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THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RATTAN AND WICKER FURNITURE
Rattan, Wicker—what’s the difference, is there one?
If you’re in the market for wicker or
rattan furniture, the first thing you have to
know is which is which.
There are differences as well as
similarities between rattan and wicker
furniture.
To begin, rattan and wicker are not one in the same, even
though there are similarities.
Rattan furniture is crafted from any of
the various climbing palms from the genera
Calamus, Daemonorops, or Plectomia that grow in
tropical Asia.
These climbing palms grow up over several
hundreds feet in length depending on the species
and can reach a diameter of approximately 1-3
inches. In
fact, there are roughly six hundred species of
palms in the genera Calameae alone.
These claiming palms are also some of
nature's strongest woods.
Unlike bamboo, rattan cane has a solid
core, which makes it extremely durable and
strong. Another
benefit that rattan offers is that it will not
warp, which makes it ideal for making furniture.
The skin of the rattan is peeled away then used for weaving
material, and for wrapping the furniture joints. The core of the rattan is used for various purposes in the
furniture making process.
Rattan like wood, can accept paints and
stains, which makes it available in several
colors.
Wicker furniture can be made from any number of natural
materials, such as the core of rattan, bamboo,
reed, rush, willow, and even plastic.
When using natural materials, the strips
are often soaked until they are pliable enough
to be woven into the unique wicker-weaved
designs we have become familiar with in wicker
furniture.
Many times, wicker furniture is produced
by weaving the wicker over a rattan core frame.
Because several different types of
natural materials are used in making wicker
furniture, the durability of a particular piece
of wicker furniture will depends on what
material used in that particular piece.
This is possible the biggest difference,
which sets rattan and wicker apart.
When you purchase wicker or rattan furniture, you are
purchasing a beautiful natural product that has
a unique set of qualities, as there are no two
identical pieces of natural wicker and rattan
furniture.
Wicker and rattan furniture has many aesthetic qualities that
make this furniture perfect not only in sunrooms
but also in living rooms, great rooms, as well
as your office.
This completely removes the misconception
that wicker and rattan furniture can only be
used on outdoor decks, porches, or patios.
To disprove this misconception further,
rattan and wicker furniture are available in
living room, dining room, and bedroom sets.
One manufacturer even offers wicker and
rattan office furniture.
Lastly, when purchasing either wicker or rattan
furniture, make sure that you purchase your
furniture from a reputable company.
And remember, that wicker rocker you’ve
fallen in love with, will go just as nice
sitting in your living room as it will on your
porch.
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