[citation needed] The term "wicker" is often use in to refer to two things: a type of material, and the method used to create it.
Wicker works are generally meant to be lightweight, flexible, and durable; to achieve this, the materials used must have those properties, and the weave pattern must reinforce the structure while using as little material as possible to avoid becoming too heavy or rigid.
Historically, materials derived from plants have been used to manufacture a variety of wicker products, such as baskets, trays, and both indoor and outdoor furniture.
Resin wicker resembles the appearance of woven rattan by design.
Resin wicker is often used over an aluminum frame to create lightweight outdoor furniture.