Understanding Viro Cord – Materials & Care Guide

A beautiful balance of natural texture, thoughtful craftsmanship and lasting durability.

Beautifully woven, naturally textured and designed for everyday living, Viro cord brings together the timeless appeal of traditional woven furniture with the practical advantages of modern material innovation.

Used throughout our Cumberland Collection, Viro cord is a premium synthetic weaving fibre selected for its durability, weather resistance and beautiful tactile finish.

Woven together with the natural warmth of premium solid teak, it creates a relaxed yet refined aesthetic that feels equally at home in an indoor dining space, a covered entertaining area or an outdoor setting.

But what exactly is Viro cord, and what makes it such a wonderful material for furniture?

We've put together this guide to help you understand its qualities, appearance, care and suitability for everyday living.

What is Viro Cord?

Viro cord, also referred to as Viro fibre, is a premium synthetic weaving material made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Unlike natural rattan, which is susceptible to moisture and deterioration when exposed to outdoor conditions, Viro is specifically engineered to offer the beauty of woven furniture with enhanced durability and weather resistance.

Its carefully developed synthetic fibres provide strength, flexibility and colour stability, making it an excellent choice for furniture designed to be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

Viro fibre is also PVC-free, non-toxic and recyclable, offering a considered alternative to traditional synthetic materials.

What Does Viro Cord Look and Feel Like?

One of the beautiful qualities of Viro cord is its natural woven appearance.

It has a refined, rope-like texture that creates visual interest and subtle dimension without feeling overly rustic or heavy. Depending on the weave, the finish can have the appearance of traditional wicker or a more contemporary woven cord.

The surface has a smooth, consistent and slightly flexible feel, while the woven construction provides a supportive and comfortable seating surface.

It is a wonderful way to introduce natural texture and warmth into a space, complementing materials such as solid teak, timber, stone and linen.

Why Choose Viro Cord?

Viro cord offers several qualities that make it particularly well suited to beautifully crafted furniture.

Weather Resistant

Engineered for outdoor applications, Viro fibre is designed to withstand exposure to rain, humidity and changing weather conditions without the natural deterioration associated with traditional natural fibres.

UV Stabilised

The fibre is developed with UV stabilisation to help maintain its colour and integrity when exposed to sunlight. Its colour is incorporated throughout the material rather than simply applied as a surface coating.

Moisture Resistant

Unlike natural rattan, Viro does not readily absorb moisture. It is resistant to water exposure and is not susceptible to rotting in the way natural woven fibres can be.

Durable & Flexible

Its combination of flexibility and tensile strength makes it suitable for furniture weaving, providing a resilient material designed to withstand regular everyday use.

Low Maintenance

Viro cord is easy to care for and requires no staining, sealing or specialist treatments. Regular cleaning with mild soapy water is generally all that is needed.

A Considered Material Choice

Made from high-density polyethylene, Viro fibre is PVC-free, non-toxic and recyclable, making it a more considered choice for contemporary furniture design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Viro cord waterproof?

Viro cord is highly water-resistant and designed for outdoor furniture applications.

The HDPE material does not readily absorb water, making it particularly well suited to outdoor environments. Rainwater can pass through the woven construction rather than being retained within the fibre.

While the material is highly resistant to moisture, the woven seat is not a sealed or watertight surface.

Can Viro cord be left outside in the rain?

Yes. Viro cord is specifically engineered for outdoor furniture and can withstand exposure to rain and changing weather conditions.

For the best long-term care of your furniture, we recommend positioning pieces in a suitable outdoor setting and using protective furniture covers when not in use for extended periods.

Will Viro cord fade in the sun?

Viro fibre is UV stabilised and designed to resist fading caused by prolonged sunlight exposure.

Its colour is incorporated throughout the fibre, rather than being applied as a surface finish. This helps maintain its appearance over time.

As with all outdoor materials, some gradual changes may occur with prolonged exposure to particularly harsh environmental conditions.

Does Viro cord go mouldy or rot?

Unlike natural rattan, Viro is a synthetic material that does not provide the same conditions for natural fibre deterioration.

It is resistant to moisture and does not rot like natural woven materials. Keeping your furniture clean and allowing it to dry after wet weather will help maintain its appearance.

Is Viro cord comfortable to sit on?

Yes. Its woven construction provides a supportive yet slightly flexible seating surface.

The cord has enough flexibility to create a comfortable seating experience while maintaining the structure and appearance of the woven design.

Is Viro cord natural or synthetic?

Viro cord is a synthetic material made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Although it has a beautiful natural woven appearance, it is not natural rattan, cane or wicker. It has been developed to provide the aesthetic appeal of traditional woven furniture with the added benefits of modern material technology.

Is Viro cord suitable for indoor furniture?

Absolutely. While Viro was developed with outdoor applications in mind, its beautiful texture and refined appearance make it equally suitable for indoor living.

It brings warmth, texture and a relaxed sophistication to dining rooms, kitchens and entertaining spaces.

This versatility is one of the reasons we love incorporating Viro cord into our furniture collections.

How do you clean and maintain Viro cord?

Viro cord is wonderfully easy to maintain.

For general cleaning, simply wipe with a soft damp cloth to remove dust and everyday marks.

For a more thorough clean:

• Use a soft brush or cloth with warm water and mild soap.

• Gently clean between the woven sections where dust or dirt may collect.

• Rinse away any soap residue with clean water.

• Allow the material to air dry.

Avoid abrasive cleaning products, harsh chemicals, stiff brushes and high-pressure water cleaners.

Does Viro cord require special treatments?

No. Unlike natural rattan or timber, Viro cord does not require oiling, staining or sealing.

Its low-maintenance qualities make it a practical and beautiful choice for everyday furniture.

Is Viro cord environmentally friendly?

Viro fibre is manufactured from 100% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is PVC-free and is recyclable.

Its durability and long-term performance also make it a material designed for lasting use rather than frequent replacement.

The Cumberland Collection

Natural Teak. Beautifully Woven. Effortlessly Timeless.

Our Cumberland Collection brings together the warmth of natural solid teak with the refined texture and durability of Viro cord.

Beautifully handcrafted, each piece combines considered materials and timeless design to create furniture that feels equally at home in relaxed indoor spaces and outdoor entertaining areas.

Available in a selection of woven finishes and colours, Cumberland offers versatility without compromising on character.

Choose from open or close weave designs in Sand, White, Black and Washed Grey.

Whether styled around a dining table, in a kitchen or within an outdoor entertaining space, Cumberland is designed to bring comfort, natural texture and enduring style to everyday living.

Discover the Cumberland Collection and find a piece to make yourself at home.