The word wicker is derived from the Old English word “wicc,” meaning “woven.” In fact, the earliest known use of wicker was during the Bronze Age in Scandinavia. This type of material was used to make baskets, trays, bowls, and containers. Later, during the Middle Ages, wicker became associated with the development of furniture. But, today’s wicker isn’t anything like the original wicker furniture of that time and is a popular material choice in today’s modern patio sets.
If you’re thinking of your Grandma’s wicker patio set, think again!
Today’s wicker furniture offers much improved versions over the early natural, cane or rattan reeds, which were hand woven and wrapped on cane frames without any protection from the outdoor elements. Now you can choose from a synthetic material known as vinyl that is woven over a tubular welded aluminum frame that is finished to endure the outdoor elements. Or you can choose an option that has been manufactured in the US for over 100 years that is called “Lloyd Loom”. It is a man-made material that is also wrapped on a welded aluminum frame and finished to withstand the elements. Both of these versions of wicker are more durable and offer more designs and colors than the original wicker. The vinyl wicker is limited in colors but does offer a few choices mainly in earth tones of brown or grey or a mixture of the two. The Lloyd Loom has more of a feel of the original wicker and is offered in a wide assortment of frame and weave colors.
Lloyd Loom® Furniture
In 1917, Marshall Burns Lloyd created a process by which cellulose strands are woven into wicker fabric. This was an alternative to the method of wrapping cane around a frame, which was a popular method at the time. Today, Lloyd Flanders uses this same special process in the same facility where it was first developed.
Though they still use the same process to create the loom fabric, they’ve added advanced technologies over the last quarter century. This has produced a continuous strand that will not burr, crack, or peel, resulting in a consistently smooth weave.
The fiber used to create Lloyd Loom fabric is twisted into a sturdy cord and wound onto small spools and then rewound onto larger spools that feed into the looms. Another unique feature of Lloyd Loom is the use of aluminum stakes encased in loom fiber. These are inserted into the fabric for enhanced stability and durability.
Once the loom fabric is woven, it’s sealed to withstand the elements, dried, and wrapped onto massive spools. Then, they are cut to shape each piece of furniture and secured to aluminum frames with custom-made stainless steel staples.
After the furniture is assembled, it’s painted with two coats of environmentally friendly Durium® paint. This is a polyester resin-based paint that’s as flexible as it is durable, so it provides a beautiful finish that can withstand summer heat and winter snow.
Vinyl Wicker Furniture
Vinyl wicker is another category of wicker furniture because it is made from vinyl instead of natural fibers. Vinyl can stay soft & pliable and hold its shape through many years of use. UV inhibitors are often added to protect it from sun damage and excessive fading.
Vinyl furniture features all-aluminum welded frames that are corrosion-resistant and extremely durable. There is a variety of weaves and sizes of the strands of the vinyl. It comes in an assortment of colors; however, the colors are usually limited to variations of browns and greys. The frames are easy to maintain, but cushions on all types of wicker generally do need a little more care. That will be explained later.
Caring for Wicker Patio Furniture
Once you’ve acquired the wicker furniture that fits with your home and your lifestyle, you’re ready to enjoy it. But, you want your wicker furniture to last a long time and have a great quality of life.
No matter what type of wicker furniture you choose, the good news is that it’s easy to clean. Lloyd Loom and woven vinyl furniture should be gently cleaned with a soft brush or sponge.
It’s important to remember that proper maintenance of your furniture is required to support the benefits of its warranty. The easiest way to protect your outdoor wicker furniture & cushions is to cover them with a quality outdoor furniture cover that is made to fit the particular piece of furniture.
If the furniture is not under a covered patio it is more important to protect the furniture from the elements to keep it looking great and may require a little more care. It is recommended to cover the furniture in the winter weather in a covered area or not. If you cannot cover it, then it would be best to bring in the cushions during the winter. Any cushion can acquire mildew while out in the elements. Mildew is caused by moisture and dirt getting into the fabric. However, the solution died acrylic fabric is extremely cleanable and mildew can be removed easily with a mixture of water, bleach, and detergent. You do not have to remove the cover from the core during this process.
What to Look for in Wicker Outdoor Furniture
There are different qualities of the vinyl wicker. Some companies use “virgin” vinyl and some use recycled vinyl. The “virgin” vinyl is superior in quality and you can expect a longer life and better performance with it. Also, some companies use more UV inhibitors than others. So when shopping for vinyl try to find out if it is “virgin” vinyl or vinyl with other fillers in it. The Lloyd Loom, while it is man-made, looks similar to the original wicker except it offers a wide variety of colors and has a welded aluminum frame that is known to last for decades. Both the vinyl and Loom wicker are low maintenance, however, it is recommended to wipe it down occasionally. If it is in an uncovered area, you might need to hose it off from time to time.
The cushions on wicker can vary greatly. They should all be made out of material that is made to be used outdoors, but you might want to confirm that with sales staff when you are shopping for wicker. Some fabrics are of better quality and will resist fading much better than others. The solution died acrylic materials are the best and your salesperson should be able to tell you if they are made of that. The core of the cushions is just as important as the outer fabric. The core of Lloyd Loom seat cushions is wrapped in a material that will keep them dryer than cushions without it. You might ask the salesperson to open the zippers on a cushion and show you how they are made.
You will also want to know what the warranty is on the furniture and if replacement parts, such as cushions, are readily available if needed. Usually, cushions are the only part you will need, but some furniture comes with swivel bases and other moving parts that might need replacing over time. Lloyd Loom can also be painted if after 10 or 15 years you are tired of the color and want a new look. Lloyd still offers cushions for furniture they have produced decades ago. Vinyl cannot be repainted, but you can replace cushions on them and get a new look.
Where to find the best outdoor wicker furniture
Bassemiers carries high-quality outdoor furniture brands with timeless designs. We offer a wide selection of styles including deep seating, outdoor sofas, patio chairs, and more. Shop in-stock patio furniture sets now or visit us in-store to find the perfect patio set for you! It has never been easier to purchase quality furniture that will last you many, many years to come.
