Outdoor Rattan Furniture, Better Than Wicker Or Bamboo?
Once considered appropriate only for indoor environments, the outdoor rattan furniture market is exploding! There are new suppliers, new dealers, offering innovative designs at an affordable price for everyone's budget. Since outdoor rattan furniture is of such great interest to so many today, we have put together this resource page; we hope you will find it useful and interesting. What Is Rattan? Outdoor rattan furniture is made of a plant fiber, rattan. Rattan is grown in many places in the world today, especially in Asia, India and China. Almost all parts of this plant can be used in some part of the furniture-making process. Unlike bamboo, the stalks of the rattan plant are solid (bamboo is hollow), and rattan is much more flexible, allowing rattan to be easily shaped into the almost unlimited number of shapes and forms used in today's outdoor rattan furniture. Outdoor Rattan Furniture: From The Jungle To Your Home Outdoor rattan furniture begins, of course, as a plant, where it is harvested in the rain forests of Southeast Asia. After planting of new seedlings, the first harvest of rattan can take place within only 10 years or so, making rattan a renewable resource. The plants, when harvested, are cut into lengths appropriate for the objects they will be made into, including outdoor rattan furniture. After harvesting, the rattan is treated with preservatives, and air dried. When dry they are also sanded and further treated, then packed and transported to the factory where they are made into outdoor rattan furniture, as well as other useful objects. Outdoor Rattan Furniture: What To Look For The outdoor wicker furniture made today is of exceptional quality, but you must be careful, as it is possible for outdoor rattan furniture to become infested with a fungus that will destroy the rattan. If the rattan is treated properly after harvesting this will not be an issue, but if you notice the rattan has discolorations (a 'staining' effect) this rattan may be infested. Since most consumers are not experts in rattan, it pays to buy from an established, reputable dealer or outlet. Outdoor Rattan Furniture: Proper Care Since outdoor rattan furniture will be used outdoors, it should be of high quality, free from defects and properly maintained. Rattan furniture especially should not be left in standing pools of water, because this moisture can be absorbed by the rattan, causing swelling and gaps in the frame or woven 'fabric' of the furniture. If you wish, you can take your outdoor rattan furniture to a furniture care expert, who can clean and repair the furniture as necessary. If you wish, you can maintain your own outdoor rattan furniture by keeping it free from dust and dirt (vacuum or clean with a soft rag in warm, soapy water, allow to dry). You must take care to keep it free from moisture, and if it gets wet, it must be allowed to dry thoroughly (leaving out in the hot sun for a bit is a good option). Rough spots can be sanded lightly with a fine grade of sandpaper or steel wool, and various varnishes can be applied. Your dealer can give specific guidance on the care of your particular brand of outdoor rattan furniture. |
