Rattan is an ancient furniture making material, dating from back before recorded history. It is a very easy to weave vine in its natural state using the wicker method, making for durable, handsome and lightweight items, all at a fairly low price. The bulk of modern rattan is harvested in Indonesia, though a third of its market share is held by other countries.
The vine can be treated to endure the elements for extended outdoor uses, but special care must be made when purchasing it to ensure it has been properly weather sealed. Most rattan furniture is intended for indoor use and will rot if not specially treated. Non treated rattan will quickly succumb to UV rays, mold and weather damage. Even weather sealed rattan garden furniture should be covered when not in use.
Outdoor rattan furniture is easy to clean, requiring just a once-over with a pressure attachment on a garden hose and drying with a towel afterwards. To clean indoor models, use a damp cloth instead. When expertly made, this type of furniture can rival even the rich appearance of hardwoods, and the lighter weight makes moving much easier, not to mention the less expensive shipping costs when compared to hardwood furniture.
Rattan can even be used to construct tables, with the most popular modern designs supporting a glass tabletop. Glass tabletops are available in either clear, to show the weave work, or frosted, for a more solid look.
Genuine rattan should, whenever possible, be stored out of direct sun and weather in a garden shed, or at minimum covered. Even faux rattan (generally plastic) should be covered. Imitation rattan is actually less resistant to cold and UV (in most cases) than genuine rattan, despite its synthetic nature. If you’re looking for good deals, buy rattan outdoor furniture in the winter, when demand is low and warehouse owners are looking to clear old inventory.
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