Wicker furniture sets can range in price from a few hundred dollars at the big box retailers to thousands of dollars at high end furniture stores, but is there really a difference in quality? The answer is a resounding yes.
While you don’t have to spend a fortune for high quality wicker furniture – and you shouldn’t pay extra simply for a brand name – it’s important to understand the differences between quality wicker furniture and the wicker sold in the big box stores.
Differences Between Quality Wicker Furniture & Big Box Wicker
If comfort, durability and quality are important to you, consider the following factors when shopping for an outdoor wicker furniture set.
Durable Materials
Quality outdoor wicker furniture is made from polyethylene, a synthetic resin that is lightweight and eco-friendly. Polyethylene is also highly durable and long-lasting. It is naturally resistant to cracking and scratching, and since quality wicker furniture is UV treated, it won’t fade from sun exposure.
Big box wicker is usually made of a cheaper plastic or polyethylene that has been thinned out with clay particles, which reduces the viscosity and durability of the furniture. The wicker may look shiny and feel flimsy, and you may notice an inconsistent texture. Cheap wicker furniture will stick to your skin, and fade, scratch, tear and unravel with time – eventually ending up in our landfills, since plastic is not biodegradable.
Rust-Proof Frame
Quality outdoor wicker furniture is built with an aluminum frame, making it lightweight and easy to move and rearrange. More importantly, aluminum is low maintenance and naturally non-corrosive, so it’s ideal for outdoor use because it won’t rust.
To keep costs down, big box wicker furniture often uses a steel frame, since steel is less expensive than aluminum. Steel not only makes wicker furniture heavier to move, but it rusts over time and requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.
Weather-Resistant Cushions
Quality outdoor wicker furniture is made with reticulated foam cushions. The open-cell structure of reticulated foam allows water to drain quickly, preventing moisture build-up and significantly reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. The cushion fabric is also UV treated to prevent fading from the sun.
The foam used in big box wicker cushions is usually closed-cell foam because it’s cheaper to manufacture. Unfortunately, it is also less breathable, making it harder for rain and air to pass through. These cushions take longer to dry, they’re often harder and less comfortable to sit on, and they’re likely to fade if they haven’t been treated with UV protectants.
Superior Warranties
The warranties on quality wicker furniture tend to be exceptional because the furniture is built to last. For example, the outdoor furniture brands we carry at Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home, offer comprehensive warranty coverage ranging from 5 to 15 years.
The warranties on big box wicker products are usually limited, and only provide 2 to 3 years of coverage. This is especially true if the furniture is made of steel or iron, due to the risk of corrosion. These limited warranties may also require the buyer to follow specific maintenance requirements or risk voiding the warranty.
Trusted Retailers
When looking for outdoor wicker furniture, it helps to shop with a trusted retailer who specializes in outdoor furniture. Unlike the big box stores, Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home has more than 30 years of experience in the patio furniture industry, and we stand behind every product we sell. We offer the largest selection of quality outdoor wicker furniture in Hampton Roads, VA, and feature the top brands at highly discounted prices.
Shop for wicker sectionals and sofas, chairs, wicker dining sets, accent tables, and more at our store located at 7422 Richmond Road in Williamsburg, VA, or contact us for more information.
