Caring for Wicker and Rattan Furniture Through Rain, UV, and Snow

The term "wicker" describes a weaving technique, not a specific material. Wicker furniture can be made from rattan (a tropical vine), bamboo, seagrass, rush, willow, or synthetic resin — most commonly polyethylene (PE) resin or PVC. This distinction matters significantly when it comes to outdoor care, because natural and synthetic materials respond to moisture, UV, and cold in fundamentally different ways.

In Canada, most furniture sold as "outdoor wicker" at retail is synthetic resin wicker, specifically because natural rattan and seagrass are not designed for outdoor year-round exposure in cold climates. But both types appear in Canadian outdoor settings, and both require different maintenance approaches.

Natural vs. Synthetic Wicker: Core Differences

Natural Rattan and Seagrass: What Outdoor Exposure Does

Natural rattan and seagrass furniture are constructed for indoor or covered porch use. Their fibres are hygroscopic — they absorb and release moisture from the air. In outdoor settings, repeated wet and dry cycles cause the fibres to swell and contract, which loosens the weave structure over time. Individual strands begin to crack, lift from the frame, or break entirely.

UV exposure causes lignin degradation, which is visible as bleaching and surface brittleness. Once natural rattan becomes brittle, it cannot be restored to its original flexibility. Mould and mildew growth are also concerns in humid settings or wherever moisture can settle in the weave and remain.

In Canadian conditions, natural rattan furniture should be stored indoors from late September through May at minimum. If used on a covered porch during summer, shade cloth or porch screening that reduces direct UV exposure extends the service life significantly.

Care for Natural Rattan When Outdoors (Covered Use)

• Clean with a lightly damp cloth; avoid soaking. Use a mild soap solution for stains. Dry immediately with a dry cloth.
• Vacuum woven surfaces with a brush attachment regularly to remove dust and debris that retains moisture.
• If surface drying or minor cracking is observed, linseed oil applied sparingly with a soft cloth can help maintain some flexibility in rattan fibres. Allow to dry completely in a ventilated area.
• Do not apply lacquer or sealant products intended for wood to rattan — they tend to crack as the fibres move and can trap moisture beneath them.
• Treat any mould growth promptly with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water (approximately 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Synthetic Resin Wicker: Outdoor Durability and Limitations

High-quality polyethylene resin wicker furniture is designed for outdoor use and significantly more resilient than natural alternatives in wet and cold conditions. The resin does not absorb water, so freeze-thaw cycles do not cause the same fibre-splitting damage as with natural materials. The aluminium frames most commonly used with synthetic wicker do not rust.

However, "outdoor-rated" synthetic wicker is not maintenance-free or immune to degradation over time. The main aging mechanisms are UV-driven resin degradation, frame corrosion at fastener points, and weave loosening from sustained heat cycles.

UV Degradation in Resin Wicker

UV inhibitors added to PE resin extend colour stability, but extended direct sun exposure will eventually cause fading and resin embrittlement. Furniture positioned in full-sun south-facing locations in Canadian summers will fade more quickly than furniture in partial shade. The UV intensity in many Canadian provinces, particularly in summer at higher altitudes or in the Prairies, is sufficient to cause visible fading in lower-quality synthetic wicker within two to three seasons of direct exposure.

A furniture cover used when the furniture is not in active use, particularly for pieces in full sun, can significantly extend the period before fading becomes noticeable.

Frame Maintenance

The aluminium frames of synthetic wicker furniture are typically powder-coated. The care principles for powder-coated aluminium described in the metal furniture guide apply: clean salt deposits, inspect for coating chips, and address any rust around steel fasteners with touch-up paint.

In pieces with steel rather than aluminium frames, the frame is more vulnerable to rust at welded joints and wherever moisture accumulates. Annual inspection of the frame at weave attachment points is advisable.

Cleaning Synthetic Wicker

Synthetic resin wicker can be cleaned more aggressively than natural rattan without damage risk from moisture.

• Routine cleaning: Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose dust and pollen. For heavier soiling, scrub with warm water and mild dish soap using a soft-bristle brush that can reach into the weave interstices. Rinse thoroughly.
• Mould and mildew: A diluted bleach solution (approximately 1 tablespoon per 1 litre of water) is effective on synthetic resin but should not be used on natural fibres. Apply with a brush, allow to sit briefly, then rinse thoroughly. Always test on an inconspicuous area and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Between-season cleaning: Before storing or covering for winter, a full cleaning and rinsing removes salt, organic debris, and mould spores that would otherwise sit on the surface through the winter season.

Winter Storage and Covers

While high-quality synthetic resin wicker can technically remain outdoors through a Canadian winter, the combination of sustained moisture, debris accumulation under snow, and UV exposure in late winter on bare surfaces accelerates wear. The most practical approach in most Canadian provinces is to store furniture in a garage or shed from late October through late April, or use full furniture covers if indoor storage is not available.

Choosing Covers

Furniture covers for wicker should be breathable — covers that do not allow air circulation create humid microenvironments that promote mould growth, particularly for furniture stored in outdoor conditions. Polyester covers with ventilation panels or woven materials with some air permeability work better than fully sealed vinyl covers for this purpose.

Covers should be secured to prevent wind displacement, which can cause abrasion where the cover edges contact the furniture surface repeatedly.

Frame Inspection at Season Start

Each spring, before beginning the outdoor season, a quick structural inspection of wicker furniture is practical:

• Check for any broken or loosened strands in the weave. Individual strands can sometimes be reattached with flexible outdoor adhesive for minor damage, but extensive strand breakage typically indicates the end of service life.
• Inspect the frame at joints and where the weave attaches. Corrosion at these points can cause the frame to weaken without obvious external signs.
• Check cushion ties and any fabric components for mildew or seam failure.
• For pieces with glass table tops, inspect for chips or cracks at edges, which can progress through thermal cycling.

Bamboo Wicker: A Separate Category

Furniture described as bamboo wicker uses bamboo in the frame, the weave, or both. Bamboo is a grass with a silica-rich surface layer that gives it more initial moisture resistance than most other natural plant materials, but it is not suitable for long-term outdoor exposure in cold and wet climates. The culm (stem) is susceptible to cracking and splitting from freeze-thaw cycles in the same way as rattan, and mould develops in outdoor conditions.

Bamboo patio furniture in Canada should be treated as indoor or covered-porch furniture. Storage over winter and protection from direct rain and sustained humidity are the primary care requirements.

References

• Natural Resources Canada — Home Improvements
• Environment and Climate Change Canada — Weather Glossary