Wonderful wicker v simplified

Wicker is one of the most popular classifications of outdoor
furniture, but its many types and forms can make it confusing to
understand. It might surprise you to know that the term "wicker" does
not refer to the material itself, but to the method of weaving any
one of a variety of materials. These materials include rattan,
bamboo, willow, or even fiberglass resin.

The history of wicker is a long one v ancient civilizations used it
for baskets and seating, the Romans took it to Britain, and
Portuguese traders carried it with spices and silks from India and
distributed it throughout Europe. It fell out of favor around 1750
but was revived during the Victorian era when its smooth surfaces
were thought to be more sanitary than upholstered furniture. This
Victorian obsession with cleanliness and health was bolstered by the
production of rattan wicker furniture in America beginning in the
1840s.

The frame
* Check the frame carefully before buying, especially with an older
piece of wicker. Experts can repair damage to the woven part of a
wicker piece rather easily, but repairing a frame is a major job.
* You may find antique wicker pieces with hardwood frames, but most
frames today are made of either solid core rattan (preferable) or
aluminium. If you're buying a metal frame, welded is stronger than
bolted.

Construction materials
* Rattan is the most common material in "wooden" wicker pieces. It is
the trunk of a climbing palm that is very long and thin, like a vine.
The vine is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and
grows to lengths of up to 600 feet. Because rattan is a solid core
plant, it makes sturdy furniture. Treated rattan pieces can be used
in outdoor spaces that are protected from direct sun and rain, such
as screened in porches or covered gazebos.
* Bamboo is a large tropical grass that commonly grows to over 100
feet. It is easy to identify because of the nodes along its surface
and its hollow stem.
* Willow is more commonly used in Europe than in North America. The
wood is light and durable and, because it retains its natural
moisture, it is long lasting and easily woven.
* Fiberglass and resins are synthetic materials that are formed into
long narrow vine-like pieces and woven into wicker furniture. Because
dyes are often mixed right in with the resins, the color of such
furniture is not subject to the same peeling and flaking that a
painted piece is. Its durability and ease of care have given this
type of wicker a permanent place in outdoor decorating.

Where to use it
* Any non-resin wicker piece that is marked as "indoor use" only has
probably been coated with a clear lacquer finish that will prevent
scratching but will not provide adequate protection from the outdoor
elements. Use it as advised v indoors.
* Limited exposure wicker furniture, intended for use on screened-in
or covered outdoor areas, has additional finish layers. Highest
quality pieces will have leather wrapped joints on the frame.
* All-weather wicker can be divided into two categories: loom-woven
and synthetic. Loom woven wicker pieces use natural materials such as
rattan, but are dipped in resin emulsions to form a moisture
resistant shield. Synthetic wicker pieces, made from fiberglass or
resin, often contain UV inhibitors that repel the damaging effects of
the sun, harsh weather and temperature changes. Whether natural or
synthetic, all-weather wicker will likely have aluminium frames. Even
all-weather pieces should be put in storage for the winter months if
you live in a cold climate.

With this information, you should be able to choose the wicker
furniture that suits your intended purpose. But how will you keep it
looking good? We'll discuss cleaning and repair of wicker pieces in a
future article.

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to
helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich
them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free
report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".
Mail to debbie@...