All About Rattan

Learn all about rattan and rattan furniture products. Wicker Living provides an in depth review of what rattan is all about. Learn what rattan is, where it is grown and what it is used for.

What Is Rattan?

Rattan is a plant found growing mainly on the continent of Indonesia in addition to smaller amounts growing in the Philippines and other smaller countries.

Rattan is one of many species of palms known in its scientific classification of Tribe as Calameae. Unlike most other palms, rattan grows more like a vine rather than a tree. The vine-like stems require support and thrive on trees and other vegetation to support them. Rattan grows quickly and withstands heavy harvesting. Rattan stems can grow hundreds of feet long retaining a diameter between matchstick size to about 2-1/2 in. (6 cm.) diameter along its length. These long consistent diameter sized branches make rattan a perfect material to be used in the construction of rattan furniture and other home décor products.

Use of Rattan

The long rattan vine-like branches are harvested and cut to length and the outer bark is removed. The remaining woody branch is used in furniture making. Most rattan is a solid and lightweight. It is extremely durable and sufficiently flexible enough for craftsmen to handcraft it into sturdy elegant furniture designs and home décor products. Rattan products can be finished using stain or paint just like wood. Rattan branches are commonly used as the frame for natural wicker furniture. Parts of the rattan branch can be separated and commonly converted into wicker cane for use in making wicker furniture, baskets and other products.

Home Decor Products Made From Rattan

In addition to furniture such as chairs, loveseats, sofas, rocking chairs and swings, rattan is designed into baskets, planters, room dividers, hampers, wall hanging, lamps, trunks, baby cribs, baskets, étagères, and more.

Rattan Quality and Care

The highest quality rattan design, craftsmen's ship and materials are referred to as solid rattan. When you purchase solid rattan products, you can be sure that you are purchasing the highest quality natural rattan there is. Rattan products can be cleaned with normal furniture care products that you would use to clean and polish your wood furniture.

Natural rattan furniture should not be left outside in inclement weather without expecting damage to occur by degradation of the finish, warping and loosening of joints and glued parts. Outdoor all-weather rattan and wicker products are a better choice when furniture is used and left outdoors in inclement conditions.

Accessorizing Rattan Furniture

Rattan can be accessorized by adding deluxe custom fit cushions from a wide variety of custom fabrics, blankets or throw pillows. Most rattan furniture products come with cushions and are ordered along with the furniture. It is a good idea to only use cushions with rattan furniture that are made to fit. Usually, rattan furniture is considered deep seating requiring 6 in. foam cushions, but this is not always the case.

Furniture designed to be used without cushions may not be as comfortable as furniture that is designed to be used with cushions. Furniture with a short seat will tend to be out of proportion with the body, in particular, the legs. Generally, furniture that is advertised with cushions provides a good clue that the furniture will fit and be comfortable with cushions.

Decorating With Rattan

Designing a room with rattan is can be a lot of fun. You can go for the tropical look or for formal elegance. exciting because of the wicker design choices available. Many people choose a set or one style. On the other hand, many people choose different styles that don't necessarily match similar to what one would do choosing furniture for a living room. It does not have to be all the same. But, if you like it that way, then you should buy it that way. One caution, if different styles are used to furnish a room, care should be taken to ensure the homeowner likes the individual styles before they are purchased.

About Finishes

Solid Rattan tends to be available in two (1) to five (5) color finishes depending on where it is imported from. Whereas, outdoor resin rattan is available in up to ten (10) designer finishes. Rattan can touched up with stains purchased at the local hardware store if it gets scratched, dented or damaged. All weather rattan is made from a resin and holds the color throughout the thickness of the cane. Therefore, scratches don't tend to show on all weather rattan products and typically don't need to be touched up.

Cushions

Cushions add comfort and style to rattan furniture. Ensure that high quality deluxe cushions are used for total comfort, fit and long lasting durability.

Outdoor All-Weather Resin Wicker

The latest craze in the wicker rattan furniture industry is wicker and rattan made of man-made weather proof materials. This wicker and rattan is referred to by many different names, but is most commonly known by; all weather wicker, outdoor wicker, and indoor/outdoor wicker or resin wicker. The availability, durability and elegance of outdoor all-whether resin wicker and rattan has caused an increase in popularity of wicker products due to their versatility and elegance and the desirability to use them out doors.

The large choice of color finishes, and low maintenance and durability has increased the popularity of all-weather wicker beyond comprehension. Not only can all-weather wicker and rattan be used outdoors with minimal maintenance, it can be used indoors in traditional places such as sunrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms. It retains its beauty and smooth desirable texture for decades. Outdoor wicker and rattan products provide a smooth finish that feels like elite high finished furniture.

The frames are available in steel and aluminum. They are sturdy and won't degrade over time. With some minor care, resin wicker will last a long time, remain comfortable and look like new for years to come.

Some of the most favorites of all-weather wicker and rattan are: gliders, rockers, chairs, loveseats, loveseat gliders, lounge chairs, patio tables, patio chairs ottomans, coffee tables and outdoor bar.

Now that you know pretty much what there is to know about rattan products, begin browsing on our home page and choose the products that suit your desires. Remember, there is no magic formula for choosing, mixing and matching wicker and rattan products. You are the only one that has to like what you pick. Wicker is very versatile and can be rearranged very easily time after time to provide a new look and feel in your living room, game room, patio, sunroom, porch, deck or garden.

We hope this helps you understand a little more about the background of natural and outdoor rattan products. Please feel free to provide us with your comments by using our Contact Us link.