Rattan Vs Wicker Ultimate Guide (2022)

May 21, 2022

The words wicker and rattan are often interchanged but in reality they are not the same thing. Wicker just refers to the method or style of weaving whereas rattan is the actual material used.

If there is anything that you ought to thank the 70s for, it's the rise in the popularity of wickerwork and rattan material. Who would have thought that this furniture would eventually become a classic that today’s homeowners can’t get enough of? For many furniture experts, the resurgence in popularity of wicker and rattan may be due to the relaxed ambiance they create and their vintage appeal. It's a classic style modernized by integrating fresh designs and innovative materials.

 So what’s in a name?

The confusion arises because ‘wicker’ is a catch-all term used to describe many types of furniture. Wicker pieces can be made from synthetic resin, reed, bamboo, and a host of other materials.

Wicker is probably one of the oldest techniques used to make furniture. The earliest evidence of the process dates back more than 3000 years - a wicker chair being found in the tomb of King Tut.

Rattan on the other hand, is the material obtained from certain palm species. It  is a vine similar to wood but has flexible stems and has the appearance of bamboo but unlike bamboo, is not hollow.

Nowadays rattan is primarily used for wicker furniture but is also used in rural areas as a building material, for the wicks in oil lamps, weaponry and sports equipment.

Synthetic Wicker vs. Natural Rattan

Both of these materials have distinct qualities and the choice will depend on what items the material is being used for. The differences are basically these:

∙      Natural rattan furniture is not suitable for permanent use outdoors.

∙     Synthetic wicker is much more resilient in outdoor settings. It has the appearance of natural rattan but is actually made of engineered resin. The term encompasses HDPE wicker, all-weather wicker, synthetic rattan, or resin wicker.

Which to use where?

∙      Synthetic wicker can withstand all weathers.  While rattan is designed for indoor use, make sure it is covered in waterproof material  if left outdoors.

∙      A part of the rattan plant, cane, is often used in weaving and webbing. Cane comes from the outer skin of the rattan vine and is known to be durable and flexible which is why it's a popular material for making furniture. Cane webbing is often used to create oriental accents on headboards and cabinet doors.

Wicker and Rattan - Care Tips

These are general maintenance tips to maintain your furniture in tip-top condition:

1. Rattan furniture should not be left out in the sun throughout the day. It has only minimal UV resistance, so easily cracks if it dries out and will fade.
2. As rattan is porous and quickly absorbs any type of moisture, if you have to leave it outside, make sure you cover it with a waterproof cover.
3. Synthetic wicker on the other hand, can withstand outdoor conditions but if you want to make it last, you should also cover it when not in use.
4. No matter what your furniture is made of, wipe it regularly using a soft, damp cloth or use a soft-bristled brush for items with complicated designs or hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
5. Whilst it might be tempting, do not use a pressure washer. These can cause serious damage.  

Conclusion

Rattan and wicker have been used for centuries but many people still confuse them. They are not the same thing.  Wicker is the weaving pattern employed, while rattan is the material used in making furniture.

Anything made from synthetic material is suitable for outdoor use but it is recommended that it be covered when not in use.

Items made from natural materials are meant to be used indoors most of the time. Natural rattan is porous and absorbs moisture quickly, so exposure to too much sun or moisture  can damage the material.

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