Generally speaking, wicker is not a specific material. Instead, wicker refers to the act of weaving chair seats and furniture, or it's the final end-result product, such as a woven chair, loveseat, or sofa. A variety of materials are used to make wicker furniture. The following is a breakdown of the most used materials for wicker loveseats:
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Rattan is the primary material used in the production of wicker loveseats. It is a vine-like plant growing in Southeast Asia where it has been used for centuries. Removing the outer thorny layer of rattan exposes the bark, which is usually referred to as cane. Rattan has a naturally glossy finish.
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Cane is the second layer of skin or bark of the rattan palm. It is the primary material for seating furniture and has a naturally glossy finish but does not accept paint or stain well.
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Reed is the inner pith of the rattan palm and looks similar to a piece of wood with a lengthwise grain. It is primarily used for weaving baskets.
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Bamboo is a material that resembles rattan and is often mistaken for it. The difference between the two is that bamboo has a hollow core and rattan has a solid core. Bamboo tends break easier than rattan.
Wicker Whereabouts
You can put your wicker loveseat outside on your deck, but leaving it out, exposed to the elements is not the best idea. The elements will rot the fibers eventually destroying the piece after a period of time. It's great to enjoy your wicker loveseat outside, but do not subject it to harsh weather for extended periods.
Cleaning Wicker
The best to way to clean your wicker loveseat is by vacuuming it. If this process doesn't work, you can spray it down with water, sponge washing it with a light detergent.
