- Before heading out to shop for wicker, decide what type of woven material may be of interest---wood, bamboo, rattan, grasses, even plastics. If the piece is meant for outdoor use and may sit in all kinds of weather, a synthetic material may be the best choice. Plastics or plastic resins are perfect for this type of use. Bamboo, rattan, grasses and man-made paper fibers can be used outdoors but should not be kept outside unless they carry a warranty from the manufacturer. Wicker pieces that claim not to absorb moisture, to be weatherproof, weather-sealed or weather-defying are likely plastic or resin woven wicker. Ask what the wicker fiber is made of before purchasing. Make sure to receive a warranty on items that make particular claims about the fiber and the sealers that may be sprayed over the fibers.
- Decide whether the wicker will be vintage or new. Research vintage wicker and understand the differences in materials and processes before shopping. The entry of mechanical wicker processes during the later part of the 19th century ended the true art of weaving fibers for furniture and accessories. Wicker items made prior to the 1840s are generally from Asian makers. Vintage wicker should have a sturdy, reliable frame still intact. Sit in the piece and judge its durability for the use it will be given. Examine the woven material for damage---cuts, splits, fraying. Books like the "Cornerstone Collector's Guide To Wicker" by Jeffery Weiss and "Living With Wicker" by Richard Saunders and Paula Olsson provide information on identifying and collecting antique and vintage wicker.
- Assess the condition of an older or used piece of wicker. Prepainted items are not easy to strip and clean. If the intention is to purchase something to paint, it may be easier to purchase a new but unfinished wicker item. This assures a clean, smooth paint surface without the lumps and bumps that may be left behind by stripping off old paint. Early examples of wicker furniture were often unpainted and simply lacquered or stained in a red-brown. If they were painted, the color would have been a dark green. White is a fairly recent trend begun in the 20th century. Items can be restored by those trained in wicker restoration. Ask the furniture dealer to hold the wicker item for 24 to 48 hours if the item shows damage. Snap a few photos from different angles (make sure the photos reveal the damage) and make a note of any damage that is difficult to capture in photos (maybe the wicker rolls and the damage is hidden). Take the photos and description to a wicker restorer and ask for an assessment and price for repairs before purchasing the item.
