Can You Leave Wicker Baskets Outside?

Wicker baskets make stunning storage solutions, but you might be wondering if they can be used outside as well as inside. Perhaps you’re thinking of using your wicker basket to store garden toys or as an outdoor planter? However, is wicker a suitable material for outside use?

Whether you can leave your wicker baskets outside will depend on what they’re made from. Natural wicker baskets are susceptible to moisture damage if left outside during winter, but treating them can make them more weather-resistant. Synthetic wicker baskets can be used outdoors all year round, but they don’t have the same gorgeous aesthetic as natural wicker!

Read on for a more in-depth explanation of whether wicker baskets can be used outdoors. 

Can Wicker Baskets Be Used Outside?

If you want to use a wicker basket outside, you absolutely can! Wicker baskets make beautiful planters or outdoor storage for logs, gardening tools or children’s toys. However, if it’s made from natural wicker, such as rattan, and it’s not been designed for outdoor use, you’ll need to take some steps to protect it:

• Apply a specialist sealant, such as shellac or tung oil, to your basket. Make sure you let it dry completely. 
• Add several coats of varnish to make your basket waterproof. You’ll have to reapply this every year or two to keep your basket protected from the weather. 

Alternatively you can buy wicker baskets that have been crafted specifically for outdoor use, like the ones at Northern Willow. All our outdoor wicker baskets and planters have already been fully waterproofed so you can use them outside, whatever the weather!

How Long Can You Leave Wicker Baskets Outside?

Provided you’ve purchased an outdoor wicker basket that’s been fully weatherproofed (like ours!) it can stay outdoors all year round. If there’s very heavy rain or snow you might want to consider moving it indoors or under cover, just so it doesn’t get crushed. But aside from that, your outdoor wicker basket will be perfectly happy outside. 

Can You Leave Wicker Outdoors in the Rain?

Again, provided your wicker basket is fully waterproofed, it’s fine to leave it outside in the rain. If you’re worried about your wicker basket in the wet weather, you can always move it inside during the rainy months or store it in your shed. 

Can I Use Wicker Baskets as Outdoor Planters?

Wicker baskets are incredibly popular in homes - they can be used as everything from aesthetic toy storage to log baskets, but can they be used as outdoor planters? The short answer is yes, they absolutely can!

That being said, there are a couple of things you’ll need to consider if you want to use a wicker basket as an outdoor planter. Wicker is a natural material that can be damaged by moisture if it’s not properly protected. To learn more about rattan, the most popular type of wicker for garden baskets, check out our blog, ‘What Is Rattan & What Is It Made Of?’.

Opting for a wicker planter that’s been designed for outside use is the easiest option. It will already have been waterproofed and will come with a liner ready to be filled with your gorgeous plants!

How to Make a Wicker Basket Into an Outdoor Planter

Wicker baskets can add the final rustic touch to your garden and they’re ideal for housing flowers, herbs or succulents. If you have an existing wicker basket that you know would look stunning in your garden, these are the steps you’ll need to follow. 

1. Waterproof your wicker basket. The first step is to make your wicker basket as waterproof as possible using oil or varnish. This will protect it from the elements. The outdoor planters at Northern Willow come ready waterproofed and lined so you can skip steps one and two if you’ve ordered from us!
2. Add a plastic liner. If your wicker basket hasn’t been designed for plants, chances are it won’t come with a liner. It’s essential to add a thick plastic liner to help retain moisture and prevent soil from leaking out. You can use a weed barrier membrane from a garden centre or a few layers of plastic bin bags. Make sure to leave an overhang. 
3. Drill drainage holes. Drill some holes in the bottom of your basket and through the plastic sheeting. This will allow for better drainage, preventing your plants from becoming waterlogged and getting dreaded root rot. Alternatively, you can add small pebbles or gravel to the bottom of your basket to improve drainage, if you don’t want to drill holes. 
4. Fill your lined basket halfway with your potting mix. Choose a potting mix suitable for your plants. Opting for a lightweight mix with coconut coir is a great option as it will make your basket much easier to transport. 
5. Add your plants. Use taller plants towards the back and surround them with smaller bushier plants to fill out your wicker basket. At the edge of your basket, place plants that will spill over to create an aesthetic look. Add potting mix around your plants and press down. 
6. Roll up the overhanging plastic and tuck it in. You can use pins to hold the plastic in place so it doesn’t show. Just make sure the plastic edge sits above the soil line to protect your wicker basket. As your plants get bigger, you won’t be able to see the plastic lining at all!
7. Decide where to place your stunning new wicker planter. Make sure to give your newly potted plants a big drink of water and some fertiliser to help them adjust to their new home.

Wicker Garden Baskets and Planters By Northern Willow

If you’re looking for a gorgeous wicker basket for your garden or an outdoor planter, look no further than Northern Willow. Our luxury hand-crafted wicker baskets will look stunning no matter where you use them! 

Wicker Garden Baskets

Our gorgeous range of handmade baskets is guaranteed to add the perfect rustic touch to your garden. Northern Willow’s traditional wicker trugs are ideal for harvesting herbs and vegetables or simply displaying your garden tools. All our wicker baskets are easy to clean and maintain, making them the perfect addition to any home or garden. 

Outdoor Wicker Planters 

Our outdoor basket planters are handcrafted from traditional and hard-wearing rattan. Unlike other wicker baskets, they’re completely weather resistant so they can be used outside all year round. Our outdoor planters, such as this Round Rattan Planter, come with black plastic lining to make sure there’s no soil leakage whether you’re using them inside or outside!

If you have any questions about our handmade wicker baskets and planters, feel free to get in touch with us today. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you have!

Outdoor Wicker Basket FAQs

Can Outdoor Wicker Baskets Stay Outdoors All Year Round?

Yes, our specially designed outdoor baskets can be used outside all year long. Buying one of our outdoor wicker baskets means there’s no need to stress about bringing your basket inside when it starts to rain. All our outdoor baskets are fully weatherproof to give you complete peace of mind!

How Do I Clean Outdoor Wicker Baskets?