We’ve all heard of wicker at some point in our lives. If you haven’t, no, it’s not part of Wicca or wicked. It’s actually a technique of weaving materials like rattan, cane, or bamboo.
The word “wicker” comes from the words vika and vikerwhich mean “to bend” and “willow” in Swedish. It’s actually kind of hard to make a wicker furniture because you have to be knowledgeable about its methods which only an expert craftsman can nail.
If you’re a noob and don’t have any experience in doing one, you need to have a lot of practice before you can finish making a little basket. The technique itself is easy to grasp, however, making it sturdy and dependable to be used is the more challenging part.
Wicker is known to be the sturdiest weaving technique there is, and it’s been popularly used in outdoor furniture like chaise lounges, conversation couches, patio storage, deck boxes, recliners, and many more.
Natural wicker is the most sophisticated type of wicker, and it is made from natural and significantly expensive plants or woods like rattan or reed. Since rattan is the most common source for wicker furniture, many places in the world use these terms interchangeably.
Rattan – a Wicker Craft
Rattan is perhaps the most ideal source for wicker crafts because it is highly pliable, lightweight, porous, and best of all, it is easy to be weaved.
Nowadays, synthetic wickers are sold generally at your local furniture shop, and they are priced cheaper than the natural wicker.
This type of furniture is the best one to be used outdoors mainly due to its plastic or resin materials. The most recent type of wicker furniture still uses resin but with a more durable frame made from aluminum.
Natural wicker has all the advantages of being elastic and cooler than synthetic wicker so it’s the best one to be used if you’re living in a hot environment.
However, it tends to be susceptible to the changes of weather so it’s not ideal to be placed in a roofless area. If you’re looking for an outdoor furniture like a hanging egg chair, choose the synthetic wicker because they are weather-resistant and waterproof.
Furthermore, synthetic wicker is one of the most affordable types of furniture which is a big score for those who are in a tight budget. Although these advantages may be appealing to some, other people don’t choose the synthetic option because of the plastic or chemical smell it usually gives off. Choosing the best material for your furniture just definitely relies on your taste. Wicker is really a good option if you’re looking for a long-lasting furniture in your home. Whether you buy the natural or the synthetic one depends on your budget and how you would use it for.
