Wicker is very tough and is therefore ideal for patio furniture when combined with the right materials. Most outdoor wicker furniture is made with heavy gauge aluminum which is shaped to the desired design and then powder coated, a style known as Synthetic Wicker Furniture or Resin Wicker Furniture. Aluminium frames should always be preferred as natural rattan is absorbent and steel can rust.

Wicker patio furniture can often be some of the most beautiful and decorative. It is also more practical to move around as it is often lighter than wooden furniture. When you sit on a wicker-style chair you can feel the quality and see the care and labor that has gone into the weaving process.

Choosing wicker furniture will be dependent on your own personal preferences and how it weights up in price against teak wood furniture or iron products. Wicker furniture may be best for patios where there is cover as cushions will get soaked if it rains.

We have wicker furniture at home in our back yard. It stays outdoors but there is a roof overhead to protect it from the rain. It works well when we have guests over as they can enjoy the fresh air outside on the wicker furniture or move to an inside entertainment room, which is also used to house the food on special occasions.

Wicker furniture can also be used indoors and provides an old school type of feel for a room. It may not be the material of choice for young home owners, but it’s certainly worth looking at for your outside patio. Of course, it just depends what you think looks good and what doesn’t.

You can also find wicker desks, television stands, wash baskets, trunks, beds and coffee tables sp the options are endless. It’s just a matter of personal preference. Remember, wicker furniture is strong, sturdy and dependable. You won’t go wrong having it on your outside patio, even if it does rain (provided you remove any cushions), or inside your home for more practical purposes.

Patio Sets – the various types

Patio dining sets: Round, oval, square, rectangle or octagon tables with sets of four to six patio chairs. Dining sets may also come with a patio umbrella that slides through the center of the patio table.
Patio bar sets: A table and two or more chairs at bar height (42”).
Conversation sets: Conversations sets contain a pair of patio chairs, a love seat, patio cushions and a coffee table. Some sets also come with a side table.
Folding patio furniture sets: A patio dining set or conversation set where the furniture pieces are designed to fold flat for easy portability and storage.
Patio chair sets: Sets of two to four patio chairs by themselves.
Bistro sets: Smaller patio table and a pair of patio chairs. May also come with a smaller patio umbrella.

Patio Furniture Materials

Aluminum patio furniture: Aluminum furniture sets can be either high end pieces made of cast aluminum or cheaper thin walled aluminum tubing. Cast aluminum is sturdy and strong and comes in a variety of finishes like pewter and bronze.
Plastic patio furniture: Recycled plastic patio furniture has a bad reputation as cheap and flimsy but you can find better quality pieces that are strong, sturdy and almost elegant. Plastic has the great qualities of being less expensive than other materials, weather resistance, light weight, easy to clean, and comes is a variety of color choices.
Wicker patio furniture: Wicker patio sets bring a lot of charm and character to your patio area. Wicker is a woven fiber (organic and plastic) that is formed into a ridged piece of furniture. Wicker is light and sturdy which makes it easy to move.
Teak patio furniture: Teak patio sets are very common, they look great and the stand up to the weather very well. Cedar is another wood that has great weather resistant qualities but it is less common than teak.
Wrought iron and Cast iron patio furniture: Iron furniture sets are very durable and have a classic look to them. They are often pair with glass table tops that make a great contrasting look between the materials. Iron furniture pieces are either painted or powder coated for an even more durable finish.
Glass: Glass table tops for dining tables, coffee tables and side tables are a common feature for patio sets. The glass top make for easy cleanup along with its weather resistance. Tempered glass is a must for safety.

Have an overall plan for how you want your outdoor patio set to evolve and then grow it one piece at a time until you have reached your visions. Once you have chosen your patio furniture set there are many ways to accessorize you new outdoor furniture. One of the first things to add on are patio covers to keep your new furniture clean and inviting. There are also many patio set accessories that can be added to enhance your outdoor experience.