What is rattan?
The rattan vine is among the oldest of the natural products used in the making of furniture today. Rattan is a vine that grows in the tropics. When heated, the vine becomes pliable and can be crafted or woven into a myriad of styles using wicker weaving techniques. When it cools, it returns to its hard natural state, making it a perfect choice for furniture. This renewable product provides a natural look and a sophisticated setting to your patio or enclosed porch. In recent years, the use of a synthetic equivalent has become popular, because it is durable and lightweight.

Rattan is not a single material, but rather a type of assembly for a piece of furniture. When decorating an outdoor space, rattan furniture may be appealing, but it's important to research plastic rattan and real rattan furniture, as some owners may find they prefer one over the other. Plastic rattan is exactly that: plastic. Plastic is highly versatile and, unlike real rattan, is offered in nearly every color of the rainbow. Furthermore, plastic wicker weathers significantly better and does not hold mold.

Rattan is also used in making the frames around which rattan are woven. If the furniture made from these organic materials should not be used outdoors, as moisture and excessive sunlight can cause deterioration in these materials. That‘s why plastic wicker is often more appealing than real rattan. It can be left outside without any fear of damage, and holds up better against normal wear and tear. Plastic rattan is also easier to clean, and often be less expensive than real rattan. Furthermore, outdoor rattan furniture usually has aluminum frames. The aluminum and the synthetic vinyl and resins keep the rattan look, but will last outdoors despite sunlight and moisture.

Furniture making is a widely popular use of rattan. Sofas, wicker chairs, tables and mats adorn homes and businesses worldwide, adding a traditional and natural theme. After removing the rattan skin, remaining material is used for making sturdy furniture. Working with rattan involves drying the core via sun-drying, chemical process, or boiling in an oil mixture, all that also help prevent insect infestation. Once dry, the rattan is bent, woven and formed into furniture. Completed pieces can be painted, stained or varnished.

Rattan furniture is available in almost every shape imaginable, from traditional style chairs to more modern, contemporary designs. For your living room, you may consider a coffee table or side table of rattan. Dining chairs of rattan are suitable for your kitchen table, and you can use a rattan headboard, side table or decorative screen in your bedroom.