ve made the investment in outdoor furniture, you\’ll want to be certain that it will give you and your family years of enjoyment. Fortunately, wicker patio furniture sets can be kept beautiful and in tip-top shape for many years of enjoyable use by following these simple steps.

Wicker is different than other outdoor furniture types and has a few special requirements. When wicker is not properly cared for, the fibers can dry out and warp or crack ruining your investment. However, simply following these five tips will ensure lasting enjoyment of your wicker furniture.

Select High Quality Furniture: This is probably the most crucial element in making sure you will have lasting patio furniture. For wicker furniture, quality pieces should have a metal frame, usually aluminum, and the wicker weave will be very tight without any gaps, or loose ends that let the frame show through.

Eliminate Dirt and Grime: Wipe down your patio furniture periodically with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not get the wicker too wet as soggy wicker can warp and stretch. To clean your furniture more thoroughly, at the end of the season, you can usually use a hose safely unless the furniture is painted or antique and could be damaged by the strong water pressure.

Prevent Warping and Dryness: Wicker patio furniture sets should be kept in shady areas. Natural wicker fibers are prone to drying out in direct sunlight and becoming brittle. You should also keep your furniture covered and protected from the rain. In the event your wicker patio pieces do get wet, make sure no weight is put on them and they are not used until completely dry. Wet wicker can easily be damaged permanently.

Restore Moisture: At least once a year, you should apply oil to your furniture to retain moisture. Make sure your pieces are dry and then apply boiled linseed oil to the wicker. After you wipe it off with clean paper towels, your wicker should appear shiny. If it does not, continue to apply coats of oil until the wicker weave no longer absorbs the oil. Be aware that linseed oil is flammable and care should be taken when disposing the used paper towels. Let your furniture dry for 24 hours before using it again.

Provide Protection during the Off-Season: Wicker does not hold up well under the elements so when it turns cold you will need to move your furniture inside to a dry location. If you don\’t have room to store the furniture during the winter, supply a quality cover for your furniture. Wicker patio furniture sets will become damaged if left outside for extended periods during inclement weather.

With proper care, wicker furniture can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for any patio. There is a huge selection of wicker styles and colors to choose from to complement any dcor. You can also choose between traditional and more contemporary styled pieces. By choosing the best pieces for your outdoor space and caring for them properly, you will have beautiful patio furniture for years of outdoor fun and entertainment.

There are many types of resin wicker outdoor furniture, with so many options to choose from, selecting the right one for your family isn\’t always easy. Visit outdoor wicker patio furniture to get help comparing the many options available.