Inexpensive outdoor furniture, especially furniture made of wicker, must be weather-proofed in order to maintain its look and feel. Wicker is made of the inner stem of the Rattan plant and can be highly susceptible to decay. Furthermore, inexpensive outdoor furniture like wicker can be easily eroded if it is not weather proofed. There are several ways you can make sure that your inexpensive outdoor furniture will last just as long as an expensive outdoor furniture set. The steps include:

1. Painting- You can paint your wicker furniture to make sure that it is weather proofed. This is recommended once every three years. It is also recommended that you use high-quality paint. You can either spray on or brush on two coats of the high- quality paint to make your inexpensive outdoor furniture appear new.

2. Marine Varnish- If you do not think that painting is the right route for you, you can always proof your wicker furniture by applying solely marine varnish. You can apply marine varnish to the inexpensive outdoor furniture to be sure to maintain the quality of the wicker.

3. Misting- Wicker tends to dry out easily if not treated correctly. In order to stop wicker from drying out, you can mist your outdoor wicker furniture. It is important to realize, however, that this does not mean pouring a large amount of water on the furniture. Instead, take a spray bottle of water and stand approximately three feet away from the wicker furniture. Then, simply spray down the furniture with a few sprays and let the mist settle. This will help maintain the quality of your inexpensive outdoor furniture.

4. Dust and Vacuum- Another way to maintain the quality of your wicker furniture is to regularly dust and vacuum the furniture. This will keep dirt and other particles from sticking to the crevices of the furniture.

5. Remove Mildew- Once a year, you can use a combination of oil soap and water to brush down your inexpensive outdoor wicker furniture and make sure that mildew does not build up on the furniture.

There are several ways to make inexpensive outdoor furniture appear like an expensive outdoor furniture set. Not only will techniques maintain and proof the quality of your inexpensive wicker furniture, they will save you money in the long run. Wicker furniture can be highly susceptible to decay from the elements and these strategies can help alleviate some of that decay. However, for maximum effectiveness, it is highly advised to bring your inexpensive outdoor furniture indoors during winter months. If that is not possible, you can shelter your furniture by covering it with a tarp to make sure that it is clear from any damaging elements.