Distinguishing between natural rattan and plastic rattan

In recent years, rattan furniture has become an increasingly popular trend in living space design. With its rustic yet sophisticated beauty, rattan furniture brings a feeling of closeness to nature. However, in the current market, there are two main types: natural rattan and plastic rattan. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, making many people hesitate in choosing. So how to distinguish and choose the most suitable type? Let’s find out with Thanh Cong Craft right after this!

1. Overview of natural rattan and plastic rattan

1.1 Natural rattan

Natural rattan is a raw material taken from natural rattan or bamboo stems. This is a popular material in the production of furniture and decorations thanks to its durable, lightweight and environmentally friendly properties.

Natural rattan is harvested from tropical forests or areas with hot and humid climates where rattan grows strongly. In Vietnam, rattan is often grown and harvested in mountainous provinces such as Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An. The process of producing natural rattan begins with harvesting rattan stems, processing (drying, steaming with oil) to increase durability and create finished products.

1.2 Plastic rattan

Plastic rattan is a type of artificial material made from synthetic plastics such as PE (Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or PP (Polypropylene). This type of rattan is designed to simulate the appearance and texture of natural rattan, but is more durable in harsh weather conditions.

Unlike natural rattan, plastic rattan is industrially produced from synthetic plastic particles, starting with melting plastic, drawing fibers and forming rattan strings with diverse sizes and colors. Currently, plastic rattan is gradually appearing more and more on the market, and is favored because of its low price.

2. Application of natural rattan and plastic rattan in interior design

– Distinguishing natural rattan and plastic rattan

In terms of origin and material, because it is made from natural rattan or bamboo, it has a light woody scent, the rattan fibers are often not perfectly even, bringing its own unique features. Meanwhile, plastic rattan is produced from synthetic resins such as PE, PVC or PP, the fibers are often uniform in size, color and surface.

In addition, natural rattan products often have a slightly rough or smooth surface depending on the processing method, have natural grain lines, are light in weight but feel very comfortable when held. Meanwhile, imitation rattan products often have a glossier surface, often do not have natural grain lines, creating an artificial and “hollow” feeling when touched.

Finally, the simplest way to distinguish these two types of rattan is the product price. In the current market, natural rattan is often more expensive than plastic rattan due to its craftsmanship and durability over time. Therefore, be careful and check carefully before buying natural rattan products at surprisingly cheap prices.

Below is a comparison table of natural rattan and plastic rattan:

Characteristic	Natural rattan	Plastic rattan
Original	100% natural, environmentally friendly, taken from rattan and bamboo stems	Made from synthetic resin, not environmentally friendly
Durability	High durability if properly maintained, keeping rustic beauty over time	High durability, but prone to fading under strong sunlight or weather changes
Weight	Light, easy to move, not heavy	Light, but feels less natural
Toughness	Flexible, malleable, easy to create intricate and complex designs	High ductility but less flexible in shaping finely than natural rattan
Maintenance	Light maintenance required (avoid mold, wipe clean of dust), product retains its beauty over the years	Easy to maintain but not very friendly
Water resistance	Less durable if exposed to water for a long time, but will last longer in dry interior spaces	Good water resistance, but not suitable for rustic, natural spaces
Aesthetics	Possessing natural beauty, luxury, uniqueness, soul and irreplaceable characteristics	Simulates natural clouds, but lacks the sophistication and “realism” of natural materials
Environmentally friendly	100% biodegradable, contributing to environmental protection	Difficult to decompose, causing negative impacts on the environment if not recycled properly
Long-standing value	Aesthetic and sustainable investment. Expressing a lifestyle close to nature.	Cheaper but lacks lasting artistic and aesthetic value
Application	Suitable for luxurious, classy, ​​and nature-friendly interior spaces. Handicraft products with high cultural and artistic value.	Only suitable for outdoor spaces, less aesthetic value in high-end interior spaces

3. Should you choose natural rattan or plastic rattan?

If you are looking for an outdoor product that is both durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, harsh sunlight or high humidity, plastic rattan will be an ideal solution. Not only is it convenient thanks to its good resistance to the environment, plastic rattan is also affordable, suitable for families, cafes or restaurants that need to optimize investment costs.

If you are a consumer who focuses on a green lifestyle, loves harmony with nature and always puts aesthetics and luxury first, then natural rattan products are the perfect choice for you. With a rustic yet sophisticated beauty, along with sustainable and environmentally friendly values, natural rattan furniture not only helps to elevate your living space but also shows your refined aesthetic taste and responsibility towards the environment.

Thanh Cong Handicraft Export Co., Ltd is a family-owned business based in Hanoi, Vietnam. We are top 5 leading producing and exporting rattan products. Come to Thanh Cong Craft to consult the high-class natural rattan furniture models, diverse, suitable for all your living spaces.

|You can refer to: Thanh Cong Handicraft’s rattan chair products

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to send thanhcongcraft an email us at [email protected] or message us at WhatsApp: +84967485411. Hope to serve you soon! Best regard!