Rattan vs Wicker
Furniture is made from a variety of materials, with wood being the most popular. Other materials used include wrought iron, concrete, and aluminum. Sometimes, materials such as rattan and wicker can be confusing due to their similar appearance.
What is Rattan?
Rattan refers to around 600 species of palms in the tribe Calameae. Native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australasia, rattan has slender stems of about 2-5 cm diameter, which resemble vines more than trees. Indonesia is home to about 70% of the world’s rattan population, while the rest can be found in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, and Bangladesh.
Rattan is commonly used for making furniture. The raw rattan is peeled, and the strand obtained is used as weaving material. The core of the rattan reed can be used for making other parts of the furniture. Its flexibility allows it to be easily woven into various shapes, while its lightweight and durable nature makes it ideal for outdoor use. Rattan is also used for weaving baskets, providing shelter, and making handicrafts and arts.
What is Wicker?
Wicker is a woven fiber often used in making furniture and other materials. It is typically obtained from plant sources such as the core of cane or rattan stalks, bamboo, or reed. However, today, plastic fiber is also used to produce wicker material in the form of plastic, resin, or paper-wrapped high tensile wire, while the frame can be made with aluminum or other materials.
Wicker dates back to ancient Greece, where furniture and household products were made from indigenous reed and swamp grasses. Today, wicker is a popular material for producing patio or porch furniture such as chairs, benches, stools, or other seats where the frame is made of stiffer materials and the seating and backing area are woven out of wicker. Natural wicker is a popular choice for its strength, durability, elegance in appearance, and comfort.
What is the difference between Rattan and Wicker?
While rattan and wicker may look similar, there are some major distinctions between them:
• Rattan is obtained from a jungle vine native to Asian countries, while wicker is obtained from the core of cane or rattan stalks, bamboo, or reed.
• Rattan is a material, while wicker refers to a specific type of weaving or products made with that particular type of weaving.
• A rattan chair is made from rattan material, but a wicker chair can be made from a variety of materials.
• Rattan is a natural material, while wicker can be synthetically produced.
Key Takeaways
- Rattan is a material obtained from a jungle vine native to Asian countries, while wicker is a weaving technique that can be made from a variety of materials.
- Rattan is flexible, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, while wicker is popular for patio or porch furniture due to its strength and elegance.
- While rattan is always a natural material, wicker can be both natural or synthetically produced.
