Article by steve
The various myths and terms that have arisen around the subject of rattan outdoor furniture can undoubtedly be very confusing to many buyers.
 
For example, many people wrongly see rattan furniture as overly expensive relative to its quality, not realising it is likely to outlast the usual alternative furniture options by many years. Others may confuse natural and synthetic rattan furniture, perhaps presuming that the latter type of rattan furniture is damage-prone or vulnerable to the elements, when the exact opposite is usually the case.
 
Another area of confusion concerns the distinction between wicker, cane and rattan furniture. Contrary to what you may have read or presumed, these terms don’t all mean exactly the same thing, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the differences to ensure you don’t misunderstand them.
 
So, how do rattan, wicker and cane differ?
 
The term ‘wicker’ refers to a process by which furniture can be made – namely, weaving – as well as the finished woven furniture that results from this process. ‘Rattan’ and ‘cane’, meanwhile, are the materials themselves, meaning that when one refers to ‘rattan furniture’ or ‘cane furniture’, they are referring to types of wicker furniture.
 
Rattan and cane aren’t the only types of wicker furniture, of course, with other materials frequently used including willow, straw, bamboo and rush. This is why the different terms cannot be used interchangeably if you are to find the perfect wicker furniture for both indoor and outdoor living.
 
It is also common for people to be confused about the differences between rattan and cane. Rattan is a vine-like climbing plant from the palm family that originated from Southeast Asia and is known for its astounding strength when used in furniture. Cane, meanwhile, is the material that comes from the rattan stalk’s outer skin.
 
Cane vs caning vs caned
 
As if all of that wasn’t confusing enough, ‘caning’ is a distinct method of weaving furniture that differs from wicker. That’s because the term ‘wicker’ refers to the weaving of any number or combination of materials, whereas ‘caning’ is specifically the craft of applying rattan cane or rattan peel to a piece of furniture.
 
With all of these different terms often being misused even by furniture suppliers, it’s no surprise that many people steer clear of cane, wicker or rattan furniture altogether, for fear of inadvertently buying furniture that does not meet their needs.
 
When in doubt, search for ‘rattan outdoor furniture’
 
Thankfully, there’s an easy way to cut through the confusion and ensure you purchase the furniture that best suits your needs, whether you are an individual homeowner or run a hotel or similar larger establishment: searching specifically for ‘rattan outdoor furniture’.
 
You see, traditional rattan furniture is extremely susceptible to damage when exposed to adverse weather conditions, to such an extent that most stores now advertising ‘rattan furniture’ now focus squarely on synthetic rattan furniture. This type of rattan furniture is weaved in the same way as natural rattan furniture and offers much the same appearance, comfort and durability, but will last for far longer, even in the most punishing outdoor conditions.
 
Search for ‘wicker furniture’ or ‘cane furniture’, meanwhile, and there’s still that risk of ending up with furniture that is made from any of the aforementioned natural materials and therefore lacks the UV and weather resistance and all-round longevity required for outdoor living.
 
Hotels, for instance, have long adored dedicated outdoor rattan furniture because it combines a pleasingly ‘natural’ appearance with the latest developments that will keep them looking that way for many years to come. So, why not select from our extensive range of rattan outdoor furniture here at Skyline Design now to take advantage of our considerable know-how in rattan sofas, dining sets, corner sofas, lounges and more?
