Home Garden

Is Real Wicker Furniture Better Than Plastic Wicker Furniture?

Wicker is not a single material, but rather a type of assembly for a piece of furniture. When decorating an outdoor space, wicker furniture may be appealing, but it's important to research plastic wicker and real wicker, as some owners may find they prefer one over the other.
  1. Identifying Real Wicker

    • Real wicker furniture is often made from a material known as rattan, according to Cathryn Peters, also known as the Wicker Woman. Real wicker furniture can also be made from paper fibers, bamboo, reed and oriental seagrass. Real wicker can be subject to weathering and mold.

    Identifying Plastic Wicker

    • Plastic wicker is exactly that: plastic. Plastic is highly versatile and, unlike real wicker, is offered in nearly every color of the rainbow. Furthermore, plastic wicker weathers significantly better and does not hold mold.

    Differences

    • Plastic wicker is often more appealing than real wicker. It can be left outside without any fear of damage, and holds up better against normal wear and tear. Plastic wicker is also easier to clean, and often is less expensive than real wicker.