June 21, 2010 | In: Garden Design
Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture – Enhance The Look And Beauty Of Your Patio
Now that you’ve invested in patio furniture, you’ll want to ensure that it will provide lasting enjoyment. Luckily, wicker patio furniture sets can be well maintained for years with only a few simple steps.
Unlike other types of furniture, wicker has some special requirements. Without proper care, wicker can dry out, warp or crack. Simply follow these five tips for lasting beauty from 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.
Remove Dirt and Grime: You can avoid grimy build-up that occurs natural over time and exposure to the elements by wiping down your furniture occasionally with a lightly dampened cloth and mild detergent. Make sure you don’t get the furniture too wet since soggy wicker can stretch and warp. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also use a garden hose. However, avoid using this on antique or painted furniture which may be damaged by a strong water spray.
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 Loss Moisture: You should, at least annually, apply oil to your patio furniture to help it regain moisture. Use boiled linseed oil and apply it liberally to the wicker. Then wipe off the excess with clean dry paper towels. When you are done, your wicker furniture should look shiny. If not, keep applying the oil until the wicker is saturated. As a note of warning, linseed oil is flammable so you should be careful getting rid of the used paper towel. Let your wicker furniture 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.
There are a ton of resources available to help you get started and find just the right fine wicker furniture. You can start your search at outdoor wicker patio furniture where you will discover tips and techniques to successfully create a unique outdoor space.
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