Wicker Furniture: The Wonders of Rattan Exposed

Posted by Jona Sim

by Victoria Tsau

Rattan furniture that is available in the market today can be considered one of the best because of its durability and quality. This wicker furniture requires little maintenance and can last for a very long time. Do you want to know some interesting facts about how rattan is made into the furniture you using right now?

Apparently, rattan is the main material used for making rattan furniture. Their structure features a solid core unlike the seemingly similar bamboo which is hollow. Rattan, being very strong and robust, are very light in weight but can withstand great amounts of stress, making them perfect for furniture.

Rattan mainly comes from the tropical forests of the Asia. They could grow to several hundred feet in length. Rattan is easy to harvest with the use of simple tools. They grow much faster than most tropical wood which makes it excellent for forest maintenance.

Rattan is made into furniture primarily by heating them to be easily bent into the shape required. After being shaped into desired form, it will stay that way forever. One of the best qualities of this furniture is their ability to withstand warping.

Wicker furniture is furniture that is made by interlacing rattan’s outer skin to form a unique weave design that is called a wicker. Rattan and wicker are usually confused with each other and used interchangeably. But it is mainly the rattan pole which becomes the frame of the furniture, and the wicker is what is weaved into the frame to complete it.

Rattan furniture is very much paint-friendly just like other wood. Knowing this, it’s not uncommon to find a color of furniture that can easily match the setting of your home. This furniture can make excellent additions inside or outside your home or office, be it in the patio, living room or dinning room, even in your bedroom.

Rattan furniture can also add dramatic and artistic theme to your home. It gives you the feeling of being secluded in an island paradise, away from the busy city life. It also brings along a good natural side for your home, perfect for a good relaxing time.

For maintenance, furniture made from rattan only needs a little effort. Just a few strokes of dusting and wiping can easily bring back the new look of your furniture. For the wicker work, using a vacuum cleaner with a brush can get rid of the stubborn dust. Just remember that no matter how strong rattan furniture is, it cannot withstand the punishment of the sun’s heat, neither being wet in the rain.

Rattan furniture is a great choice if you are looking for long lasting quality furniture that needs little maintenance. In buying wicker furniture made with rattan, it is best to visit a store’s showroom so you can personally examine and feel the product. But if you don’t have the time, shopping online is your best bet. You get to browse different manufacturers and compare each other’s prices, designs, warranty, and customer service policies. Get advice from experts and allow them to help you choose the best furniture that will suit your needs and your home.

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Posted in: Gardening August 2008

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