How do you replace cane binding on wicker chairs?
By admin | October 22, 2008
The cane binding on the legs needs to be replaced and I have’t a clue what to do. All I know is that I have to soak the binding in warm water before I use it.
Yolanda
Topics: wicker | 3 Comments »
Exotic Wicker Art Furniture Brilliant as Summer Flowers
By admin | October 18, 2008
Since wicker furniture come out, it is the first choice all along of literati and celebrities who pursuing elegant taste. Apart from the main skeleton of wicker furniture made of crude rattan, the main part of furniture is made from fine rattan, that make the furniture has good permeability and the contact comfortness increased by adding the contact area.
Brief Introduction:
Wicker furniture has been around since the Egyptian Empire in 3000 B.C., and included chairs, wig boxes, and chests made of reed that was woven together. Wicker is the weaving process, not the material used. This type of furnishing was commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries as well, but became highly popular in the Victorian period. One reason that type became so popular was the simplicity of it, and the fact that it could be woven into so many different styles and designs. People wanted durable and attractive furnishings to grace their gardens, conservatories, or expansive front yards. The lightweight and summery feel of these furnishings contributed to its popularity. There is no mention of certain types furnishings in the Bible, but some references to furniture remind us of how differently they lived then. “The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, (Exodus 31:7) .
Wicker furnitures mainly include wicker bedside tables, wicker chairs, wicker sofas, wicker coffee tables, wicker lounge chairs and wicker cabinets. With a soft weaving surface, wicker furniture can not bear heavy things, so wicker baskets and wicker vase are familiar household wicker furnishings we have seen. Currently the rattan woven materials, manual and technical are mainly sourced from traditional Southeast Asian region, with rich ancient NTU’S custom flavors, they are welcomed more by peoples in middle-age.
Bedroom furnishings that are graceful in style and sturdily built is available in both adult and child-size furnishings. Even prams have been part of the wicker indoor furniture history. Hardwood frames provide the base for the weaving design in all of these pieces. The woven reeds are made to the size needed for the piece being constructed; then is steamed to make it pliable, is shaped for its intended use, then allowed to cool. When cooled down, the woven part retains its shape forever, providing a place of comfort for the owner, or a decorative piece.
There are several different materials that are used to make wicker outdoor furniture and wicker indoor furniture. The largest source is an Asian climbing palm tree found in tropical rain forests called Rattan. Rattancan grow to be as long as 600 feet, but usually is no more than two inches in diameter. Cane is the stem of the larger rattan trees, and fine cane is used to make natural wicker, or for stained pieces. Reed is a term used to describe all the swamp grasses that are similar to straw. Those early American chairs that are sometimes found in antique shops, or in the possession of collectors, are made of reed. Bamboo is classified as a large tropical grass that can grow to over 100 feet at a rage of 36″ per day. Bamboo thrives in the warm areas of temperate climates.
Wicker Furniture’s Cleaning
The ease with which one can clean these pieces is another factor adding to its popularity. This material can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to get rid of surface dirt, and brushing crevices with a new, clean paintbrush. Spills can be wiped up with a clean cloth dampened with mild detergent or Murphy’s Oil Soap in water. No need to hire someone to come out and clean. Water can ruin the finish, however, so one must be very cautious. The humidity level is important to the preservation of these pieces. Air that is too dry will make the reeds dry and brittle; while to high humidity subjects it to mold and mildew.
Wicker Furniture’s Export
In recent years the export value of imitated wicker furniture increased annually. As far as I see, the abroad market have more interests about China’s reproduced wicker furniture, Chinese reproduced wicker furniture are welcomed much by buyers from European and American, the Europeans are favorite for fashion and new trend wicker furnitures more, and Americans are seeking for antique and simple style ones.
Americans buy wicker outdoor furniture more than indoor. Its form provides very comfortable seating and convenient tables for the patio or yard during the months when it’s pleasant to entertain outdoors. White is often the preferred color for outdoors, but natural wood colors are used as well. When well taken care of, these pieces will last a very long time. When comes to wicker indoor furniture, pieces can be found for every room in the house, including the nursery. Living room chairs and couches in a variety of styles are available in this material, and dining room sets that are mostly casual in style.
Estimated by some a bold wicker art distributors, the sale season of wicker furniture has just begun, and will continue increasing significantly for the next five years. Some distributors also analysed that wicker furniture were considered as low-end furniture products for their coarse production and low levels of technology few years ago. But in recent years, as environmental and natural style become populared in market, a lot of furniturer distributors catched this great potential in the market, they all adopted new craftwork and technology to upgrade the design standards, enhance the product’s quality, so wicker furnitures become more and more welcomed in the market, and turn into a “new favorite” of the market.
How to Buy Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
Pick wicker furniture to set a decidedly romantic mood outdoors. Pay close attention to materials and weaves for wickers that are much more durable than they look.
- Work with wicker’s nature to find the best place in your garden to use it. Give it some protection from the elements by locating wicker on the porch, under the gazebo or out on the patio or deck.
- Make room for wicker’s sensual statement by creating a sitting group. Start with a love seat or two chairs and a table, and then look for the piece de resistance: a wicker rocking chair.
- Look closely at wicker materials besides all natural wood canes. Modern vinyl and vinyl/resin wickers look remarkably like the real thing but age much more slowly.
- Inspect pieces for tightly woven caning, with no splinters or gaps and smooth surfaces overall. Check leg bottoms for taps or casters to protect them.
- Sit down to see whether the wicker fits. Lean back, rest your arms and cross your legs - if you’re comfortable, it’s yours.
- Buy wicker pieces already assembled - wicker can be difficult to work with. Joints that are pieced together will tend toward instability no matter how skilled you are at assembly.
- Calculate delivery prices and logistics before buying. Include a set of furniture covers in that budget and buy them to fit your wicker for sure winter protection.
Designing your own Custom Made Baskets
Many of us have storage units which are crying out for a set of wicker baskets to keep toys, magazines, etc. tidy. When we can’t find baskets of the right size in the shops the logical next step is to have them made by a basket maker to fit exactly. If you are looking to do that, then here are some tips on how to design your perfect wicker baskets.
1\Measure the space accurately. Sounds obvious, but many mistakes are made in the measuring. You will need to give the width, depth and height of the space available.
2\Make sure you tell your basket maker that the measurements you have given are for the space available. They will then reduce those sizes appropriately so that the baskets fit comfortably.
3\Let them know whether the baskets are sitting side-by-side on the shelf, or if they have their own space.
4\Working Baskets. Willow is available in different forms. With the bark on it is known as green or brown. Green or brown can be boiled for a couple of hours to create ’steamed’ willow, which is a very dark brown colour, almost black. These types of willow have lovely textures and give colour to baskets, but they are not as strong as willow that is boiled and stripped of its’ bark. This is know as ‘buff’ willow, and is the willow used for picnic hampers, for example. If your baskets are going to be working baskets, then make sure they are made primarily from the stripped willow. Green, brown or steamed willow can be combined with the buff to give colour, but is best not used entirely for the basket, as when it dries, the rods will shrink more than buff willow and therefore can become loose.
5\Baskets for decoration only. When your basket is purely for decoration, then using stripped, buff willow becomes less important. Here you are entirely concerned with the overall look of your basket.
6\Weaving. There are many styles of weave. Some will give you a chunky, rustic feel to the basket and some will give a more elegant, fine finish to your baskets. Decide which style will look best in your environment and discuss the options with your basket maker.
7\Space available. If you are filling a relatively small space, narrow perhaps, then you will want to optimise the internal space of the basket, by opting for what is known as a track border. Standard borders can be up to 2cm wide and therefore reduce the actual size of the basket where your external space is restricted. Track borders also give the baskets a finer look than standard borders.
8 Finger Holes/ Handles? Do you need finger holes or handles on your basket? If your baskets are fitting snugly in a unit then you will need some kind of handle or finger hole so that you can get the basket out of its’ space. Also if the basket is relatively large and is going to be carrying heavy weights you will need handles or finger holes to help you carry the basket. On small baskets where access is not restricted, you probably don’t need anything, as you can just pull out the basket using the top border and hold it underneath. Talk to your basket maker as to what type of handle is most appropriate for your basket.
9\Basket Craftsmanship. Every basket you see has been made by someone. Basket making is not something that can be done by a machine, so quality can vary considerably. Quality of willow and quality of craftsmanship, so check out both thoroughly before choosing your basket maker.
Which places we can Get Wicker Furnitures from?
Not every furniture store carries this furniture, but many do. If a customer is unable to find one nearby, there are a large number of companies on the Internet(http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Wicker_Basket.html) through which one can order whatever wicker outdoor furniture or wicker indoor furniture, and the prices are, for the most part, quite reasonable. They are listed in categories so that finding a particular piece is relatively simple. It may take a little time, but the end result will most likely be well worth the effort.
* Part of the above wicker art products come from:http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Wicker_Furniture.html
Troy
Topics: wicker | Comments Off
Understanding More About Cane Furniture and Wicker Furniture
By admin | October 16, 2008
Talk about rattan furniture, or cane furniture and some people might instantly think of it as the same as wicker furniture. In many cases, rattan and wicker furniture are used interchangeably, but there is a difference.
Rattan is the material, but wicker is the process of weaving the rattan or other materials into the finished goods. Wicker furniture could be made from straw or bamboo which is weaved around a rattan frame.
Rattan is predominantly found in monsoon and primary rainforests, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. Currently, there are about 50 species of rattan being traded commercially all over the world. Rattan is strong, durable and easy to work with, requiring only simple machines and tools, therefore making them a popular choice of material for manufacturing of furniture. However, workmanship and skill is what distinguishes between quality and average wicker furniture. A good finish would show the wood’s natural colours with a very slight sheen. Here is where experience and skills matter.
Rattan is an environmentally friendly, strong and naturally beautiful material. Its natural qualities allow it to be tanned, shaped, and bent to make long-lasting and gorgeous looking furniture. It can also be painted and combined with other materials like wood or metal, not only to create furniture, but also accessories like baskets, shelves, racks etc. The possibilities are endless.
Wicker furniture is durable and strong, because of the way the materials are woven into the furniture. When choosing wicker furniture, be sure to choose those which are densely woven. Lightly woven wicker furniture tends to be more unstable. As the materials are not manmade, the colours may not be totally uniform, but this exudes a natural feel and adds to the attractiveness of wicker furniture.
Due to the versatility of wicker furniture, they have become a popular choice for furnishing. Add any wicker furniture and the place instantly gets a more relaxed and cosy feel. This is why wicker furniture is commonly used in holiday resorts and hotels. Of course, if you want to create a laid back, relaxed atmosphere in your house, you could also add some rattan furniture in every part of your house. You can place them indoors, or outdoors. The choice is yours.
Maintenance is very simple too. If cared for properly, rattan or cane furniture can last for many years, or even decades. To ensure that your rattan furniture lasts long, try to avoid putting them under direct sunlight for prolong periods of time. Regularly brush away the dust and light clean with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure that they are properly aired and dried, as moisture and humidity can cause mould.
Do pay our site a visit and you will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of furniture available. We also have a pool of resources which explains the characteristics of the different types of materials, as well as guides on how to choose and care for your wicker furniture. With our experience in this industry, we guarantee that you will be able to find your dream piece of wicker furniture.
Alvin
Topics: wicker | Comments Off
Where can I find a body wash mitt that is made of soft wicker?
By admin | October 15, 2008
I used one while staying in a hostel in Brazil, and I cannot find anything close to resembling it here in the U.S. or on the net. I don’t even know what it’s called. The wicker ’strands’ were about half the thickness of a pinky finger
I don’t believe it was bamboo, it did not resemble a towel at all. It looked like a pale white wicker basket, but in the shape of a glove. However it was soft when wet
Mildred
Topics: wicker | 1 Comment »
were can I buy or rent a vintage high back wicker chair. Also called a fan back chair. Made in the 1970’s
By admin | October 15, 2008
I am hosting a baby shower in December. I have been looking at baby shower videos online and the mothers would be sitting in wicker chairs that have the high back on them. It looks like a fan. Well I know you can rent them. I went on ebay and the guy on there wanted for the buyer to pick them up. He lives to far away. It has also been call a vintage high back chair.
Tommy
Topics: wicker | 2 Comments »
Immerse Yourself in Wicker - Get Wicker Tables and Patio Wicker Sets
By admin | October 14, 2008
It is easy to see why people choose wicker furniture. Wicker is durable but lightweight. Only if it is meant for the outdoors, either go for those without upholstery or else, ones that are weather resistant. The wicker itself must also be treated for the outdoors. Still, patio wicker sets are not as durable as aluminum, wrought iron or teak wood.
Nonetheless, wicker ages gracefully. And the great thing is that, wicker reminds people to relax,just what most people need. As well, wickers made tables are cheaper. As for colors, you get so much flexibility that you can even paint them to match the color scheme of your designs.
However, you may want to monitor children’s activities such as jumping on the wicker tables because the weaving can break. The woven pattern is what makes wicker different from other furniture.
Wicker has been around since the ancient Egyptian days. During those days, it was very common to find tools made from wicker and not furniture.
Also, the wicker today can be found in more variety such as vines, bamboo, willow and different kinds of reeds. The variety is also reflected in the results; one can find wicker tables, rocking chairs, ottomans and loveseats. As well, there are reproductions of Victorian furniture.
You can work with different styles and finishes to suit the concept that you want for your outdoor area. You would probably go for simple furniture but accessorize it with a neat cushion. If you do intend to have cushions, be sure to buy ones that compliment the whole concept or design. Go for bolder or dark color and busy prints that can conceal dirt marks. Your cushions should also be weather resistant and can withstand the sun rays for a longer period of time.
Wicker can be categorized into two, loom woven and synthetic wicker. Loom woven is made from rattan, bamboo or cane while synthetic wicker is made from hand woven polyethylene, resin or fiber glass. Most of outdoor wicker furniture is coated with resin emulsion for better protection while synthetic wicker come with aluminum frame.
The strands of wicker are woven together when they are wet because it is pliable then. Only after it dries that the process of sealing, sanding and coloring can be done. They are usually lacquered in colors such as sage, bronze and pewter.
Rattan ones are very strong and will neither splinter nor break. Rattan grows to a few hundred feet in tropical forests. Rattan poles are used as couch frames or made into spiraling designs for arm rests and even for the backs of furniture.
If you want your wicker furniture to last a longer period of time, be sure to clean and coat it with protectant regularly. When vacuuming, be sure to follow the weave. When something is spilled on them, don’t wait to clean up. Do it instantly as wicker is very absorbent. You can also hose them but be sure to go easy on the water pressure.
If you are a real wicker enthusiast, you may want to get into learning how to repair your wicker furniture. Take a course in chair caning. Shop around for some repair kits online. Hey, why not give your ottomans and loveseats a new look by repainting them and tell your guests that you just got new patio wicker sets!
Your collection of wicker patio furniture can be a complete set so that you get the living room look and feel. You should also go for synthetic wicker for the outdoor because it will be able to withstand the environment more.
Don’t wait any longer to beautify that patio of yours. With many choices of garden chairs, benches, dining tables, swings and gliders, you should be able to achieve the best look that satisfies your need.
Willie
Topics: wicker | Comments Off
Wicker Bedroom Furniture Trends
By admin | October 13, 2008
There is a new generation of wicker furniture and its a far cry from that white painted chair that lives for grandmas garden parties. Wickers rebirth into contemporary home furnishings is just now starting to gain the popularity it deserves. Wicker furniture specifically has been getting the most attention.
Wicker furniture, in case you have forgotten, is made out of thin, flexible twigs, branches or reeds. The branches are woven among others in a pattern that is both strong and aesthetically appealing in the same sort of fashion as old, woven picnic baskets. While this natural looking furniture would seem to be more at home on a patio or porch, more and more pieces are being appropriately painted and upholstered in such a way that they are perfect for a master bedroom.
Wicker furniture is perfect for setting an intimate, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Many designer pieces are being painted in warm, natural colors like chocolate and cherry wood. Upholstery choices are endless when the base color is warm and on the neutral side. Simply choose something that matches your current decor and your bedroom furniture will fit in perfectly.
The clean lines and ornate but subtle weaves of wicker bedroom furniture make it a great pick. Indeed, choosing wicker for your bedroom will give the whole room a unique and appealing look. Wicker bedroom furniture is a great way to shake up the normal, conventional, dime-a-dozen look of your bedroom and catapult it into a designers dream space.
If you are interested in taking the next step and pricing some wicker bedroom furniture, you will be pleased to know that because of the growing demand and relatively inexpensive material, wicker bedroom furniture is actually quite cost-effective. As with all furniture, the design will cost more than anything else, so if you are looking to buy something endorsed or created by a well-known designer, be prepared to pay for it. A designer wicker loveseat that is attractively upholstered will cost you around $400 and about half of that for a matching chair.
You may have some reservations about buying wicker furniture because you are not sure how durable wicker is. While wicker can rot and mildew, these are problems only associated with outdoor use. Wicker bedroom furniture is as durable as anything else you have in your home, though it must be treated with a little more care than solid wood pieces.
While all wicker bedroom furniture has a protective coating and usually a coat or two of paint as well, its wise to keep it out of direct sunlight to protect it from drying out and becoming brittle. Pets, both dogs and cats, believe it or not, sometimes have an affinity for chewing on this type of furniture more than other type, presumably because its much easier to chew through than solid wood.
That being said, you would be wise to just keep an eye on things the first few days after you have brought a piece of wicker furniture home. Indeed, so long as you treat this beautiful type of furniture with common sense and care, it will enhance your bedrooms appearance for years to come.
Jeanette
Topics: wicker | Comments Off
Where can I buy a waterproof cover for my wicker bicycle basket?
By admin | October 12, 2008
It’s a large basket and I want to cover it over with something waterproof for when I cycle to college to stop my bag from getting wet.My friend’s mum has seen a bike basket with a cover on. Does anyone know where to get one from?
Carrie
Topics: wicker | 1 Comment »
Choosing Wicker Furniture For Your Porch
By admin | October 12, 2008
Wicker furniture, meaning furniture that has been woven together in a certain style, is very popular for porch furniture needs. Something about the woven pattern gives it an outdoors look that seems very appropriate for porches. In addition to this, the material is often very resistant to weather, and is comfortable to sit in as well. If you’ve been thinking about getting wicker furniture, then think no more. It’s one of the best and most tasteful choices. Read on to find out some essential information about wicker furniture that will help you make a purchase.
First you need to consider what material you want your furniture made of. Unless you want to make an environmental statement, your main concern will be its benefits in weather resistance. The most popular wicker material is a plant called rattan. Rattan is used most often because it is strong and resistant to weather. Other options include paper rope or bamboo. These sometimes look more stylish or fit better with the motif, but they are prone to coming unraveled, particularly in heavy rain or wind. Those materials are best suited for indoor furniture that will not be moved around very much.
If you live in a climate that is very hot and humid, then you should probably look for wicker furniture made of plastic. Other organic materials may rot if exposed to moisture for long enough. Plastic, on the other hand, can stay the same for long periods of time, and will be less likely to break. You should find out about what treatments have been sprayed on the furniture to protect it from fading in the sun’s light. There are many factors to consider, but if you look at all of them then you will be able to choose wicker furniture that is perfect for you.
Joanne
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The Various Types Of Wicker Furniture
By admin | October 6, 2008
Contrary to popular notion, wicker refers not to the material from which the furniture is made but to the pattern of the weave that is used in the construction. Wicker furniture is made from a wide variety of materials including rattan, cane, bamboo, paper fiber rush or reed. Very often wicker furniture is constructed by weaving these materials over a core frame made of rattan. Because of the different characteristic of each material, wicker furniture differs widely in its looks and durability, depending on which material is used in its construction.
Rattan
Rattan has been used in the wicker furniture since ancient times and is till today the most popularly used material. The solid-core rattan pole, which is the stalk of the rattan plant, is used in the construction of rattan furniture, after its outer thorny layer is peeled off. Because of its solid core, rattan furniture is extremely strong, durable and comfortable. It accepts all kinds of paints and stains and does not splinter, break or warp, making it very versatile for all types of wicker furniture.
Cane
Cane is the second layer of the bark of the rattan palm, which lies immediately underneath the outer thorny layer. Also popularly used in wicker furniture, cane is generally used for weaving the seats and also for wrapping the joints. It is typically woven around a rattan frame. Because cane has a naturally glossy finish, wicker furniture made of cane cannot be stained or painted.
Reed
Reed wicker furniture is made of the inner pith of the rattan palm. This versatile material comes in different sizes and dimensions and is typically seen as weavers, spokes and embellishments. Obtained after removing the outer glossy layer of cane, reed is porous and accepts all kinds of paints, stains and polishes. It has a lengthwise grain and looks similar to wood, but is likely to snap and break when bent too much.
Bamboo
Though bamboo outwardly resembles rattan and is often mistaken for it, there is a huge difference between the two. Rattan has a solid core center and a blemish-free outer surface whereas bamboo has a hollow center and distinctive dark ridges where the leaves were attached. Because of its hollow center, bamboo tends to snap and break more easily and is not so popularly as rattan in making wicker furniture.
Paper Fiber Rush
Paper fiber rush is a man-made paper product that resembles a cord or a rope. Also called paper fiber reed, it has a distinctive diagonal twist and can be easily unraveled. The paper fiber strands contain a wire core that provides extra reinforcement to the weight-bearing spokes. It is often used in weaving chair seats.
Ethel
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