You’re strolling through a nice garden, and you see what looks like woven wood furniture. You think that it’s really nice, and you wouldn’t mind getting some pieces for your own backyard.
But before you can buy anything, you need to know what it’s called. You jog your memory: it’s rattan-no, wait, it’s wicker. Hold up, which one is it, exactly?
These two terms might seem synonymous, but there are key differences you should know. Strap yourself in, as we’re here to give you all the details regarding rattan vs wicker. We’ll discuss the differences, durability, trends, and more!
What’s Rattan?
Rattan is a vine-like plant found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It’s a type of palm, and it’s well-known for its strong and flexible stems.
People have used rattan for centuries, especially in Southeast Asia. Indigenous people would use it for baskets, furniture, and tools.
The material is solid, not hollow, which means you can shape it. It can also be stained, and it’s highly durable too. This makes rattan ideal for furniture that needs to withstand wear and tear.
You’ll often see rattan used for furniture frames. However, it can be used for handicrafts, canes, and even shelters and houses. As you can see, we’ve taken a page out of the indigenous people’s book and kept taking advantage of the material’s versatility.
What’s Wicker?
Wicker is actually a weaving process, not a material. It’s a way to create lightweight yet sturdy structures, and it’s been around since the ancient Egyptians were alive. Not only is the technique old, but it’s spanned several cultures, including Victorian England and Colonial America.
Wicker can be made of various materials, including rattan. Other materials you’ll see range from bamboo and reed to synthetic fibers. Because of this range of materials used, the final product can vary in appearance and texture.
You’ll see it used in furniture, baskets, and decorative items.
Wicker vs Rattan
Basically, the difference is that rattan can be a type of wicker, but wicker isn’t necessarily rattan, as it can be made from other materials as well.
Still, you might be wondering about the specifics as it relates to woven furniture, so let’s explore some things more in detail.
Durability
Rattan is known for its durability and ability to withstand heavy use. So if you’re asking, “Is rattan good for outdoor furniture?” the answer is “yes.” It’s a preferred material for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
How durable is rattan furniture? Very (it can last up to 10 years in some cases), but to keep it in good condition, you’ll have to do periodic maintenance to prevent drying out and cracking. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling can extend its lifespan too.
Yes, rattan can be used for outdoor areas since it’s durable. But prolonged exposure to moisture can cause it to rot, so make sure it’s either in covered areas or indoors.
Is wicker good for outdoor furniture? Well, natural wicker is less durable in wet conditions, while some synthetic wicker is specifically designed to withstand the elements. You can expect it to last between five to 20 years, depending on the materials and conditions your pieces are stored in.
So how durable is wicker outdoor furniture? It can be pretty durable, but natural wicker needs more care from excessive moisture and sunlight. On the other hand, synthetic wicker is low-maintenance; it needs only occasional cleaning.
Natural materials are better used indoors or in sheltered outdoor spaces. For your patio, you should use synthetic resin wicker weaves, as it’s highly weather-resistant.
Comfort and Flexibility
Rattan furniture is generally comfortable, but you can enhance that with cushions. Because rattan has a solid structure, this supports ergonomic designs, meaning you won’t have a sore body.
In addition, consider that rattan’s flexible enough to be bent and shaped into various forms while retaining its strength. This makes it excellent for a wide range of furniture styles. Admittedly, the material’s rigidity (compared to wicker) means there are some design limitations.
On the other hand, wicker furniture often has a bit of natural give due to the weaving technique, which can boost comfort. As with rattan seating, you can add cushions for a dreamier time.
What’s great about wicker’s weaving process is that it allows for creative and intricate designs, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Since it’s so flexible, you’ll find many detailed patterns and textures to choose from.
Weight and Portability
Rattan sofas and chairs tend to be heavier; rattan palm is sturdily solid. This is nice if you live somewhere windy, as your pieces won’t blow over.
However, if you’re whimsical and love rearranging your furniture, rattan will give you quite the workout. It’s either you exercise your biceps, or you accept that rattan isn’t very portable and leave your pieces where they are for good.
Those with a capricious nature will find a much easier time with other wicker furniture. Synthetic materials are typically lighter, and therefore, easier to move. This makes wicker ideal for spaces where furniture needs to be moved or reconfigured frequently.
Home Decor Trends
At the end of 2023, 64% of global consumers said they were worried about sustainability. Considering that sustainability will remain a priority for consumers, you can bet that rattan will remain popular. It’s both natural and eco-friendly!
In addition, rattan’s often used in bohemian and coastal decor styles since it’s organic and relaxed looking. This, plus the fact that the combination of rattan, metal, and glass is trending, means you won’t have to worry about your pieces going out of style.
Wicker is very versatile, which allows it to fit into various decor styles, from rustic to modern, and it’s used for accent pieces such as baskets, lampshades, and mirrors. It’s also a staple of outdoor living spaces since it’s durable and easy to maintain. So you won’t have to worry about it going out of style either.
Cost and Availability
In general, rattan furnishings are on the more expensive side when compared to other outdoor furniture materials, but that’s because it’s durable and made of high-quality materials. Plus, the cost reflects the craftsmanship involved in shaping and finishing the solid rattan stems.
It may be difficult to find authentic rattan furniture in comparison to synthetic options. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of purchasing from specialized retailers or importers, then this may not be the type of furniture for you.
Wicker furniture can vary widely in cost. Natural wicker is usually similarly priced to rattan, but its synthetic versions can be less expensive since they’re mass-produced and have lower material costs.
Shopping for wicker furniture is a cinch too. It’s widely available in many home and garden stores, especially synthetic wicker. This makes it a super-convenient option for the lazier homeowner.
Environmental Impact of Rattan vs Wicker
Rattan is considered an environmentally friendly material if harvested sustainably. Typically, rattan grows very quickly, and to harvest it, you don’t need to cut down entire trees. This promotes sustainable forestry practices.
In addition, rattan is a natural substance. This makes it biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact.
As with many of the other topics in this article, the environmental impact of wicker depends on the specific material you’re looking at. In general, natural wicker has similar sustainability benefits as rattan.
However, synthetic wicker is typically made from plastic, so it has a higher environmental impact due to the use of fossil fuels and potential pollution. It also isn’t biodegradable, although some types can be recycled. If you don’t manage the disposal of these synthetic materials properly though, they’ll definitely contribute to landfill waste.
How to Choose Between Rattan or Wicker
After all that information, your head’s probably swimming. Here’s a short yet useful section to help you decide which you should pick.
Rattan is generally better for indoor spaces, while synthetic wicker is best for outdoor spaces or high-durability needs. Also, if you’re too lazy to keep up with maintenance, then you should opt for the synthetic version. But if you’re willing to put in the work, then natural rattan will pay off.
Otherwise, consider your personal style and existing decor. Rattan is more traditional and natural looking, while wicker is versatile and can work in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Know the Difference
If there’s anything you’ve learned from this post on rattan vs wicker, it’s that the former is a material while the latter is a technique.
There are other key differences between the two too, which you can use to make a better-informed decision on your purchases. By taking the above information into account, not only will you make the best decision for your wallet, but you’ll also choose gorgeous furniture that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.
If you’d like to pick up beautiful pieces for your home, then check out our wicker patio furniture! Our all-weather woven collections are designed to stand up to the elements and look great for years.
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