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What’s The Difference Between Wicker And Rattan?

April 17, 2008 Rattan is a specific material, but wicker is the general process of weaving rattan or other materials into finished goods.   When I think of rattan or wicker furniture I picture the white sofa and the small side table:



Now look what Palecek has done with wicker:





In its original form, rattan is a relative of the tropical palm tree. Rattan starts to grow upwards like a tree, but then bends back to the ground and snakes through the rain forest like a vine. After a few years of growth, the rattan vines can be as long as 500 feet and are cut into 12 to 18 foot sections.

Rattan is considered to be one of the strongest woods available, since its grain grows vertically instead of forming the concentric rings of most other hardwoods. The straight rattan is usually steamed and then bent into the desired shape through the use of specialized shapers. Once the rattan has dried, it will retain its shape forever.

Rattan vines may also be peeled mechanically to form thin slats for weaving. The curved outer layer is also used as a decorative trim to hide the rough seams created by the wicker process.  The rattan poles can also be put into a machine that cuts the rattan lengthwise into spaghetti like shapes.

There is no material on Earth called wicker. Some manufacturers may even use the phrase cane furniture in place of either rattan or wicker.   The difference between rattan and bamboo?  Rattan is solid and bamboo is hollow.  Bamboo cannot be nailed or screwed without splitting.

 

Rattan can come in a variety of natural colors and the color is dependent on the soils where the rattan grows, generally in Southeast Asia.  That means that no two pieces of wicker furniture made from rattan are alike.  There are subtle variations.  

Thoughts on rattan?  Email me at landfair3554@comcast.net

Posted by Mike Landfair on April 17, 2008 | Comments (2)