There are several types of wicker furniture, but the most popular types are Rattan, bamboo and paper fiber. Rattan is a type of cane or climbing palm that is all natural and has very strong qualities. Bamboo is a woody type of tropical grass that has a hollow center, it is not as sturdy.

Paper fiber is a man made fiber that is twisted like a rope and wire is added to help the rope to be more durable. The strongest material of the three mentioned is the Rattan it has a dense inner core and it is much stronger towards the outdoor elements.

Wicker furniture is one of the most versatile, aesthetically pleasing types of outdoor furniture. Wicker furniture is very comfortable, inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to maintain. You can display wicker furniture indoors or outdoors, the easy portability is wonderful.

There is also a new all weather material that has been placed over the rattan or bamboo to make it more durable it is called resin. Resin is a man made material that is made from a hardened secretion of many plants. This material is also reinforced with steel or aluminum in order to make the rattan or bamboo even stronger.

Wicker furniture can be purchased through online stores, antique stores, specialty stores, discount stores, and used furniture stores. Online stores give you more options of color and styles, but you do have to pay for shipping and handling.

Physical store fronts are a little better because you can try out the furniture, sit in them and talk to the sales clerk to help you make an educated decision. A discount store may save you quite a bit of money, but you do have to be careful and check the quality of the furniture before you buy it.

When looking for outdoor wicker furniture check for any unraveling, or sagging of the material. You don’t want to have to do too many repairs to your furniture you want to enjoy it.

Wicker furniture is very delicate and you do not want to get the material too wet it may destroy the material. You can use a small vacuum attachment to clean the crevices of the furniture. You can also use a barely damp cloth to gently wipe off any residue on the furniture.

If there are strong stains on the furniture you can use a little bit of very gentle soap. Once you finish cleaning the furniture put it outside to dry. Wicker furniture should be kept out of the direct sunlight and it should be covered when not in use for long periods of time. When you are not using your wicker furniture it should still be cleaned at least once a week. 

Note: The Type of outdoor wicker furniture that you choose will depend on your outdoor space, color scheme and how often you are going to use it.

Another factor that may be even more important will be if you have children and pets, you will definitely want to find a material that can withstand constant touching and use. Rattan is the best type of wicker to purchase, it is strong and durable, and you can get it with the resin material covering it. This will definitely assure you that your furniture will withstand the weather and the usage. 

Where you buy your wicker will be determined by how much you have to spend. Do your research and check out different stores and online advertisers to see which one is best for you. When you do get your furniture make sure you take care of it so it will last a long time.