When you're shopping for wicker furniture for your porch, patio, sunroom, or lanai, one question always comes up: Should you choose natural wicker or synthetic outdoor wicker?

As specialists at Wicker Paradise with decades of hands-on experience helping homeowners select the right furniture, we’ve seen both materials shine—depending on how and where they’re used.

What Is Natural Wicker?

Natural wicker is crafted from real plant materials, typically rattan, reed, willow, or bamboo. At Wicker Paradise, we primarily work with handwoven rattan wicker—the gold standard for beauty and quality.

Rattan wicker has been the classic American front-porch choice since the late 1800s. It’s warm, charming, and incredibly durable when placed in the right environment. For many homeowners, natural wicker instantly delivers that timeless “porch living” aesthetic.

✔ Pros of Natural Wicker

• Authentic, timeless beauty that never goes out of style.
• Lightweight and strong—rattan is tougher than people think.
• Can last for decades indoors or on covered porches.
• Eco-friendly and made from renewable materials.

✘ Cons of Natural Wicker

• Not designed for full exposure to rain or harsh UV sunlight.
• Requires an overhang, roof, or sunroom for longevity.
• Should be kept dry to prevent long-term wear.

Want to browse real examples? Explore our curated selection of natural wicker furniture here.

What Is Synthetic (Outdoor) Wicker?

Synthetic wicker—also called “resin wicker” or “all-weather wicker”—is made from durable HDPE (high-density polyethylene). It’s engineered to look like natural wicker, but it’s built to handle the outdoors 24/7.

Today’s premium outdoor wicker is handwoven over rust-proof aluminum frames and can withstand rain, sun, humidity, and freezing temperatures. It’s the preferred choice for homeowners looking for zero-maintenance outdoor seating.

✔ Pros of Synthetic Wicker

• Weatherproof and UV-resistant—ideal for uncovered patios.
• Low maintenance and easy to clean.
• Won’t crack, fade, or peel.
• Perfect for year-round outdoor use.

✘ Cons of Synthetic Wicker

• Doesn’t have the same authentic, natural feel as rattan.
• Quality varies widely—low-cost options can break down quickly.

See our premium outdoor collections here: Outdoor Wicker Furniture.

Which One Is Better for You?

Here’s the simplest way to choose the right type of wicker furniture:

What About Cushions?

Whether you choose natural or synthetic wicker, the right cushions make all the difference. We offer custom and brand-name replacement cushions—including Lane Venture, Lloyd Flanders, NorthCape, and more.

Explore your options here: Replacement Cushions

Final Recommendation

The truth is simple:

• If you want charm, warmth, and indoor/porch comfort → choose natural wicker.
• If you want zero-maintenance durability outdoors → choose synthetic wicker.

Both are fantastic choices—you just need the right one for your environment. If you still aren’t sure, our team is here to help. Reach out anytime through Wicker Paradise for personalized guidance.