Until now, rattan furniture uses weaving techniques using natural rattan. This method has been use since the 1970s. However, in recent years many rattan furniture manufacturers have used machines to produce rattan furniture. The producers also found the best alternative for the manufacture of rattan furniture. They start to use synthetic rattan. As rattan adapts to modern trends, many new styles of rattan furniture exist on the market.
What are the types of rattan that you need to know to make it easier for you to recognize rattan? Let’s review.
Rattan Plant
Rattan is a palm plant that propagates like tendrils. This plant usually grows in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rattan can grow hundreds of feet tall while maintaining a consistent thickness. All parts of this tree, apart from the thorny outer layer, are durable and flexible. Plus, it gives a natural look. This makes the plant very useful and an ideal material for making furniture and decorations.
When torn into smaller fibers, they can be woven into craft items such as baskets and chairs. The weave of real rattan furniture will loosen in time. That’s why durable synthetic rattan is a great alternative.
PE rattan
Synthetic polyethylene rattan, or PE rattan, imitate the look of real rattan, but it is man-made. PE rattan furniture can withstand the outdoor elements. Can handle humid conditions, unlike natural rattan. Although real rattan has natural beauty, it is more likely to break down in wet conditions.
PE rattan is one type of synthetic rattan that in great demand. Other types include PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In addition, PE rattan is environmentally friendly compared to other synthetic materials. It is made of recycled materials. This material lasts longer than cheaper PVC rattan too. This rattan is also designed to look like natural rattan but with color variations throughout the material.
Cane rattan furniture
Cane is a layer under the thorny outer skin of rattan. Once removed, it undergoes cleaning, drying and fumigation. The cane layer is then peeled off and processed into long strands. This material is flexible and durable, making it very suitable for weaving chairs and chair backs. This material is woven into distinct webbed patterns.
Canes also work well as wrapping material (like rope) around furniture frames. The practice rule is that rattan pieces which feature thin woven accents are considered rattan. If not painted, and not cared for, this rattan furniture can dry out and crack over time. Unlike synthetic rattan which is low maintenance and less to crack.
Reed rattan furniture
Reed is the inner pith or core of the rattan plant. It is fibrous and porous than the cane lining. This part is cut into strips and processed into flat, flat-oval, oval-oval, round or semi-round strands. But because it’s the inner pith, the texture is not smooth and shiny.
Reed is also absorbent; it does not accept paint, stain, varnish, well. But in addition to its versatility, it is an excellent material for weaving wicker pieces and baskets. Decorative ornaments on rattan furniture are also often made of reeds.
Reeds are still used in reproduction and in new wicker furniture. But unlike synthetic rattan, it is not an ideal use for outdoors exposed to the elements.
Wicker rattan furniture
First thing, woven is a style of weaving, while rattan is a material. One describes the actual process (woven) while the other describes the product (rattan). The two are often used together in furniture, and it’s common to see rattan wicker. This is a design that uses rattan in plaited mats.
Going back to wicker, this is a popular style of weaving in basket and furniture making. Webbing is usually made of woven fibers, but recently manufacturers are making them using synthetic resins.
Rattan furniture is hand woven, making it impeccable quality and durable. With synthetic rattan material, it gives the same look as natural rattan fiber. For this reason, synthetic rattan furniture lasts longer outdoors than real rattan.
–sh
