INSPIRATION & EDUCATION

Basket Materials

When shopping on our website, you will notice every basket is described, telling you the shape, material, size, and color. Knowing the difference between basket materials will help you decide what basket is best for you and your product!

Willow: Our Basic Basket

Not all willow is created the same. The material itself is used in various forms -- Peeled or Unpeeled, and Full or Split.

Full Willow

For the richest looking and strongest basket for discerning customers and luxury goods, you’ll want to select full willow. Woven using the full, round branch of willow results in a very strong, durable, and attractive basket. For the strongest gift basket or heavier flower arrangements, pick a full willow basket if possible. Still, always advise staff and customers to hold any basket from the bottom when delivering.

Split Willow

A split willow basket means the willow branches woven together have been split in half long-ways, making the walls of the basket lighter and thinner. The rounded willow branch is on the exterior, and at a glance, looks similar to the outside of a full willow basket. However, the interior has flatter side walls because of the willow being split. Split willow baskets are always less expensive. At Pioneer, the material savings is passed on to you. However, because of the thinner material, they are not quite as strong or as durable as a full willow basket, and not quite as attractive.

Unpeeled Willow

Unpeeled willow is willow in its natural state, with the bark still on. This results in a dark brown, rustic look on the finished baskets. Because the manufacturing eliminates a step (peeling the willow), the labor savings is passed on to you, making unpeeled willow normally less expensive. If you desire a rustic look that saves money, unpeeled willow is the style for you.

Peeled Willow

Peeled willow has the bark removed from the branch for a smooth, clean stem to weave the basket. Peeled willow can remain completely natural in color (which is like the color of a manila folder), or it can be finished. Painting, staining, clear-coating, or whitewash can be applied. Peeled willow is still the full branch, not split in half, unless noted.

When shopping for willow baskets, look carefully to see if you are looking at a full willow or split willow basket. The same size basket might appear similar in a photograph but read the description to know. Pioneer is one of the few companies who will tell you about all these details! Buyer beware!

Woodchip Baskets: A Woven Look

Woodchip baskets are made from a thicker, softer wood with more of a wicker look. The slices of wider wood are attractive, and currently woodchip material costs are less expensive. This leads to a designer-look basket that can be less expensive! Woodchip baskets feel naturally rough on the exterior or can be stained. Often mixed with willow for interesting pattern and texture, you may see a willow rim on woodchip basket. (Woodchip is also called chip wood depending on the manufacturer and can be natural or stained.)

Other Baskets You May See:

At times we will carry other styles of basket materials. Today, we are not currently stocking these items, but we may in the future. Here are a few other basket materials to know:

Coco Midrib

This material is made from the middle rib of the coconut palm leaf. Coco midrib baskets are generally known as a “budget” basket. They are very flexible and not as strong or durable as willow or woodchip, making them the least expensive option. They often have interesting weave patterns, appearing braided or scalloped.

Seagrass baskets

This is a thicker grass material, currently gaining popularity in home décor. They are made of grasses that grow in tropical areas. One of the less expensive fibers, it is also more flexible which may adversely affect its stability. The seagrass material is often used in storage or décor baskets. We carefully look at our suppliers and quality when we offer new, trendy basket materials.