Wicker has been a fixture of outdoor living for generations, and it remains one of the most popular styles in patio furniture today. But "wicker" gets used pretty loosely online, and a lot of people shopping for it aren't totally sure what they're actually buying. Here's a clear answer to the questions that come up most.
Is "wicker" a material, or a style?
It's actually neither on its own, wicker refers to the weaving technique, not the material itself. Traditional wicker is woven from natural materials like rattan, reed, or bamboo. Most wicker sold for outdoor use today is synthetic, woven from resin fibers designed specifically to handle sun and rain. Both are called "wicker" because of how they're woven, even though the materials are completely different.
Can wicker furniture actually stay outside?
This depends entirely on which kind you have. Natural wicker is not built for constant outdoor exposure, moisture and UV rays will break it down over time, even with a protective spray. All-weather synthetic wicker (often made from HDPE, high-density polyethylene) is specifically engineered to live outside full-time, resisting fading, cracking, and mildew far better than its natural counterpart.
What's the difference between HDPE and cheaper synthetic wicker?
Not all synthetic wicker is created equal. HDPE is considered the gold standard for outdoor wicker, durable, colorfast, and built to last outdoors for years. Cheaper alternatives like PVC cost less upfront but tend to get brittle and degrade faster under sun and water exposure. If you're comparing two similar-looking wicker pieces at very different price points, the weave material is usually where that difference actually comes from.
How long does outdoor wicker furniture actually last?
Quality synthetic wicker typically lasts 4 to 7 years with regular use and proper care, and premium pieces can exceed a decade. The weave itself tends to show wear (softening color, slight texture changes) before the underlying frame does, so a well-built frame can often outlast several cushion or weave refreshes over its lifetime.
Why is wicker still so popular for outdoor furniture?
A few real reasons keep it a go-to choice. It's lightweight, so pieces are genuinely easy to rearrange or move ahead of bad weather. It pairs naturally with deep, comfortable cushions. And it brings a textured, handcrafted look that reads as warm and inviting rather than cold or overly modern, something that's hard to replicate with flat metal or resin furniture.
Common Questions
Will wicker furniture get moldy if it gets wet?
Natural wicker can develop mold if it stays wet for extended periods. Quality synthetic wicker is designed to resist mold and mildew even with regular rain exposure.
What should I look for in a quality wicker frame?
A welded aluminum frame (not steel, which can rust) underneath a tight, textured weave, rather than a shiny, overly plastic-looking finish.
How do I clean outdoor wicker furniture?
Rinse occasionally and let it air dry. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and a soft brush, and reweave or reattach any loose strands as needed.
Ready to explore wicker collections? Browse our Lloyd Flanders wicker collections, home to the original all-weather wicker since 1906.