what is the difference between resin wicker and wicker

Traditional wicker is made from all-natural materials, such as rattan

or bamboo, while resin wicker is molded from polyethylene resin strung into fibers and wrapped around a strong steel or aluminum frame.

Full Answer

Is Resin wicker the same as synthetic Wicker?

Resin wicker is a man made synthetic wicker. If you’ve ever wondered if resin wicker and synthetic wicker are the same thing, the answer is yes! These terms are used interchangeably, But there are lots of different qualities being made & used for furniture. HDPE, or high density polyethylene, is the best quality material for synthetic wicker.

Can Resin wicker furniture be used outside?

While many resin wicker manufacturers claim their outdoor furniture can be used outside throughout the year in any climate—it's probably not advisable. All patio furniture lasts longer if it is covered or stored away when not in use for long periods of time.

What is real wicker furniture?

Real wicker furniture is also crafted from reed, which is the inner pith (soft, spongy substance) of the rattan palm and resembles wood, with its long grain-like texture.

What is the difference between Rattan and wicker?

Wicker refers to the type of weave while rattan is an actual a natural material fiber. Rattan is fiber used to make natural wicker sets. You can jump to this page to learn more. Natural wicker is made from plant materials. Natural materials were used long ago during the times of Ancient Egypt to make wicker baskets.

Is wicker better than resin?

Resin wicker or rattan is the answer to the outdoor dilemma. It is crafted from polyethylene fibers and can withstand the elements much better than natural rattan wicker. This material comes in a wide variety of colors and various weaves.

Is resin wicker long lasting?

Durability and lifespan Both resin wicker and aluminum are durable materials that have long lifespans. Both materials can withstand a certain amount of exposure to rain and other outdoor elements.

Can resin wicker furniture be left outside?

Polyethylene resin wicker is resistant to the effects of UV rays, water and snow, making it a great example of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter. For added durability, look for polyethylene resin wicker that has been dyed all the way through rather than painted.

What type of wicker is best?

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most durable resin wicker, while lower quality PVC wicker will degrade over a shorter period of time.

Can resin wicker get wet?

The resin is 100 percent waterproof. It will not absorb water nor will it be affected by any other outdoor elements under normal conditions. Since the resin is woven over the metal frames, the entire wicker frame is waterproof. Weather it rains or you wash it down with a hose, water will not affect wicker furniture.

Can resin wicker be left in the rain?

In fact, it's often coated with water and weather resistant finishes so the sun, wind and rain cannot damage the material.

How long will resin furniture last?

According to Augustus & Carolina, high-quality resin wicker furniture should last 10 to 15 years. Synthetic wicker is usually less expensive than its natural alternative. Individual strands of synthetic wicker outdoor furniture rarely break under normal use, but if they do, repairs are easy to make.

How do you keep resin wicker from cracking?

Simply washing with a mild detergent and protecting it as much as possible by covering and or storing it when not in use for long periods of time is sufficient. Keep inside or cover with furniture covers or protective covering when not in use.

How do you maintain resin wicker furniture?

Resin wicker has a textured surface so use a soft bristled cleaning brush and mild multi surface cleaner or soapy water (one part mild soap to 8 parts water) to clean all surfaces. Use a toothbrush to get into any corners that the cleaning brush can't reach. Rinse and let dry completely.

What is the longest lasting material for outdoor furniture?

HDPE plasticHDPE plastic is the longest-lasting type of outdoor furniture material. It retains good-as-new shape and appearance over time. It requires minimal cleaning and doesn't fade. It's resistant to mold and mildew, so it works in any type of weather or environment.

How can you tell if wicker furniture is high quality?

A good quality wicker set should come with a thick aluminum frame, preferably powder-coated to prevent rust and for aesthetic appeal. The aluminum frame provides support to the seating area while maintaining its light weight construction that makes it easy for you to rearrange your patio furniture easily.

Does resin wicker get hot in the sun?

Offering the same elegant design, all-weather wicker is ultra-durable. It's impervious to the sun, rain, heat, and cold.

Rattan Is Not Wicker and Wicker Is Not Rattan

First, I want to make clear the distinction between wicker and rattan. A lot of people use the terms interchangeably but they are two very differen...

What Is Synthetic Resin Wicker

Also known as All-Weather Wicker, synthetic resin wicker is made from resins that are extracted from plant matter. These liquids are capable of har...

What to Look For & Where to Buy

Without comparison, Harmonia Living is the best brand of All-Weather Wicker Furniture based on price and quality. They only use eco-friendly HDPE w...

What is Resin wicker?

Resin wicker is a man made synthetic wicker. If you’ve ever wondered if resin wicker and synthetic wicker are the same thing, the answer is yes! Th...

What is HDPE Resin Wicker?

HDPE Resin wicker is nonporous and dyed all of the way through. It is loaded with ultraviolet light treatment so the color stays true and fresh for...

What is the difference between resin wicker and natural wicker?

Natural wicker is suitable for indoor furniture & very well covered outdoor areas and if made right will be quite comfortable and very elegant eleg...

What is the difference between HDPE and PVC?

PVC is a vinyl polymer that is often used to make plumbing pipes. It has a low production cost and so is used in cheaper wicker furniture. The down...

What is resin wicker made of?

Types of Resin Wicker. Although all resin wicker is made from a synthetic resin, there are a few different types of resin, some better than others. These materials include polyethylene, nylon, PVC, and high-density polyethylene(HDPE). The most durable material is HDPE.

Why is resin wicker called all weather?

The reason it’s called “all-weather” is because it’s highly water-resistant and can withstand damp climates and rainy weather. Even though it can maintain it’s quality in the face of in-clement conditions, it’s always a good idea to bring resin wicker inside during harsh weather and store it in the off season to prolong its lifespan.

Does resin wicker need to be cleaned?

How to Care for Resin Wicker. Resin wicker doesn’t need much care, but you will still need to clean it occasionally.

Is resin wicker the same as wicker?

Other than these material differences, resin wicker looks and behaves almost exactly like traditional wicker. It is a highly desirable material for patio furniture and makes up most of the wicker furniture you see for sale today. Even with its superior durability, it still costs less to buy than traditional wicker.

Is wicker outdoor furniture durable?

While natural wicker is susceptible to damage from weather conditions like rain and moisture, it’s durable cousin resin wickeroffers the same look and feel with the ability to handle the outdoor elements.

Is resin wicker good for interiors?

Just make sure to avoid abrasive cleaners that can cause more harm than good. Resin Wicker Looks Just as Good Inside as Outside. Bring a resin wicker furniture set inside for a creative way to decorate an interior living space. The same rules for embracing springon your patio also apply to your interior home decor.

Why is resin wicker so popular?

Here’s why resin wicker is a favorite: Lightweight and easy to move. Comfortable and kid friendly. Weather resistant.

What is resin wicker patio furniture?

Resin wicker patio furniture is not like the fabulous classic wicker chair your grandmother might have lovingly kept. Her chair is likely made of natural rattan (you can see Natural Rattan Chairs here) and must be used indoors or in very well covered outdoor areas. We are still making lots of quality natural rattan products, but now we also offer aluminum framed synthetic resin wicker. These products are made with the same tried and true methods that the natural rattan is made of, but these materials are also suitable for all seasons outdoors.

What to put on a resin wicker chair?

Make sure to top your resin wicker chair, bench, or sofa with cushions that feature water-resistant inners and sun-resistant fabrics. That way you can have a true all weather outdoor setup.

What is the difference between resin and PVC?

One of the main differences is the type of material used in the wicker strands. P VC is a vinyl polymer that is often used to make plumbing pipes. It has a low production cost and so is used in cheaper wicker furniture.

What is the best material for wicker?

HDPE, or high density polyethylene, is the best quality material for synthetic wicker. When you see this material being used it is a sign that these are better quality resin wicker products. Also if HDPE is being used it is a reasonable assumption that the other materials and fabrics being used are also good quality.

What is the best frame for furniture?

Heavy gauge aluminum frames - Be sure to look out for aluminum (not steel) frames so that your furniture is resistant to rusting. It’s also a good idea to choose furniture that features heavy gauge aluminum frames so that the pieces are sturdy.

Where is wicker made?

Natural wicker is made of rattan vine, a species of climbing plant that is grown in tropical zones of the Americas, as well as South East asia. We find the best quality rattan grows in Indonesia so that is where our partner factories are.

What is wicker made of?

Wicker can be woven from plants like reed, rush, willow, and rattan. A rattan plant or tree is related to a palm and encompasses more than 600 species, some of which grow to about 170 feet.

When did wicker furniture become popular?

In the mid-to-late 1800s, wicker furniture grew in popularity. Furniture, especially rocking chairs, were designed in all sorts of shapes and with elaborate details that were popular during the Victorian period, with everything from Rococo flourishes to dramatic fanback peacock chairs that decorated parlors, porches, and verandas. During wicker's heyday, more than 70 styles of wicker rockers were featured in the Heywood-Wakefield catalog.

What is Lloyd loom wicker made of?

High quality, well-made all-weather wicker is wrapped or woven on a steel or aluminum frame, which is sturdy, rust-proof (aluminum), doesn't warp, and is less likely to come unglued.

Where is rattan furniture made?

Rattan is imported from the Philippines, China, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Real wicker furniture is also crafted from reed, which is the inner pith (soft, spongy substance) of the rattan palm and resembles wood, with its long grain-like texture.

Who invented the wicker loom?

In 1917, furniture maker Marshall Burns Lloyd patented the Lloyd Loom process for manufacturing wicker furniture, in which cellulose strands were woven in wicker fabric as a sturdier alternative to wrapping cane around a frame. Heywood-Wakefield bought the patent a few years later.

What is rattan palm?

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm with a thorn covering that needs to be removed before exposing the cane (bark), which has a naturally glossy finish. Seating made from natural rush has been documented as far back as 4000 B.C. and was made and used by the Egyptians.

How long does resin wicker last?

The best resin wicker patio furniture is made from high-density polyethylene and should last 10 to 15 years with normal use.

What is wicker made of?

It’s made from polyethylene resin that’s spun into strands that are woven into furniture the same way rattan or bamboo is woven. The best resin wicker patio furniture is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) because of its durability and resistance to fading in the sun, according to BuildDirect. Look for the symbol for HDPE - ...

What is synthetic wicker?

Synthetic Wicker for Outdoor Furniture. Furniture made from woven strands of material – usually rattan, bamboo, willow or even flexible twigs – is referred to as "wicker.". Wicker itself is not a material; it’s a method of weaving, but the word has become a catchall term for both the method and the material.

Is resin wicker good for sunrooms?

Cons Of Resin Wicker. Depending on your aesthetic, resin wicker may not be as visually appealing as natural wicker. You may find it acceptable for deck furniture but not inside a sunroom . Resin wicker furniture is usually built on lightweight aluminum frames, making it susceptible to high winds.

Can squirrels chew on patio furniture?

Squirrels and other rodents control the growth of their teeth by gnawing on things and may chew on your patio furniture. If you suspect this is happening, commercial rodent repellents are available, or you can make one out of a solution of water, hot pepper and a few drops of dish soap. Resin wicker cracking can also be a problem if your furniture is in the sun all day long, and on hot days, you may find yourself sticking to your chair when you get up.

Is synthetic wicker good for outdoor use?

It’s more suitable for use outdoors and requires very little care other than washing with window cleaner or dishwashing liquid when it gets dirty. Synthetic wicker is moisture-resistant, resists mold and mildew, doesn’t fade or stain and because the color is part of the material, there is no flaking paint.

Is wicker furniture sustainable?

The furniture, popular in casual settings like sunrooms and patios because of their natural appearance is sustainable when made from all-natural materials because they grow quickly and are thus renewable. Resin wicker is not natural. It’s made from polyethylene resin that’s spun into strands that are woven into furniture ...

What is wicker rattan?

Rattan is a material that comes from climbing plants and that given it’s flexible sturdy consistency is weaved into furniture.

What is synthetic wicker?

Synthetic wicker is infused with UV Inhibitors that prevent fading in the sun.

What is the best wicker for patio furniture?

Synthetic wicker is the most widely used type of wicker for patio furniture because of it’s durability against the elements. It’s made from resins that are extracted from plant material and harden permanently. There are many types of resin wickers: from PVC, nylon, polyethylene (PE) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wicker.

Why is wicker so dry?

Natural wicker will become dry and brittle over time. It will crack and cause the weave to unravel over time. Natural wicker can be subject to damage caused by insects and small pests. Natural wicker may fade in the sun and get wet during rain, being permeable may cause the fabric to give in, on the seating area.

What are the two types of wicker furniture?

Now, there are two types of wicker furniture: natural and synthetic. Both use weaving as the method of construction, but the final products vary greatly.

Why is wicker so popular?

It’s become very popular due to it’s elasticity and comfort and it’s potential for creativity. The different patterns offer a wide range of possible builds and the ability to color the natural hue of the wicker to give it different looks all add to it’s popularity.

Can you use natural wicker on patio furniture?

Some companies do offer moisture and weather resistant coating to make natural wicker furniture more patio friendly. We recommend to only buy natural wicker for indoors, because it may be high maintenance to keep outdoors in good conditions. Instead opt for synthetic wicker for the outdoors!

What is the difference between wicker and rattan?

That’s only half true: Rattan is, in fact, a material that is derived from some species of palms. Wicker, on the other hand, is a style of weave. While wicker pieces may be made from rattan, they can also be woven from a number of other natural and synthetic materials, including bamboo, reed, and synthetic resin. Over time, the term “wicker” has come to encompass many types of woven furniture.

What is wicker weave?

Wicker is a weaving technique that dates back to ancient Egypt—in fact, wickerwork items have been found in Pharaohs’ tombs. Reeds and swamp grasses were traditionally used in wicker weaves. Over the centuries, wicker became more and more popular and exploded in Europe during the Age of Exploration when rattan began to be imported from Asia. Because rattan is more durable than many of the other materials previously used in the region, it quickly became the material of choice for wickerwork. In contemporary times, wicker became popular again during the Arts and Crafts movement and is emblematic of the style today. Today, wickerwork is made using natural materials like willow, rattan, reed, and bamboo, as well as synthetic fibers like vinyl and resin.

What is cane in furniture?

Cane is part of the rattan plant and is often woven into webbing. While rattan furnishings are generally made using the core of the rattan vine, cane is derived by peeling off the outer skin. It is typically woven into webbing and used as a decorative finish for wood furniture.

What is rattan used for?

Historically, rattan has also been used for making sports equipment, weaponry, wicks for essential oils, and homes in the rural areas where it grows. Primarily, however, it’s used for wickerwork. Advertisement.

Is rattan the same as wicker?

Though rattan and wicker are experiencing a surge in popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion about the difference between them. In fact, in the United States, the two words are often used interchangeably, which makes discerning between them even more difficult.

Is cane webbing a good material for cabinet doors?

Due to its open weave, cane webbing is also often used for creating ornamental accents on cabinet doors and headboards. Rattan is porous and easily damaged by moisture, but cane is water repellent and can be wiped of spills without causing any damage.

Is rattan furniture good for outdoor use?

Keep your rattan furniture inside, or be sure to cover it when it rains. Synthetic rattan, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for outdoor use.

1. Rattan vs wicker: They are not the same

Rattan and wicker are two terms that have been frequently used interchangeably for so long. They are quite confusing. However, rattan vs wicker are not the same. In fact, rattan is a material while wicker refers to a techniqueof weaving .

2. Cane is actually from the rattan plant

Cane is actually from the rattan plant. The word “cane” means the stem-section of plants, so the “rattan cane” is the stem of the rattan plant. Rattan canes (also called stems or poles) with large diameters are mainly used in making furniture .

3. Rattan and Willow are two different materials

Willow is found mostly on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (it doesn’t grow in Vietnam). Willow is a popular option for making homewares, especially baskets thanks to its superb strength, flexibility and durability.