Awesome What's in Wicker Patio Sets?

For the perfect addition to your covered porch or sunroom, consider wicker patio sets. But before you hit the store, did you know that there is more than one type of wicker? Actually, there are multiple similar materials that call themselves wicker, each with a slightly different look and characteristics from those of its peers. Get ready to learn something, it's time for Wicker 101.

The term wicker merely refers to the familiar woven pattern consisting of flexible branches, vines, reeds, grasses, etc. but not actually a material itself. The origin of the word is believed to come from the Scandinavian wika meaning to bend and vikker meaning wicker. The actual process of making wicker involves the weaving together or caning of fibers into chairs, tables, baskets, etc. The interlacing patterns are then usually secured to a base framework and voila, wicker patio sets for everyone. The frames themselves are typically constructed out of wood or aluminum.

Willow
Willow is an easily recognizable tree, known for its sloping branches and so-called "weeping" appearance. It grows in temperate regions like Europe and North America. A light, yet durable wood, willow grows rapidly and is flexible because of how well it retains moisture, making it good for the weaving of wicker patio sets. Because of this, it's also long-lasting.

Reed
Reed is one of the oldest materials found in wicker. It dates back to ancient Egyptian handiwork but still can be found today. Reed comprises various swamp grasses woven together with a straw-like texture. Sometimes the term reed also refers to the core of rattan vines. The material was used exclusively on early American wicker furniture.

Bamboo
Found in southeastern Asian, bamboo is an extremely prolific grower that consists of tall tropical grasses. It can thrive in both tropical and temperate climates, and grow up to a few feet per day! There are hundreds of bamboo species but they are all recognizable by their nodular growth and hollow stems. Bamboo is one of the more common wood that makes up wicker furniture.

Rattan
Rattan is the most popular wood when it comes to wicker because of its price and availability. Rattan refers to a grouping of roughly 600 palm trees indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia. The trees are superficially similar to bamboo, but unlike bamboo they have a solid core vine which is perfect for producing wicker patio sets. Rattan is also easy to replenish so it's a cheaper alternative to bamboo.

Cane
Cane refers to the stem of large rattan trees where the palm leaf connects to the stem. During the drying process, it takes on a yellow color. Cane is used particularly in the production of natural wicker and stained pieces of furniture.

Paper
Between 1900 and 1930 there was a type of wicker known as paper fiber. It was made using chemically treated manmade kraft paper fiber. Its original use was to emulate the pricier Victorian rattan. The problem with paper fiber is that it cannot get wet.

Resin
In recent years, synthetic wicker has become popular as an "all-weather" variety that is better for outdoor use than traditional wicker. Synthetic wicker is made from a resin plastic that's waterproof and resistant to warping, rot and infestation.