What Is Wicker Patio Furniture?

Wicker isn’t a material — it’s a weaving technique. The term “wicker” refers to the process of weaving flexible strands around a frame to create furniture. That weaving can be done with natural fibers like rattan, bamboo, or willow, or with synthetic materials like resin and polyethylene. Understanding this distinction is the key to choosing wicker patio furniture that will last.

At Carolina Patio Furniture in Charlotte, we’ve specialized in wicker outdoor furniture for over four decades. We manufacture our own synthetic wicker collections right here, which means you get factory-direct quality without the retail markup. Here’s everything we’ve learned about wicker patio furniture — and what you should know before buying.

Natural Wicker vs. Synthetic Wicker

Natural Wicker

Traditional wicker furniture is woven from natural plant fibers — most commonly rattan, but also bamboo, willow, and seagrass. Natural wicker has a warm, organic aesthetic that many people love. However, it has significant limitations for outdoor use:

• Susceptible to moisture damage, mold, and mildew
• Fades and becomes brittle in direct sunlight
• Can attract insects
• Requires regular maintenance and occasional re-weaving
• Generally not suitable for year-round outdoor exposure

Natural wicker is best suited for covered porches, sunrooms, and indoor spaces where it won’t be exposed to rain or intense sun.

Synthetic Wicker (Resin Wicker)

Synthetic wicker — also called resin wicker, all-weather wicker, or PE wicker — is woven from polyethylene (PE) or PVC resin strands. This material was engineered specifically for outdoor use and has largely replaced natural wicker in the patio furniture market. Benefits include:

• Weather-resistant — won’t rot, mold, or mildew
• UV-resistant — color won’t fade in direct sunlight
• Low maintenance — clean with soap and water
• Flexible and durable — won’t crack or become brittle
• Consistent appearance — maintains its look year after year

Quality synthetic wicker is virtually indistinguishable from natural rattan at a glance but will outlast it dramatically in outdoor conditions. All of our wicker furniture collections at Carolina Patio use premium synthetic wicker for exactly this reason.

Popular Wicker Patio Furniture Styles

Wicker Dining Sets

A wicker dining set anchors your outdoor eating area with warmth and style. Options range from intimate 2-person bistro sets to expansive 8-seat dining tables. Most feature aluminum frames wrapped in synthetic wicker, with tempered glass or wicker-woven table tops. Pair with Sunbrella fabric seat cushions for all-weather comfort.

Deep Seating Collections

Wicker deep seating brings living-room comfort outdoors. These pieces feature deeper seats and thicker cushions than dining chairs — typically 5-6 inches of high-density foam wrapped in Sunbrella fabric. Sofas, loveseats, club chairs, and ottomans let you create a complete outdoor lounge. See our deep seating collections for options.

Sectional Sofas

Modular wicker sectionals are ideal for larger patios and pool areas. Individual pieces — corners, armless sections, end pieces — configure to fit your exact space. Many of our sectionals can be rearranged seasonally or for different entertaining needs.

Chaise Lounges

Wicker chaise lounges combine poolside functionality with elegant wicker design. Adjustable backs let you sit upright for reading or recline flat for sunbathing. Look for models with wheels for easy repositioning around the pool deck.

Bar and Counter Height Sets

Wicker bar sets create a resort-like atmosphere on your patio. Counter-height options (36 inches) work well alongside kitchen windows or outdoor bars, while full bar height (42 inches) makes a standalone entertaining station.

Our Wicker Collections

We design and manufacture several distinct wicker collections, each with its own personality:

• Bonita Collection — Warm, honey-toned wicker with a classic coastal feel. One of our most popular collections for both traditional and transitional spaces.
• Captiva Collection — Darker espresso-toned wicker with clean contemporary lines. Perfect for modern outdoor rooms.
• Catalina Collection — Rich brown wicker with a slightly more formal aesthetic. Great for covered patios and upscale outdoor dining.
• Georgetown Collection — A versatile medium-brown wicker that pairs well with almost any cushion color or decor style.

Each collection includes matching pieces across dining, deep seating, and accessory categories, so you can furnish your entire outdoor space with a coordinated look.

How to Care for Wicker Patio Furniture

Routine Cleaning

For regular maintenance, simply wipe down your synthetic wicker furniture with a damp cloth or rinse with a garden hose. For deeper cleaning, use mild dish soap diluted in warm water and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Avoid pressure washers — they can damage the weave.

Dealing with Mildew

If you notice mildew spots (common in humid Charlotte summers), mix one part white vinegar with one part water, spray on the affected areas, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. For stubborn mildew, a diluted bleach solution (1/4 cup per gallon of water) works but rinse thoroughly afterward.

Protecting Your Investment

While synthetic wicker can handle year-round outdoor exposure, using furniture covers during extended periods of non-use (winter months) will keep your furniture looking its best for longer. Store cushions indoors or in a dry storage bin when not in use for extended periods.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Wicker

Many customers ask whether they can use outdoor wicker furniture indoors. The answer is absolutely yes — synthetic wicker works beautifully in sunrooms, covered porches, breakfast nooks, and even living rooms. The weave adds texture and warmth to any space. Just keep in mind that outdoor wicker is typically heavier than indoor-specific wicker furniture because of its aluminum frame construction.

Going the other direction is where problems arise. Natural wicker furniture designed for indoor use should never be left outdoors permanently. The fibers will absorb moisture, swell, weaken, and eventually break down.

What to Look for When Shopping for Wicker Furniture

• Frame material: Aluminum frames are ideal — lightweight, rust-proof, and strong. Avoid steel frames (rust) and wood frames (rot) for outdoor use.
• Weave quality: Look for tight, consistent weaving with no gaps or loose strands. Press on the wicker — it should flex slightly but feel firm and resilient.
• UV protection: Quality synthetic wicker includes UV stabilizers in the resin. Ask about UV resistance — bargain brands often skip this step.
• Cushion quality: Sunbrella fabric is the industry standard for outdoor cushions. Quick-dry foam cores prevent waterlogging. Cheap cushions are the #1 regret of wicker furniture buyers.
• Warranty: Reputable manufacturers back their wicker with 3-5 year frame warranties minimum. The weave itself should be warranted for at least 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does synthetic wicker patio furniture last?

Quality synthetic wicker furniture typically lasts 10-15 years with normal outdoor use. The aluminum frame can last even longer — usually the cushions need replacing before the frame and weave do. Our factory-direct collections are built to commercial-grade standards for maximum longevity.

Is wicker furniture comfortable without cushions?

Wicker dining chairs are reasonably comfortable without cushions for meals and shorter sitting periods. For deep seating and lounging, cushions are essential — the wicker frame provides the structure, but the cushions provide the comfort.

Can wicker furniture get wet?

Synthetic wicker handles rain without issue — the PE resin is completely waterproof and the aluminum frame won’t rust. Just make sure to remove or flip cushions after rain so they can dry. Natural wicker should be kept dry as much as possible.

What colors does wicker patio furniture come in?

The most popular wicker colors are honey/natural, espresso/dark brown, gray, and black. Some manufacturers offer white, driftwood, and multi-toned weaves. At Carolina Patio Furniture, you can pair any wicker frame color with hundreds of Sunbrella cushion fabrics.

Browse Our Wicker Collections in Charlotte

The best way to appreciate the quality and comfort of wicker patio furniture is to see it — and sit in it — in person. Our Charlotte showroom features all of our wicker collections fully set up so you can compare styles, test comfort levels, and match cushion fabrics. As a manufacturer selling factory-direct, we offer pricing that online retailers and big-box stores can’t match.

Visit Carolina Patio Furniture in Charlotte, NC. We’ve been building wicker furniture since 1979 — let us help you find the perfect set for your outdoor space.