What You Should Know About Buying Rattan and Wicker Furniture

When it comes to buying outdoor furniture, homeowners may be understandably confused when they hear the terms “wicker” and “rattan.” While both words are associated with a woven, natural look, these increasingly popular furniture terms aren’t as interchangeable as you might initially think.

By understanding what these terms actually mean and how they can play a role in your outdoor decor, you’ll have a much easier time putting together a desirable look that will serve your family well for many years to come.

What is a Wicker Weave?

wicker furniture

First things first, wicker is not a material. Instead, this term is used to describe a particular style of weave. Wicker weaves have been used for baskets and furniture since at least 3,000 B.C., when this design was used in ancient Egypt.

In ancient times, reeds and other swamp grasses were the primary materials used for wicker weaves. This design style spread to Europe during the continents exploratory phase, and then gained another resurgence of popularity in mid-19th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, which had a focus on nature as a source of inspiration and emphasizing the beauty of the materials used in construction.

To create wicker furniture, the same material is often used to form both the support structure and the weave that holds it all together. Strands of material are weaved together to create a rigid frame that can vary in appearance — from a simple cross-stitch-style weave to more elaborate weaves with more twists and interlocking elements.

The materials that are used to make wicker furniture include natural rattan (more on that later), bamboo, willow, and synthetic fibers. The right material can vary based on your local climate and how you plan to use the furniture.

What is Rattan?

rattan furniture

Rattan is one of the most popular materials that is used for wicker furniture, which is why rattan and wicker are so often confused to be the same thing. Rattan is a tropical climbing palm with roughly 600 subspecies found in tropical areas of Africa and Southeast Asia.

Multiple parts of rattan are used to make furniture. For wicker weaves, the skin is peeled off from a rattan strand. These peeled strips, also known as cane, can then be woven for use in a variety of products, including a webbing that can be used for chair seats or ornamental accents on other furniture pieces.

The inner core offers greater structural strength for furniture, but it can also be split into thinner strips for the creation of wicker furniture. Larger pieces are generally used to create the frame for the furniture piece. Wider weaves will typically be used for furniture, while smaller rattan weaves can be used for baskets and other items that don’t require as much structural strength. However, many modern furniture items that use rattan will only use rattan for the chair webbing so that materials such as aluminum can be used for the legs and frame.

Rattan’s introduction to Europe played a large role in the explosion of wicker furniture’s popularity. It is lightweight, durable, flexible, and easy to work with, though it does require significant skill to create wicker furniture. 

What’s the Difference Between Rattan and Synthetic Wicker?

wicker furniture

When shopping for wicker furniture today, you’ll typically find yourself choosing between products that use natural rattan and those that are made from synthetic wicker.

Furniture products that use rattan are often branded as “natural wicker furniture.” Wicker cane is water repellant, and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth. For more intensive cleaning, simply use a damp washcloth or brush with mild detergent to remove spills or other contaminants.

When the rattan skin is used, you generally don’t have to worry too much about water damage. However, if you purchase a furniture piece that is made completely from natural rattan, you should exercise additional precautions to protect it from moisture and other environmental hazards. The rattan core is quite porous, which makes it vulnerable to water damage. It is also more likely to experience fading from sunlight. 

As such, all-rattan pieces should be covered or stored indoors when not in use. Outdoor furniture made from natural rattan should have a weather-resistant coating applied so that it can hold up under outdoor conditions.

Synthetic wicker furniture typically uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that has been pressed into a design that imitates the look, strength, and flexibility of natural rattan. This allows the synthetic materials to be woven onto an aluminum frame or foundation in a similar manner to rattan. Synthetic wicker can be designed to look like natural rattan or a variety of artificial colors.

As an artificial material, synthetic wicker is extremely durable and resistant to weather-related fading and deterioration, including both water and UV-related damage. To care for synthetic wicker, use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean it, then rinse the surface with clean water to remove any residue.

While synthetic materials tend to offer better environmental resistance, it is still recommended to use a furniture cover to provide additional protection and prevent the buildup of debris when they won’t be used for an extended period of time. HDPE is considered the best option for synthetic wicker, as it uses the same color of material on both the interior and exterior. Cheaper materials, such as vinyl, are prone to peeling and revealing non-matching interior layers. They also don’t do as good of a job as imitating the appearance of natural rattan.

Find the Outdoor Furniture You Need at Kitchen & Bath Authority

Regardless of which outdoor furniture style you ultimately prefer, you’ll find the perfect match right here at Kitchen & Bath Authority. With a wide selection of synthetic wicker and natural rattan furniture products, it’s easy to find the furniture that best matches your unique preferences, whether you’re looking for a full-size conversation set or smaller patio sets.

With discounted prices on a wide range of products, additional deals available through our exclusive membership program, free shipping, and live chat support for your online shopping, it’s never been easier to find the right furniture to turn your backyard into a true oasis.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *