How to Differentiate Authentic Wicker from Fake
Summary: Authentic wicker furniture sets are difficult to differentiate from the knock-offs due to new production methods.
It can become confusing to figure out what type of wicker furniture is considered top-notch quality and what’s a fake. When you take a look from a shopper’s perspective, you already know that outdoor wicker furniture sets can cost you thousands of dollars. And, with that type of investment, you shouldn’t opt for anything less than high quality.
How Can You Tell if It’s Fake?
Cheap wicker is comprised of plastic materials that won’t last for a long period of time. It’ll start to bend, tear, and unravel. From a visual standpoint, plastic wicker looks exactly like it sounds – shiny, yet too good to be true. Sooner or later, you’ll have to cover them up with some fancy-looking patio furniture cushions to mask the cheap appeal.
If you think that’s bad, wait until you feel the material itself. Plastic wicker furniture sets feel flimsy and stick to your skin when you sit on them. They’ll tend to bend with enough pressure and just feel like a flimsy mess – not to mention the inconsistent material texture as well.
Worst of all, fake wicker furniture barely has any legitimate wicker components within them. Authentic wicker, on the other hand, is made from polyethylene, which is a synthetic resin that is safe for the environment – completely opposite from the latter material. Certain strands have UV inhibitors infused within them to prevent fading due to solar exposure. The best thing about polyethylene is that it’s extremely durable, requires low maintenance and can withstand the harsh elements. It’s a jack-of-all-trades!
Be mindful that you purchase your wicker furniture from quality manufacturers like Wicker Paradisefor example. These specialists create wicker masterpieces that are built to last and are authentic.
