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Meta Title: Teak vs. Wicker: Choosing the Right Material for Your Outdoor Space

  • Tropicraft Staff
  • Jul 22
  • 5 min read

Teak vs. Wicker: Choosing the Right Material for Your Outdoor Space



teak dining table set
Teak Dining Table Set

Stunning and functional outdoor living designs start with the right material. Furniture constructed from teak and natural wicker is gorgeous, undeniably modern, and will endure. All three options offer pros and cons to consider when choosing the right outdoor coverage.

Tropicraft Furniture Patio & Outdoor has served our customers for nearly 30 years with the best casual furniture at the best value and excellent customer service. Whether you need a place to relax out of the sun or an inviting space for entertaining, Tropicraft offers the perfect solution for every backyard space. This guide will help you choose the best teak and wicker for your patio, deck, or poolside.


Understanding Teak Furniture

Tectona grandis is a tropical hardwood used in garden furniture. Its relatively high oil content makes the wood naturally resistant to decay, termites, and pests. Fine teak from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, has been prized for centuries for shipbuilding, outdoor construction, and fine furniture.


The Advantages of Teak in Outdoor Furnishings

  1. Exceptional DurabilityTeak is inherently oil and rubber-rich, which helps protect it against rain, sun, and pests. Teak can last 75 years outside with almost no maintenance, far longer than most other woods, according to teak sellers. ( Forest Research Institute Malaysia)

  2. Weather ResistanceTeak is more durable regarding rot, warping, and cracking resistance than other types of wood, even in areas with seasonal weather in summer and winter, such as the Philadelphia area.

  3. Timeless AestheticTeak’s distinctive golden-brown color becomes warm and rich with use and exposure to the sun; as it ages, teak will attain a silvery gray patina. Whether you like a more modern or classic look, teak furniture can still add style to your decor year after year.

  4. Low MaintenanceTeak requires minimal upkeep. Occasional cleaning and optional sealing are enough to maintain its beauty. Many homeowners appreciate the relaxed maintenance schedule compared to other natural wood options.



Resin wicker set outdoors

Wicker Outdoor Furniture Review

Wicker is a weaving process, not a material. Attractive Outdoor Wicker Furniture is the Modern Outdoor Wicker. The good looks of outdoor wicker patio furniture have long made it a favorite of homeowners, and the trend has been to synthetic or resin wicker for a long time.


Benefits of Resin Wicker for Outdoor Furniture

  1. Lightweight and Versatile The resin wicker furniture is lightweight compared to teak, so it is relatively simple to rearrange for changing purposes, summer feasting, and poolside laziness.

  2. Highly Weather-ResistantDurable resin wicker is weather-resistant and will never fade, shrink, lose strength, or snap. Some brands even have effective UV inhibitors to maximize life.

  3. Variety of Styles and Colors Because resin wicker is constructed, it can also be made in many colors and styles. Whether you like coastal white, a rich espresso, or bold, modern color, you can find a wicker set to suit your style.

  4. Cost-Effective Luxury Even the highest-quality wicker furniture remains an investment, but it is typically less expensive than teak, providing a budget-friendly means to furnish an entire backyard living area.

  5. Minimal Maintenance: Resin wicker is easy to clean, requiring only a mild scrub with soap and water to maintain its pristine appearance.


Key Differences Between Teak and Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Feature

Teak

Resin Wicker

Durability

50–75 years with minimal care

5–15 years, depending on quality

Weather Resistance

Extremely high (natural oils)

Very high (with UV inhibitors)

Maintenance

Occasional cleaning, optional sealing

Occasional cleaning

Weight

Heavy and sturdy

Lightweight and portable

Cost

Higher upfront investment

More affordable options are available

Aesthetic

Natural, classic, ages beautifully

Wide range of colors and designs

Eco-Friendliness

Sustainably sourced teak is available

Some brands offer eco-friendly resin

Choosing the Right Material for Your Outdoor Space

Picking between teak and wicker comes down as much to your lifestyle and aesthetic vision as how you use your outdoor space.


Choose Teak If

  • You prioritize longevity and durability.

  • You love the natural beauty and evolving patina of hardwood.

  • You live in an area with extreme weather variations and want furniture that will endure.

  • You prefer a heavier, more permanent outdoor arrangement.


Choose Wicker If

  • You value flexibility and like to rearrange your furniture often.

  • You want a softer, woven look or modern, colorful options.

  • You have a budget-conscious approach but still want durable outdoor pieces.

  • You live in a milder climate or are prepared for occasional replacement after 5–10 years.


Caring for Your Teak and Wicker Furniture


How to Care for Teak Furniture

  • Initial Cleaning: Use a soft-bristle brush and mild soapy water to clean dirt or debris.

  • Optional Sealing: Apply teak sealer once or twice a year to maintain the original honey color.

  • Seasonal Protection: Although teak can be used outdoors year-round, furniture covers during extreme winter can extend its life further.


Resin Wicker Furniture Care Guide

  • Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth or rinse clean with water. To scrub, gently scrub with a mild soap and soft brush.”

  • Rub with a Soft Polish Cloth: Do not use an abrasive cloth as it will scratch the resin.

  • Storage: Store your resin wicker furniture indoors or under a breathable cover to avoid excessive moisture.


Sustainable Choices Matter

At Tropicraft Patio Furniture, we care about environmental responsibility. Many of our teak furniture pieces are FSC-certified, protecting the wood sources used to ensure we are preventing deforestation and preserving the forests. Moreover, many of the resin wicker brands we offer are also concerned with green manufacturing practices, lessening their emissions and reducing, reusing, and recycling whenever possible.

Choose Tropicraft once, and you will purchase lovely patio furniture and contribute to the preservation of the rainforest.


Popular Collections Featuring Teak and Wicker at Tropicraft


Cabana Coast Teak Series

Sleek, contemporary designs combined with the natural resilience of teak.


Ratana Resin Wicker Collection

Luxurious woven furniture is perfect for both modern and traditional spaces.


North Cape Deep Seating Wicker Sets

Plush, resort-style comfort crafted with premium synthetic wicker.


Castelle Artisan Teak Dining Sets

The teak frames are hand-finished, and you can personalize the cushion covers.

See these lines in action in our 20,000-square-foot showroom in Ardmore, PA!


Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between teak vs wicker depends on how you plan to use your outdoor living space.

  • If you're seeking a durable and lightweight design statement, teak could be an ideal choice.

  • Wicker is correct if you desire the light and versatile touch, playful colors, and a slightly more casual maintenance routine.

We guarantee the best for your outdoor furniture, which will be used for generations to come and summon feelings from the present and memories of the past.


Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Stop by Tropicraft Patio Furniture Today!

The challenging part at Tropicraft Furniture Patio & Outdoor is not finding what you want. With a vast variety of teak and wicker furniture, custom-tailored consultations, 0% financing, and expert advice on outdoor living spaces, it has never been easier to bring home the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Experience the Tropicraft difference, where quality, service, and style come together.


 
 
 

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