Enjoy the best of both worlds with furniture that translates both indoors and out.
A woven story
Today's modern wicker furniture is a much more evolved form of rattan - not to be mistaken for traditional rattan. To ensure you're buying a quality product, take note of where the wicker furniture was made and ensure the manufacturer provides a warranty against defective workmanship.
Some of the best wicker furniture is made using fibre from the Philippines. This country has a traditional weaving culture and is the home of time-honoured weaving techniques. But aside from skilled weavers able to accomplish a tight weave, the quality of the product also relates to the fibre's thickness, width and finish.
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Fibres used in modern wicker should have good tensile strength - the stress required to pull on something until it breaks. A brittle fibre will crack easily, while a soft fibre tends not to be durable.
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The finished product shouldn't look "plastic".
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Ingredients used to produce the fibre should be carefully formulated and processed to produce a high-tech fibre that's weatherproof, UV-resistant, colourfast, stain resistant, highly durable and easy to maintain. OHMM
Fuss-free maintenance
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When choosing wicker furniture for an outdoor area, opt for a brand reputed to withstand both rain and sun. Built-in UV protection can ensure wicker does not change colour when exposed to sunlight. The only maintenance then required, would be to occasionally wash the wicker with a soft, soapy brush, followed by a quick hosing.
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Fibre stone is virtually maintenance-free. Tables made from this material should only require a regular wipe-down and occasional treatment with car wax for added shine.
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Ensure any outdoor cushions are covered in a fabric treated to repel damp. But remember, if your outdoor furniture is in an open-air environment and it rains, it's still wise to move your cushions to an undercover area, to extend their lifespan. Galanga Living
Revitalise weathered teak
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To remove existing stain, sand the furniture's surface with coarse sandpaper.
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Use fine sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface.
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To retain a natural look, apply teak oil. To colour, make sure you use outdoor paints. OriginAsia
Go natural!
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If left outdoors and exposed to sunlight, air and rain, the surface colour of teak wood ages naturally, gradually changjng to a soft silver-grey.
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To maintain the silver patina of this natural look, regularly clean your outdoor furniture with Gloster Teak Cleaner, using Gloster Teak Protector for extra protection against stains. If you prefer your furniture to have a golden-brown hue, apply Gloster Teak Sealer when the furniture is new.
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Always remember, when storing outdoor teak furniture in a garden shed or garage, avoid moving it from a cool environment immediately into a hot one. This prevents the wood splitting. Fun's Florist & Nursery
