Wicker and rattan are two terms that commonly are confused and very often used interchangeably. This makes it difficult to understand whether these words have the same meaning or not. To clear up all of the confusion, wicker and rattan are not the same. In fact, these two terms refer to completely different things.
is a style of weave whereas rattan is a material. You have probably heard the two used together because it is common to see wicker rattan weaves; meaning a design that uses rattan in a wicker weave. One describes the product(rattan) while the other describes the actual process(wicker) that is followed to make it.
Wicker can be made out of woven fibers or more recently, wicker weaves have been created using synthetic resins.
Rattan is a type of material that is used in wicker weaves. Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, and Africa. For production use, the skin is peeled away and utilized for weaving purposes. Oftentimes, the core is not wasted and finds use for different types of furniture.
Fun Fact: Rattan can be made into artificial bones. Rattan has a physical structure that is similar to that of natural human bones.
Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture is all hand-woven, making the quality impeccable and incredibly durable. Synthetic wicker materials give the same appearance as natural rattan fibers but they last much better outside. For this reason, polyethylene wicker is great for outdoor furniture because of its ability to withstand the elements of mother nature.
is a style of weave whereas rattan is a material. You have probably heard the two used together because it is common to see wicker rattan weaves; meaning a design that uses rattan in a wicker weave. One describes the product(rattan) while the other describes the actual process(wicker) that is followed to make it.
Wicker can be made out of woven fibers or more recently, wicker weaves have been created using synthetic resins.
Rattan is a type of material that is used in wicker weaves. Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, and Africa. For production use, the skin is peeled away and utilized for weaving purposes. Oftentimes, the core is not wasted and finds use for different types of furniture.
Fun Fact: Rattan can be made into artificial bones. Rattan has a physical structure that is similar to that of natural human bones.
Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture is all hand-woven, making the quality impeccable and incredibly durable. Synthetic wicker materials give the same appearance as natural rattan fibers but they last much better outside. For this reason, polyethylene wicker is great for outdoor furniture because of its ability to withstand the elements of mother nature.