What is wicker?

As one of the oldest techniques in furniture making, wicker has earned the admiration of many, including historical figures such as former U.S. presidents. President John F. Kennedy, for example, had a cherished rocking chair featuring woven rattan for both the seat and back, one of the materials used in wicker furniture [source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum].

Some of the earliest known examples of woven chests and boxes made from dried reeds or palms were discovered in the ancient Egyptian pyramids, while ancient Syrian statues showcasing wicker craftsmanship have also been uncovered [source: Olsson and Saunders]. These wicker traditions eventually spread to Asia and Europe, and early American settlers brought their knowledge of this craft from their homelands.

It wasn't until a young American embraced the old saying – one man's trash is another man's treasure – that the large-scale wicker industry began to thrive in the United States. In the 1840s, a young man named Cyrus Wakefield noticed rattan, which was being discarded as packing material for ships' cargo in the Boston harbor [source: Adamson]. He saw its potential as a raw material for furniture production and built a career selling both the material and furniture crafted from it.

By the 1850s, wicker furniture had gained popularity as both a functional and artistic piece in America. From 1865 to 1880, most wicker furniture was intended for indoor use, but gradually it began to be used outdoors as well [source: Saunders]. As tastes shifted, manufacturers started offering specialized items such as baby carriages and music stands, along with painted pieces.

Wicker's popularity began to decline in the 1930s due to changing design trends and materials. However, by the 1970s, the style and comfort of wicker were rediscovered and have remained popular ever since [source: Adamson, Olsson and Saunders]. The American Institute of Architects' Home Design Trends Survey indicates that homeowners are increasingly interested in extending their living space outdoors [source: Baker]. Since the Victorian era, wicker has been a great option for outdoor living, and with advances in technology, it is now an even more ideal choice for today's patios and porches.

This article will explore the intricacies of this unique weaving technique and examine why it continues to captivate consumers today.

Wicker 101

Wicker is not, as some may assume, a type of plant used to make certain types of furniture. Instead, it refers to any piece of furniture made by weaving materials together.

Making wicker furniture involves several techniques that are also used in basket weaving [source: Miller and Widess]. The weaving consists of spokes, or vertical supports, and weavers, which are the horizontal strands. To make reed, one of the most common materials in wicker furniture, flexible, it must be soaked in warm water. The amount of time required for soaking depends on the thickness of the reed, as it determines how long it needs to soften before being used in the weave pattern for the piece [source: Saunders].

Because of the unique nature and age of wicker craftsmanship, there are various weave patterns that create distinctive designs. The most common weave is the simple over-and-under method, similar to rug weaving. In this technique, you go over one spoke and under the next. Along the edges, the pattern often shifts to a type of braiding, weaving two to four strands together at a time [source: Gonyea].

Caning, which typically refers to the weaving of seats and backs, uses a variety of different weaves. These can range from a simple, open weave with large stop-sign-shaped holes to a more intricate snowflake weave, which predominantly features hexagon shapes [source: Miller and Widess].

By combining different weaves, intricate patterns are created to form the piece. Some wicker patterns are so detailed that they depict actual images, such as flags, hearts, and even guitars [source: Saunders, Olsson and Saunders].

The materials used to create woven furniture are quite varied. Let's take a closer look at two distinct types of wicker furniture.

Natural Wicker

There are two primary categories of wicker furniture: natural and synthetic. While both rely on weaving as the core technique for construction, the finished products vary significantly.

Natural wicker materials include rattan, willow, sea grass, and raffia. At one point, wicker was even crafted from spun paper, similar in size to pipe cleaners [source: Gonyea]. Rattan, a widely used material, is the stem of a climbing palm. The plant uses spines to ascend and wind around nearby trees [source: Miller and Widess]. Rattan can grow as long as 600 feet (about 183 meters) [source: Adamson]. The outer layer is known as cane, while the inner bark is referred to as reed [source: Saunders]. It’s important to remember that a single piece of wicker furniture can incorporate multiple materials.

Natural wicker furniture has long been appreciated for both its look and feel. Thanks to its woven structure, wicker provides a certain level of flexibility. Steven Cyr, the owner of CottageWicker.com, states, "They [his clients] find the chairs especially comfortable because wicker gives a bit compared to a wooden chair. It gives you that feeling of settling in."

In addition to its tactile appeal, natural wicker offers ample creative potential. Not only do the various weave patterns open up possibilities, but the natural color of wicker furniture can also be modified. Wes Spryshak, vice-president of sales for Ficks Reed, explains that the raw fiber of wicker chairs is similar to unfinished wood. After sanding and sealing, the chairs can be stained or painted in a wide range of colors. "There's a beauty, depth, and warmth that you can't achieve in any other way," Spryshak says.

While natural wicker's appearance and feel are undeniably attractive, most pieces are intended for indoor use and should be kept out of direct sunlight. However, some manufacturers are offering moisture- or weather-resistant coatings to make natural wicker more suitable for screened-in or covered porches.

To care for your natural wicker furniture, Cyr suggests dusting it regularly and cleaning it with a diluted solution of Murphy Oil Soap and water to add a subtle gloss. For fragile pieces made of willow or reed, soaking them in water will help restore some of their flexibility [source: Saunders].

Next, let's explore the newer category of wicker furniture, synthetic wicker.

Synthetic Wicker

A new category of woven furniture has emerged, known as synthetic or man-made wicker. These pieces are generally crafted from resin or vinyl, which is a form of plastic [sources: Spryshak, Laneventure]. The resin or vinyl is shaped into thin strips and woven around a frame, typically made of lightweight metal like aluminum. Some manufacturers use pre-colored resin, where the color is embedded within each strip, rather than painted on after the furniture is assembled. This enhances the piece’s resistance to weather and reduces fading [source: Spryshak]. Synthetic wicker comes in a variety of colors, ranging from dark brown to white.

Thanks to its chemical composition, synthetic wicker is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. It is resistant to both moisture and the ultraviolet rays from sunlight [source: Spryshak]. Additionally, synthetic wicker furniture is very low-maintenance. If it becomes dirty, simply hose it off with water. For more stubborn dirt, a mild soap solution can be used to clean it.

To enhance the comfort and warmth of a synthetic wicker piece, many brands offer outdoor fabrics for cushions. These fabrics are often fade-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean [source: Spryshak, Laneventure].

Whether you prefer synthetic or natural wicker, it comes in a variety of qualities, price ranges, and designs, much like other types of furniture. Wicker’s versatility enables it to be adapted to various styles, from a white wicker rocker for a beach-themed room to a dark brown synthetic chaise for a modern outdoor space. However, according to Spryshak, there’s a shift away from traditional designs toward more transitional styles, without fully embracing contemporary, boxy forms. Cyr agrees, mentioning that people are moving away from ornate Victorian wicker furniture in favor of simple, timeless shapes.

Wicker furniture has been cherished for centuries for its distinct qualities and incredible versatility. Moving forward, only the creativity and innovative ideas of future generations will define the evolution of wicker furniture.