Both wicker and rattan furniture are the best outdoor furniture available today. They have the same resemblance at first sight. However, there is confusion when it comes to the use of these terms. Although both are often confused, they have unique features as well as characteristics that can help you identify them apart.
Think of wicker as the production technique and rattan as the main material used in the process of process. There are a variety of materials that are used to make rattan furniture like bamboo, willow and reed. Herein is everything that you need to know about the difference between wicker and rattan furniture and make the preferred choice.
About Wicker
The wicker method of weaving has been used for many years. It is often used to make both indoor and outdoor furnishings. Because of its aesthetic appeal, it can be easily integrated with natural themes. Some of the plants used for wicker weaving are seagrass, rattan, bamboo, water hyacinth, etc. The wicker method has significantly advanced and is used to make more durable and attractive decor pieces.
If you are looking to try wicker furniture, the good news is that there are endless colors and designs you can choose from.
Rattan Definition and Purpose
Ratan is a common material for making luxurious, visually appealing and durable patio and indoor furniture. Rattan is a climbing vine which grows up to 500 feet. These palm-like valuable raw materials mainly grow in tropical regions. Its fast growth as the vines wrap around close trees is a wonder by itself. The stems are harvested, cut to size and the dry sheathed. The inner core is manipulated to produce different furnishings. The fast-paced growth of the vines allows for a steady supply of this material in the furniture sector. Some of the key advantages of rattan material are:
- Sustainability
- Natural appeal
- Aesthetics
- Lightweight
- Resistant to elements
Uses of Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Rattan can be incorporated in a wide range of furniture designs-it can be used to enhance the wrapped around modern chair or table frames to enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicability. One of the main reasons for this material’s popularity in garden furniture is its lightweight, cost effectiveness, and stylishness.
Wicker is a versatile choice when it comes to the material options that can be used during the weaving process. Although the furniture produced using this technique looks great, they require a higher level of maintenance and are not as durable as rattan options. Wicker and rattan are used to make specific furniture designs.
Key Differences Between Wicker and Rattan Patio Furniture
Texture
Rattan furniture is produced using a single source of raw materials, which gives it a consistent feel. When it comes to wicker furniture, there can be distinct textures based on the type of material used in the production process. Synthetic wicker has the most consistent texture compared to its counterparts like rattan wicker and reed wicker which has a stiff and coarse texture.
Strength
Rattan has solid stems - the strength of this material is not compromised by the weaving process. That said, garden furniture must be sturdy to prevent hazards and ensure they stay intact when moved around. Experts can produce long lasting and durable outdoor rattan furniture by weaving synthetic rattan and natural rattan.
Blending the two materials also enhances the weatherproof property of the outdoor furniture. The strength of wicker furniture varies depending on how sturdy the material used is.
Materials
Different kinds of materials are used in the wicker weaving style. On the contrary, rattan furniture is made using raw material from a specific palm like plant. Rattan is the wildly used material for the wicker technique. On top of that to patio furniture, it is used to produce different types of homewares, i.e. baskets.
Cost
There are several factors that determine the cost of wicker and rattan furniture. The pricing is done based on aspects like design complexity and quality. Minimalistic wicker furniture designs have competitive prices, while the benefits of rattan furniture make it more expensive. There are different furniture options for your budget.
Conclusion
The two types of furniture provide unique merits. Natural wicker is a good add up to indoor spaces but is not resistant to the outside. If you need an option that will enhance your home’s appeal, then synthetic blends are the best consideration. Apart from that, make sure you properly evaluate the main purpose, and design options that are available before you make purchase for any furniture.
Whichever your choice, always pay attention to the care and maintenance of the furniture to prolong usage. Both types of patio furniture we have mentioned above enhances comfort and make your patio quite more luxurious.
Now that you know the key differences between the two then you can check out the elegant catalog of luxurious and minimalist designs at JOYSIDE.