Wicker garden furniture is hugely popular – and at Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture we understand why perfectly. They give your garden a luxurious, natural appearance and are wonderfully comfortable. But did you know that wicker can start to break over time? In this blog we explain why wicker breaks, how to prevent it, and what you can do if it does happen.
Why does wicker break?
Although wicker is sturdy and weather-resistant, there are a number of factors that can cause the material to break or come loose:
- UV radiation: Sunlight dries out the material, making it brittle and breakable.
- Cold and frost: At low temperatures, wicker can become stiff. An unexpected movement or load can then cause cracks.
- Heavy loads or impacts: An unexpected knock or too much weight on one spot can damage the weaving.
- Natural wear and tear: After years of use, the flexibility of the material decreases.
- Poor quality wicker: Cheap plastic wicker has a shorter lifespan and is more prone to breaking.
Curious how best to maintain your wicker garden furniture? Read our comprehensive blog on wicker maintenance
How do you prevent wicker from breaking?
Fortunately, you can do a lot to keep your wicker garden furniture in top condition:
- Use a protective cover
This protects the material against rain, dirt and harsh sun. - Store garden furniture away in winter
Do you have space in a shed or garage? Then put your garden set inside during the cold months. - Clean regularly
Remove dirt with a soft brush and lukewarm water. This prevents sand or dust from wearing down the material. - Avoid aggressive cleaning products
These can damage wicker and make it brittle.
Curious about a full explanation of what wicker actually is? Read this article!
Repairing wicker: what are the options
Has damage occurred anyway? Then fortunately you have several options:
Small repairs you can do yourself
For a broken or loose strand you can:
- Purchase a roll of plastic wicker (pay attention to the colour!).
- Replace the damaged strand with a new one.
- Secure the ends with transparent glue or a clip on the inside.
Professional repairs
Is the damage more extensive, or is it difficult to do yourself? Then you can call in a specialist. Especially with more expensive lounge sets this is a wise choice.
Can your wicker garden set be saved?
Unsure whether repairs are worthwhile? Look at the bigger picture:
- Is the frame still sturdy?
- Is the rest of the wicker in good condition?
- Is it just one spot or multiple?
If your garden set is otherwise attractive, it often makes sense to repair it rather than buy new.
When is it time for replacement?
Sometimes replacement is the better choice. For example, if:
- The wicker is broken in multiple places.
- The frame is also damaged or rusted.
- The set has been used intensively for many years.
Then it might be time for a fresh new look in your garden. (And we can certainly help you with that!)
Choose quality from Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture
At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture you'll only find wicker garden furniture of top quality. We select our products based on durability, comfort and appearance. This ensures you'll enjoy your garden for many years to come.
Want to know more or need inspiration?
Are you looking for tips on maintenance, or do you want to know which garden set would suit you best? Feel free to contact us or browse our range at www.boenderoutdoor.nl.
We're happy to help you with personal advice and the most beautiful garden furniture.
Also read: Rope vs. wicker lounge set: what's the difference?
