In the outdoor furniture industry, wicker is a classic and commonly used material, but many people do not understand the difference between natural rattan and PE wicker (synthetic / PE wicker).
Although natural rattan looks beautiful, it is not suitable for outdoor environments and tends to absorb water, grow mold, crack, and deform.
Materials that are truly suitable for long term outdoor use must be PE wicker or HDPE wicker.
These materials are specially treated to achieve:
- UV resistance
- Water resistance and moisture protection
- Fade resistance
- Not easily broken
- Higher structural stability when paired with a metal frame
Therefore, real weatherproof wicker outdoor furniture refers to furniture made with HDPE wicker combined with outdoor grade metal frames, capable of maintaining stable performance under sunlight, humidity, rain, and temperature changes.
Why Is Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture More Suitable for Outdoor Spaces?
Common problems with many outdoor furniture pieces include:
- Color fading
- Fabric aging
- Frame rusting or deformation
- Surface cracking
- Mold growth, water absorption, or unstable structure
Weatherproof wicker outdoor furniture exists to solve these issues. It offers:
- High durability against changing weather conditions
- Water resistance and mold resistance, even when placed near a swimming pool
- Woven structures that are flexible yet strong, with a more comfortable touch
- Lightweight yet high strength
- Excellent shape retention and long term appearance stability
To make this clearer, here is a comparison table:
Comparison Table: PE/HDPE Wicker vs Natural Rattan
| Characteristics | Weatherproof PE/HDPE Wicker | Natural Rattan |
|---|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Strong | Weak |
| Water Resistance | Non absorbent, suitable for long term outdoor use | Easily absorbs water, molds |
| Weather Resistance | Resistant to rain, sun, humidity | Not suitable for outdoor environments |
| Lifespan | 5 to 10+ years | 1 to 2 years |
| Maintenance Difficulty | Low | High |
Core Materials of High Quality Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture
1. PE / HDPE Wicker (High End Outdoor Wicker Material)
HDPE offers higher durability and strength than regular PE and provides excellent UV resistance.
It is the most essential material in high end outdoor wicker furniture, especially suitable for areas with intense sunlight.
Key features include:
- Fade resistance
- No brittleness
- Strong plasticity
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable
2. Aluminum Frame
Premium wicker furniture must use aluminum alloy frames, because:
- They do not rust
- They are lighter
- They offer high structural stability
- They are ideal for humid or coastal environments
In comparison, iron and regular steel frames rust and corrode more easily.
3. Outdoor Grade Cushions
Complete outdoor wicker furniture must also be paired with outdoor fabrics and foams such as:
- Olefin fabric
- Sunbrella fabric
- Quick dry foam
These materials improve overall durability and provide a more comfortable outdoor experience.
How to Choose High Quality Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
When selecting wicker furniture, you can evaluate its outdoor suitability based on the following criteria:
- Confirm whether it uses PE / HDPE wicker
If it uses PVC, plastic mixtures, or natural rattan, it is not suitable for long term outdoor use. - The frame must be an aluminum frame
This directly affects lifespan and corrosion resistance. - Check weaving density and craftsmanship
The tighter and more uniform the weaving, the better the durability. - Choose cushions made with outdoor fabrics
Quality fabrics prevent fading and mold. - Check whether the brand offers color fading guarantees or structural warranties
This shows whether the brand prioritizes quality. - Factory quality certifications (enhances brand credibility)
Outdoor Whale follows SGS and AQL standards throughout materials and production.
Design Trends in Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Modern outdoor wicker furniture focuses on:
- Modular sofa sets for flexible layouts
- Outdoor dining sets for residential and commercial dining spaces
- More comfortable lounge chairs and daybeds
- Compact designs for small balconies and small apartments
- Mixed material designs combining wicker with aluminum or wood grain aluminum
Outdoor Whale specializes in customization and can create personalized layouts based on client floor plans to achieve better space utilization.
Daily Maintenance Tips for Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Daily Cleaning
- Use a soft brush, sponge, or damp cloth
- Avoid strong acid cleaners
- High pressure washers are not recommended to prevent damage to the weaving
Seasonal Inspection
- Check for loosened or scratched areas
- Clean outdoor cushions thoroughly and let them dry
- Check whether frame connections are secure
Tips for Extending Lifespan
- Use protective covers during rain or long periods of non use
- Avoid heavy impact
- Regularly clean dust from the weave gaps
Outdoor Whale’s Advantages in Weatherproof Wicker Outdoor Furniture
As a factory with over ten years of outdoor furniture manufacturing experience, Outdoor Whale offers advantages such as:
- HDPE wicker combined with high strength aluminum frames for maximum durability
- Two factories totaling 28,000㎡ for high efficiency and reliable lead times
- International production standards including SGS and AQL certifications
- Professional design team providing optimized layouts based on floor plans
- Serving global B2B markets including brands, retailers, and project clients
Outdoor Whale is not just a furniture manufacturer; we create complete outdoor space solutions for our customers.
Conclusion
Whether you are a homeowner, villa owner, or commercial space operator, choosing weatherproof wicker outdoor furniture provides:
- Longer lifespan
- Lower maintenance cost
- More beautiful and comfortable outdoor experiences
If you want a durable, stylish, and truly outdoor ready space, weatherproof wicker furniture is a smart long term investment. Start designing your durable outdoor space with premium weatherproof wicker furniture today — contact us at info@ligointl.com
FAQ
Q1: Is wicker waterproof?
Yes, PE and HDPE wicker furniture is water-resistant and suitable for long-term outdoor use. Natural rattan is not.
Q2: How long does weatherproof wicker outdoor furniture last?
High-quality HDPE wicker furniture with aluminum frames can last 5–10 years outdoors with proper maintenance.
Q3: Can outdoor wicker furniture be left in rain?
Yes, but using protective covers during prolonged rain or non-use is recommended to extend lifespan.
Q4: How should I maintain outdoor wicker furniture?
Clean with soft brushes or damp cloths, avoid harsh chemicals, inspect frames and cushions seasonally, and protect with covers.
Q5: Why is HDPE wicker better than natural rattan?
HDPE wicker is UV-resistant, waterproof, mold-resistant, and highly durable, whereas natural rattan absorbs water, fades, and is prone to cracking outdoors.
