What Is Better Rattan Or Wicker?

When it comes to choosing furniture for your home or outdoor space, the decision between rattan and wicker can be a perplexing one. What is better rattan or wicker? In this article, we’ll unravel the nuances between rattan and wicker and help you determine which is the superior option for your specific preferences and requirements.

1. What is wicker?

1.1. What is wicker made from?

Wicker is a style or weaving technique used in the creation of homeware and furniture from pliable plant materials. Wicker encompasses not only natural materials (referred to as natural wicker) but also synthetic fibers (known as synthetic wicker).

In Vietnam, several popular natural materials used for wicker include water hyacinth, seagrass, rattan, bamboo, and jute. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, encompass materials such as vinyl, resin, polyethylene, and more. Therefore, any baskets crafted from these pliable fibers can be classified as wicker baskets.

1.2. What is pe rattan wicker

PE rattan wicker, also known as polyethylene rattan, plastic rattan, synthetic rattan, faux rattan, or artificial rattan, is a man-made material mainly used in outdoor furniture, such as outdoor loungers, benches, sofa sets, dining sets, etc.

On the market of outdoor furniture material, PE rattan is also called PE wicker. When employed in exterior applications, synthetic rattan fiber is often coated with an additional layer of UV protection, enabling it to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sunlight. Simultaneously, it resists mold and mildew, a feat traditional bamboo and rattan cannot achieve.

2. What is rattan?

2.1 What is rattan made of?

Rattan is a natural thorny climbing plant, with long, hard and firm stems. The rattan stem has a diameter of 1-5 cm, and can reach up to about 30 meters. The rattan stem has a thickness that is almost uniform throughout its length. Physically, the rattan peel and thorns are shiny yellow. Meanwhile, the rattan core can have different shades of color such as natural white and brown, depending on the species and region. 

Rattan has long been famous for its durability and flexibility. This material is also light, making it easy for users to handle and move. With its durable and strong properties, rattan products can work well for at least 5 years and more. 

An interesting thing is that rattan can withstand humid and extreme temperature conditions better than some other soft fibers. However, rattan should not be used outdoors continuously because it is not completely waterproof and weather resistant. If rattan products are left in the bathroom or humid environment for too long, they can get moldy and reduce the strength of rattan.

2.2 Types of rattan

Real Rattan: Real rattan is a type of rattan extracted from real plants and has not undergone intensive processing. It is a natural and durable resource, often used for furniture, decoration and handicraft products. Real rattan is flexible and strong, but it is also sensitive to humidity and high temperature, and can lose color and hardness if not preserved properly.

Synthetic Rattan: Synthetic rattan is a synthetic material designed to mimic the shape and color of real rattan. Usually made from polyethylene (PE) or other synthetic materials, synthetic rattan is often used for outdoor furniture and decoration. It is water-resistant and can withstand the impact of strong sunlight, something that real rattan cannot do. Synthetic rattan can be easily cleaned and usually has a lower cost than real rattan.

Depending on the purpose of use and personal preference, you can choose between real and synthetic rattan to create indoor and outdoor decoration or handicraft products according to your style.

3. What is better rattan or wicker?

“Rattan” and “wicker” are two terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of furniture or materials used in furniture production. The choice between rattan and wicker ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your furniture. Rattan is a natural material known for its durability, while wicker is a weaving technique that can be applied to various materials, offering more design options

So whether you opt for rattan or wicker furniture in the end, just make sure to maintain, cover, and clean it regularly. Whilst wicker furniture may be more susceptible to weather conditions like rain and damp, synthetic rattan is largely weather-proof. Whatever your choice you can extend its usage life by storing in a garden shed when not in use or out of season.

4. Where can I buy rattan furniture?

If you are looking for a place to buy rattan and bamboo furniture, you cannot miss Thanh Cong Craft. This is one of the units that produces and supplies high-quality, beautiful and durable rattan and bamboo furniture products. Thanh Cong Craft has established its position in the market for many years through the process of continuous construction and development. You can find products such as chairs, tables, beds, cabinets, shelves, sofas, lamps… with different styles, colors and sizes. You can also order according to your own requirements to get products that suit your living space. Contact Thanh Cong Craft today for consultation and detailed quotation email: info@thanhcongcraft.com or Tel/WhatsApp: +84967485411. Hope to serve you soon! Best regards!