If you're an individual who frequently monitors outdoor furnishings, you're likely familiar with wicker and rattan outdoor furniture. Both of these materials are excellent choices for outdoor decor, and although they may seem quite similar initially, there exist essential distinctions between them. Surprisingly, there are those who might wonder whether wicker and rattan are the same thing. Today, let's delve into finding the answer.
Rattan and wicker are two popular materials used in outdoor furniture, and they often get used interchangeably. However, they are not the same, and there are some key differences between them. We assess from four different perspectives now.
1. Material Composition
- Rattan
Primarily sourced from various species of palm plants, rattan production is predominantly centered in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Harvesting the vines involves the cutting and processing of the plant to obtain suitable components for furniture construction. Once processed and crafted, these rattan vines can be expertly woven to create items such as chairs, tables, and other furniture or artisanal pieces. Rattan furniture is renowned for its natural and organic appearance, as well as its notable durability. It finds utility both indoors and outdoors, with outdoor applications benefiting from its moisture-resistant characteristics.
- Wicker
Wicker, in essence, is a weaving method utilized in the construction of furniture and various artisanal items, rather than constituting a distinct material itself. This technique entails the interweaving of elongated, slender elements to fashion structurally robust furniture pieces and other objects. While "rattan weaving" is typically linked with natural substances like rattan, bamboo, wicker, or coconut leaves, it can also be executed using synthetic materials like PVC, PE, HDPE, and resin. Depending on the chosen materials and the application of weaving techniques, an array of furniture pieces can be fashioned, each possessing distinct styles and serving various purposes.
2. Appearance
- Rattan
Rattan furniture is renowned for its distinctive, organic aesthetic, primarily stemming from the utilization of the rattan vine. It frequently exhibits a subtly textured surface, giving it a rustic and tactile quality. Rattan pieces can be either retained in their innate, earthy hue or subjected to staining processes, enabling the attainment of a diverse spectrum of shades and finishes. This combination of its natural texture and customizable color options makes rattan furniture a versatile choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of nature-inspired design and personal style preferences.
1) For instance, slender and round rattan strands can be skillfully interwoven to create an exquisite lattice pattern, showcasing its distinctiveness.
Link: https://jardina.com/products/irati-5-piece-dining-set-lift-top-dining-table
2) This vertical style made of twisted rattan is also a design with unique beauty.
Link: https://jardina.com/products/hallerbos-dining-set-rectangular-dining-table
3) Elongated and slender round wickers can be intricately woven to form delicate ripples or lattice patterns.
Link: https://jardina.com/products/elba-sectional-set-beige-rattan
- Wicker
Wicker furniture can have a smoother and more polished look, depending on the material used for weaving. It allows for greater variety in color and texture since different fibers can be woven together.
1) This particular type of corrugation can be crafted using a tightly woven, substantial round wicker material.
Link:https://jardina.com/products/burano-dining-set-x-design-leg-table
2) The staggered hexagonal texture, on the other hand, is skillfully woven from a broader and flatter wicker material.
Links: https://jardina.com/products/menorca-4-piece-loveseat-set
3) For an all-encompassing style, a delicate, soft, and flat wicker can be expertly knitted.
Link: https://jardina.com/products/ayia-wicker-outdoor-loveseat-set-with-ottomans-lift-top-table
3. Durability
- Rattan
Rattan is renowned for its exceptional strength, particularly in the realm of crafting outdoor furniture. Its robust quality makes it excellently suited to endure the challenges posed by outdoor settings, confronting a wide array of weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Rattan exhibits greater resistance to humidity than many other types of wood, rendering it resistant to warping due to moisture or the growth of mold. Additionally, Rattan qualifies as a sustainable resource, given its rapid growth as a plant, thus making it an eco-conscious selection for furniture production.
Despite Rattan's innate durability, it still demands some degree of upkeep, particularly when used outdoors. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure that it retains its visual appeal and structural soundness.
- Wicker
The longevity of wicker furniture hinges on the choice of weaving material. Wicker demonstrates a higher resistance to warping and mold development caused by humidity in comparison to numerous alternative materials, rendering it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor applications. It boasts resilience against the effects of sunlight, rain, and fluctuations in temperature. In cases of damage, wicker can frequently undergo repairs, with broken or loose sections easily re-woven or re-glued, thus extending the furniture's lifespan.
Synthetic wicker often exhibits superior weather resistance and requires less maintenance when contrasted with natural fiber wicker.
4. Weight
- Rattan
Rattan itself is a lightweight and flexible material, which contributes to the overall lightness of rattan furniture.
For example, a typical rattan dining chair may weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms), while a larger rattan sofa might weigh between 30 to 50 pounds (13.6 to 22.7 kilograms).
The lightweight nature of rattan furniture makes it easier to move and rearrange in your living space, which is one of its practical advantages. However, the weight can still vary from piece to piece, so it's a good idea to check the specific weight of the rattan furniture you are interested in before purchasing, especially if you have specific mobility or handling requirements.
- Wicker
Wicker furniture is commonly appreciated for its relatively lighter weight in comparison to heavier furniture constructed from materials like solid wood or metal. This reduced weight can be attributed in part to the fact that wicker furniture is predominantly woven using materials such as natural fibers like rattan, wicker, or bamboo.
When considering the weight of wicker furniture versus rattan furniture, both typically offer lightweight qualities. Rattan furniture, in particular, tends to be lightweight due to the prevalent use of rattan as a primary material in wicker furniture production.
Furniture with rattan/wicker and aluminum structure will be lighter than furniture with rattan/wicker and steel/iron structure.
Therefore, any significant difference in weight between wicker and rattan furniture is often contingent upon the specific design and construction of individual pieces.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, both rattan and wicker are popular choices, but they each have their unique advantages. Economically speaking, wicker takes the lead. In terms of design diversity, wicker is the top choice. When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, wicker is the preferred option. However, if you're looking for a touch of sophistication, rattan is the way to go.
Of course, the ultimate decision should align with your personal preferences. At Jardina, you can confidently select rattan and wicker outdoor furniture, ensuring your satisfaction. We offer free delivery and a 2-year warranty, guaranteeing a worry-free experience.
