We are proud to say that all of our outdoor furniture including, our long-lasting, environmentally friendly wicker, and beautiful, responsibly-harvested teak, is extremely comfortable, and built to last for decades.

The same can’t be said for all outdoor furniture. And, unfortunately, it isn’t unusual to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on patio furniture, only to have it fall apart after a few seasons. Sometimes this happens because comfort is prioritized over durability. But, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. In this two part article series, we’re going to give you the information you need to choose the best quality, best-looking, and most comfortable outdoor furniture.

This first article focuses on wicker patio furniture. If you’ve done any shopping, you know that wicker is made in dozens of natural and man-made materials. How do you choose the best one?

1. Think about cost in terms of overall beauty and durability. We know that the purchase price matters, but it shouldn’t be your only cost consideration. If you purchase a set of wicker furniture for $2,000, and you have to replace it after two summers because it doesn’t stand up to the elements, is that really a bargain? You can find high-quality wicker that might cost twice as much, but will last for 10 or 20 years.
   
2. Choose the right material. Even if you keep it painted or lacquered, natural wicker is not going to last as long as most synthetics. You’ll have to decide, based on your own priorities, if natural wicker is the best choice. It can often be more expensive, less durable, and less comfortable. It is, however, beautiful and unique. We think that there are two synthetic materials that are unbeatable for their beauty, durability, and the variety of styles and weaves. Virofiber manufactures environmentally-friendly fibers that are amazingly versatile. They are used to produce loose-and-tight weave wicker in many different textures and styles. Their product does an excellent job of mimicking natural wicker, including natural and dyed water hyacinth and sisal. It is also available in flexible, modern textures and weaves. It is amazingly UV-resistant and lasts for decades. Rehau is also a name to look for. It has several collections of environmentally-friendly, waterproof, durable, and maintenance-free wicker. Be wary of purchasing wicker if you don’t know what it is made of. Cheap PVC can look good on the showroom floor, but it is going to fray and fade very quickly.
3. Know what quality looks like. It can be hard to tell how well something is built unless you know what to look for. We think these are the most important considerations. Is the weave consistent throughout? There should be no gaps, and you shouldn’t be able to see any seams where multiple rows of wicker were attached. Such seams are an indication that the manufacturer has cut corners to reduce their costs, prioritizing profit over quality. If the piece you are looking at isn’t seamless, smooth, and sleek, it isn’t high quality. Next, consider the support structure for each piece of furniture. Is the wicker supported by a thick aluminum frame that will resist bending and warping? You can tell this pretty quickly just by sitting in a piece of furniture. If you feel the frame shifting, or feel it bounce at all, you should keep looking for something that is built using better materials. Large pieces are also going to require support straps under cushions to eliminate stress on the frame and the wicker structure.
4. Consider style. Wicker made from natural fibers, while beautiful, is only available in a limited number of styles because of its natural limitations. If you haven’t explored much yet, you are going to be amazed by the number of shapes and styles wicker furniture is available in today. You’ll find everything from ultra-modern to traditional, and bold 90-degree angles to gentle curves. You’ll have different weave styles to choose from, as well as different widths and colors. Don’t rush it. Decide first what style you want for your outdoor entertaining area, then find wicker that fits your preferences. There’s no need to compromise.
   
5. Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this furniture?” Do you want to lounge lazily on summer days, reading a book and sipping on an iced tea? Do you want to entertain and throw dinner parties outdoors? Or do you want a conversational area where family and friends can gather around a fire pit? Your lifestyle is an important consideration. And, you’re lucky, because as we mentioned before, recent technological advances mean that you can find wicker in any shape, size, and style. Know what you need, then find it. Don’t fall in love with something and then bring it home only to never use it because it isn’t what you actually needed.
6. Give some thought to maintenance. In addition to the wicker, you’re going to have cushions to contend with. Make sure that they are made of high-quality, UV-resistant, water-wicking material. Check out the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations so you understand what’s going to be required to keep the fabric looking great. We love Sunbrella and Sunproof fabrics. They are simply the best in the industry. And, don’t forget the foam. Your cushions should be filled with polyurethane foam or some other quick-drying foam. Even water-resistant cushions that are filled with foam or batting that is not specifically intended for outdoor use, aren’t going to last as long as you’d like.

We hope you found our tips helpful. If you’re trying to make a decision about which wicker furniture is best for your patio, we’d suggest starting with the AquaTeak Outdoor Catalog. You’re sure to find a style that perfectly fits your tastes and needs. And, when you purchase your new AquaTeak patio furniture, you’ll know for sure that it is made of the highest-quality materials, with great attention to detail, and that we haven’t cut any corners. It will last, and keep looking great, for a long time.