The Best Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture for the Price
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Review of the Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks wicker patio furniture
In the market for new patio furniture but feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there? Product photos don’t always demonstrate what you want to know about something before you buy it. I’ve done the dirty work for you and am sharing all the reasons why this is the best outdoor wicker patio furniture for the price.
Keep reading for details about quality, comfort, value, and all the different options available in the River Oaks collection from Walmart.
SOURCES: Sofa and chair set | Ottomans | Umbrella | Throw pillow (square) | Throw pillow (lumbar)
All-weather resin wicker
The best type of wicker for outdoor use is made of synthetic weather-resistant resin. It will be exposed to the elements and needs to be able to withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months or cold weather if left out all year.
The River Oaks collections come in both a dark brown/beige and a natural/beige combination. By far, the most popular seems to be the natural color.
All the best resin wicker patio furniture looks like real rattan material until you get up close.
The color variations and texture give it an authentic appearance, especially in the natural/beige option.
The tone of the natural-colored wicker is something else that is surprisingly really good. It has a neutral look that doesn’t lean too yellow or gray.
Images you see online can sometimes make it tricky to see the true color and some of them look slightly yellow online to me.
What makes it affordable?
Expensive outdoor wicker patio furniture is also made from weatherproof resin wicker and a rust-resistant metal frame. So why the higher price tag despite being made of the same materials?
One reason is that the less expensive versions usually come in several small sections that you have to assemble. It’s labor intensive – I got some blisters to prove it – and it takes time to put it together.
Connection points can loosen over time and the longer you use your furniture, the less stable it will be compared to a solid piece.
Another reason for the increased cost is the shipping. If you want a white-glove delivery service for your fully assembled furniture, it’s going to cost you!
Wicker patio furniture you can mix and match
One of the great things about the BGH River Oaks collection is its versatility. The main 5-piece set comes with a sofa, two swivel chairs, and two nesting tables.
You can also get the 3-piece sofa and table set or the 2-piece swivel chair set separately.
The tables have a “marble-look” ceramic tile surface. You know how I love marble – have you seen my kitchen and bathroom designs?
Additionally, this collection also comes in a sectional set, a 2-piece ottoman set, and a square coffee table that coordinates with the round nesting tables!
You can mix and match to find the right combination that fits your outdoor space – no matter how big or small.
Cushion comfort
I find the fade-resistant cushions to be soft and comfortable. The sofa seat is a little lower than the chairs, probably because of their swivel mechanism underneath.
The chairs technically have a glider function as well, but don’t expect much there – just a little range of motion.
Besides comfort, the polyester-wrapped cushions have a couple of other important features, in my opinion. The first is that they have removable covers!
You can unzip them and use mild soap and water to keep them clean.
Sofa and chair set | Ottomans | Umbrella | Throw pillow (square) | Throw pillow (lumbar)
The second helpful feature is the ability to connect the seat (and ottoman) cushions to the frame with a simple toggle mechanism. No slipping and sliding!
The back cushions aren’t connected but they are pretty sturdy and don’t get deformed too easily. I have shared tips to clean and maintain indoor furniture and the same general rules apply here.
Custom covers – a perfect fit
Whether you purchase the full 5-piece set or the 2-piece set of chairs, you will receive custom covers for each piece! Especially helpful for those of us with an uncovered patio.
The covers have side handles for easy removal and are vented to allow for air circulation while still protecting your outdoor furniture from the elements.
Would I buy this wicker patio furniture again?
Yes! Initially, I was worried about compromising structural integrity with so many pieces coming together. I wouldn’t mind a fully assembled delivery, but honestly, it wasn’t that hard to do.
With so many positive features, I think it is a good value for the money. Sometimes you can find it on sale which makes the decision even easier!
If I had to say one negative thing, it would be about the chairs. I have a love/hate thing with the swivel feature.
Wind can be an issue in my backyard and the chairs can’t be locked in place. Unless you use some patio decor as a stopper, the chairs may spin around and end up facing the wrong direction.
Sofa and chair set | Ottomans | Throw pillow (square) | Throw pillow (lumbar)
We had a wind storm recently and the furniture was substantial and heavy enough that it didn’t budge. I did lose (and find!) a chair cover, but I didn’t tighten the cord at the bottom so this may have been prevented.
Don’t overlook the River Oaks wicker patio furniture. You get a lot of “bang for your buck” with this set. Don’t let the price fool you into thinking it isn’t a high-quality option.
In summary, here are the features that make this the best wicker patio furniture for the money:
- reasonably priced
- seat cushions attach to the frame and have removable covers
- neutral color
- comes with side tables and custom covers
- versatile pieces in the collection – can mix and match
