Walk down any Aussie street lined with revamped backyards, and you’ll be hard-pressed to miss wicker furniture. Not because it was all the rage, but because of its proven track record of standing the test of time. Australia’s got pretty unforgiving conditions, way too much UV radiation, salt air that can have metal corroding in no time, and temperatures that’ll either melt cheaper materials or have them cracking in the heat. The case for wicker outdoor furniture just gets more convincing with each passing year. It’s actually pretty great to look at too.
Wicker Is a Technique, Not a Material
Most people have no idea, but wicker is a method of weaving, not a material. The fact that it’s a technique rather than a material totally changes your buying decision. Wicker gets its name from the way the strands of material are woven over a strong frame in a repeating pattern. The material being used can be natural rattan, cane, bamboo, or synthetic fibres that are basically indestructible. Even though the finished product looks pretty similar, don’t be fooled. The performance outdoors is worlds apart. Rattan, cane, and bamboo wicker are all lovely materials for indoors. Outdoors, especially in Australia, they’re a different story. They soak up water like a sponge, fall apart at the first sign of UV exposure, and can start to deteriorate within the first season or two. Indoors, they’re perfect. Outdoors, they’re more of a short-term fix that’s been dressed up to look like a long-term solution.
Why Australian Conditions Demand Better Materials?
We’re talking about a country that gets more UV radiation than anywhere else on the planet. Most of our biggest cities are also right on the coast, where salt air is a major issue. Let’s not forget the temperature extremes, from subzero alpine winters to sizzling summer days that’ll test your outdoor furniture to the limit. Any material that can’t keep up is going to end up in the bin sooner or later. That’s why you see most quality outdoor furniture made with a combination of PE wicker and powder-coated aluminium frames. The aluminium doesn’t rust, the powder coating keeps the salt air and UV at bay, and the PE weave flexes in the heat without cracking or falling apart.
What a Quality Wicker Set Actually Costs?
The Australian market for wicker furniture can range anywhere from around $800 for a basic entry-level set, right up to $2,500 for a PE wicker set that will genuinely last you a decade. Be aware that some budget imports in the $300 to $600 range have some pretty glaring flaws. These include thin weaves, minimal UV protection, and foam cushions designed for indoor use rather than harsh outdoor conditions. You might not notice the difference in a showroom. After 18 months of beating down from the Australian sun, you will.
How to Assess Quality at the Point of Purchase?
Four things are worth checking before buying.
- Weave density. The tighter the weave, the stronger the wicker set will be. A loose, sloppy weave will start to sag over time.
- Frame gauge. Heavier gauge aluminium frames are way more durable than lighter ones. You’ll really notice the difference when you go to sit down. A light gauge frame will flex and make the joints go.
- Cushion foam density. If you’re buying a wicker set for the outdoors, look for foam that’s at least 25D, that’s 25 kg per cubic metre. Anything less will compress easily and will never recover.
- Cushion fabric. Acrylic or olefin fabrics that are solution dyed are much better than polyester ones. They’ll last longer and resist moisture so much better.
Then there’s the warranty. That only counts for something if the retailer has a presence here in Australia and is actually going to be around to honour it. A two-year warranty from a company with no Australian presence is basically worthless compared to the same warranty from a company with its own stores.
Configuration Options, What Suits Which Space
Lounge settings, with their lower seating and coffee tables, are perfect for relaxed entertaining around the pool or at a barbecue. Dining sets, with their taller tables and upright chairs, are better suited to people who use their outdoor space for regular meals. If you have a big patio, modular sectionals are the way to go. They give you plenty of flexibility and let you reconfigure the seating to suit the occasion. Don’t forget individual accent pieces like ottomans, side tables, and sun loungers. They can add a whole extra layer to your outdoor space. They can even make use of small balconies where a full set wouldn’t fit.
Maintenance, Low Is Not None
PE wicker on powder-coated aluminium is pretty low maintenance. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that low maintenance means no maintenance at all. If you live in a coastal area, you should rinse off the frame and weave with fresh water every few weeks. That helps remove salt buildup before it causes problems. If you live in a dusty area, a good old-fashioned hose down every now and then will keep the weave clean. It will also stop the surface from becoming pitted over time.
