A patio wicker set takes a pounding more than just about any other piece of outdoor furniture, and that’s pretty much every day. Unlike the odd decorative pot or garden stake, these sets have to put up with constant weight-bearing use. They get blasted with full-on UV during peak sun hours, absorb a fair drenching during the rain, and then dry out all over again. That cycle is bound to cause some stress. Buying the right one means getting a handle on what exactly an “outdoor-rated” set actually means in Australia. It also means knowing which bits are crucial to making a set last either three years or ten.
What ‘Patio Set’ Actually Means in the Australian Market?
The way these sets are put together can vary an awful lot. Making sure you get the right sort of configuration for your outdoor space is pretty vital before you start looking at anything else.
The Components That Define Quality
Four main components determine just how well outdoor patio wicker sets will hold up to the Australian weather. All four are worth taking a close look at before you make a purchase.
- The gauge and finish of the frame matter first. You want a heavier-gauge aluminium frame that’s not going to start to sag under the weight of you and your mates. That’s just going to stress the joints and shorten the lifespan of the thing no end.
- The coating on top of that matters too. A good-quality powder coat will resist scratches and chips that would otherwise create weak spots where water and corrosion can get in.
- The quality of the PE wicker, let’s face it, isn’t all equal. Basic wicker uses thinner strands with a bit of UV inhibitor thrown in. Good wicker starts with thicker strands and actually includes UV-stabilisers in the extrusion to give it a bit more protection against the sun. Over here in Australia, the difference will become pretty obvious within 18 months.
- The density of the cushion foam is another thing to check. If you’re going to be using your patio set outdoors, look for 25D or higher, that’s a weight of 25 kilograms per cubic metre. Lower-density foam just compresses and doesn’t spring back, no matter how many times you sit on it. Trust me, that’s pretty convenient for the manufacturer but not so great for you. Good outdoor foam keeps its loft all season long.
Sizing Your Set to the Space
You should be leaving at least 90 cm of clearance around any group of furniture so you can walk around it without having to turn sideways. It’s better to have a bit of extra space rather than trying to squeeze in too much furniture. A four-seater lounge setting needs a minimum clear area of 3 m x 3 m to be really usable. Any smaller, and the space starts to feel cramped pretty quickly. Don’t forget, when you’re choosing a dining set, to leave a bit of extra room for chair pull-out. Around 80 to 100 cm from the table edge to any wall or fence should give you enough room to pull a chair back and sit down comfortably.
Measuring Irregular Spaces
For those with L-shaped or irregular patios, the trick is to figure out how big the biggest rectangle is that your main furniture setup will be. Break the rest of the space out into separate sections. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to cram as much as possible into the whole irregular shape. Think about breaking it up into functional areas and furnishing each one just right.
What to Expect at Different Price Points?
The Australian patio wicker market falls into three manageable price tiers. For under $700, you’re probably looking at a set for a covered spot that only gets used every so often, a carport or a spot with limited sun exposure. These sets are a bit limited, though. You’ll get thin weave, a lighter frame, and foam that isn’t up to dealing with being outside all the time. Realistically, you can expect two to three years of decent life out of these before they start to break down. Between $800 and $1,500 is where most Aussie households find their happy spot. You’ll get solid PE wicker on aluminium frames, removable and washable cushions, and a proper warranty that shows the manufacturer is actually keen on your business. These sets are up for regular year-round use in typical Aussie conditions. They will last you at least eight years with a bit of basic maintenance.
Care and Extending the Life of Your Set
The good news about PE wicker on aluminium is that it requires way less maintenance than just about any other outdoor stuff out there. There are a few simple routines you can follow to take your set from eight years to twelve. If you’re near the coast or in a humid spot, then you should be rinsing the frame and weave with some fresh water every few weeks to stop salt from building up at all the joints and intersections. At the end of summer, and again after winter, give your whole set a good hose down. That gets rid of all the dust and dirt that’s built up over the year. For your cushions, just get the covers off and wash them seasonally. If you don’t have covers that are already designed to let water drain, then get them under cover when the rain starts coming down in a big way. If you do get hit by some heavy weather, slap a breathable cover over the frame to keep it from getting all soggy and starting to rust. Lastly, if you notice any of the weave strands start coming loose at the attachment points, just tidy them up with some weatherproof glue. That prevents the whole thing from unravelling. If you don’t get on it, one loose strand will just start pulling tension from the surrounding strands. Things start to fall apart.
