Quality outdoor resin wicker
furniture is virtually impervious to even the worst conditions
that Man or Mother Nature can throw at it. You can leave it in
the scorching sun, you can ignore it in the frozen snow and you
can even spill a bottle of sunscreen on it or soak it in salt
water or chlorine. It is easy to move around. It is stylish. But
more than anything, the best virtues of quality outdoor resin
wicker furniture is comfort and peace of mind.
What is Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture?
Outdoor resin wicker furniture looks very similar in
construction to classic wicker furniture but rather than being
woven from abaca (palm) fibers, it is made from synthetic
polymer strands. These flexible and durable synthetic strands
allow designers virtually limitless color choices and the
freedom to design in any shape or size. The result is beautiful,
durable, comfortable outdoor furniture.
How is it different from All Weather Wicker?
Outdoor resin wicker furniture and all weather wicker furniture
are one and the same. Since this is a relatively new style of
furniture you will find many names for the same thing. Some
other commonly used names you may find while you research are
synthetic rattan furniture, vinyl wicker furniture and outdoor
rattan furniture among many others.
What are the Fiber Strands Made From?
Modern technology has brought us new synthetic materials that
are far more durable than ever before. Some of the polymers used
to make modern synthetic furniture are polyethylene and
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Polyethylene is higher quality than
PVC and is better for the environment and an all around better
choice. PVC is among the worst polluting plastics as it is emits
toxic compounds during its entire lifespan from manufacturing to
disposal. Though it is not important to purchase outdoor resin
patio furniture made from brand name fibers, some quality brands
that use polyethylene rather than harmful PVC are Hularo®,
Ecolene®, and ViroTM®. Again, you do not have to seek brand name
fibers as many non branded polyethylene fibers exist. Quality
polyethylene can withstand temperatures from -50°C to 150°C
(-58°F to 302°F). Needless to say you can leave it outdoors all
year long in just about any climate. Polyethylene is also
combined with additives when used to produce outdoor resin
furniture which makes it extremely UV resistant.
What is the Frame Made From?
Quality outdoor resin wicker furniture frames are made from
either aluminum or powder coated steel. Both are extremely
durable and rust resistant but aluminum is the preferred choice.
As aluminum oxidizes it does not expand and weaken like steel
can. Plus aluminum “rust” is actually the same color as non
oxidized aluminum so you don’t see it. Aluminum is also lighter
making it easier to move around. However despite the advantages
of aluminum you can still feel comfortable purchasing quality
outdoor wicker furniture that is made from powder coated steel.
It works well too. |
