How to Buy Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Work with wicker's nature to find the best place in your garden to use it. Give it some protection from the elements by locating wicker on the porch, under the gazebo or out on the patio or deck.

Make room for wicker's sensual statement by creating a sitting group. Start with a love seat or two chairs and a table, and then look for the piece de resistance: a wicker rocking chair.

Look closely at wicker materials besides all natural wood canes. Modern vinyl and vinyl/resin wickers look remarkably like the real thing but age much more slowly.

Inspect pieces for tightly woven caning, with no splinters or gaps and smooth surfaces overall. Check leg bottoms for taps or casters to protect them.

Sit down to see whether the wicker fits. Lean back, rest your arms and cross your legs - if you're comfortable, it's yours.

Buy wicker pieces already assembled - wicker can be difficult to work with. Joints that are pieced together will tend toward instability no matter how skilled you are at assembly.

Calculate delivery prices and logistics before buying. Include a set of furniture covers in that budget and buy them to fit your wicker for sure winter protection.