So, Rattan and Wicker are two names that keep popping up together, leading people to believe they are the same. When most people see the names, they think they are the same and go about their business. The truth is that wicker and rattan are not interchangeable. In reality, these two names are different and don't share the same meaning. Well, what are they, in this blog we will address this question and give you an in-depth breakdown o what the differences between the two are. Follow through for more information.
We will cover what each of the two terms means, as well as an in-depth guide on the application of both Rattan and Wicker, follow through for more information.
Pretty simple questions to answer however the answers will not disappoint, the various points we will cover will give you a better understanding of what both Rattan and Wicker are and will help you make a decision on whether to buy Rattan furniture or not.
What is Wicker
Wicker is a weave design that is widely used in baskets and furniture. Wicker, which dates back to Ancient Egypt, is a method that has been passed down through the ages and is still used in modern furniture design. Wicker furniture dating back to 3,000 B.C. has been unearthed by scientists and archaeologists. Wicker baskets, crates, seats, and chests have been discovered in the tombs of affluent pharaohs. The weave's attraction is distinct and equally imaginative.
Wicker weaving has had a renaissance in the last century as a result of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which began in the early 1900s. Many people have worked to keep this talent alive by holding weaving workshops and increasing awareness about this treasured kind of weaving. Wicker is popular in antique and old items, but it also has current applications. Wicker can be created from woven fibers or, more recently, synthetic resins have been used to create wicker weaves.
Natural wicker is well-known for its strength and longevity, as well as the high level of beauty and comfort that a skilled craftsperson can achieve. Any portion of a plant, such as the cores of cane or rattan stalks, or entire thicknesses of plants, such as willow switches, can be employed. Reed and bamboo are two more prominent materials. Natural wicker requires upkeep to stay in good condition. Read our other blog on how to take care of your Wicker furniture (Link to the furniture care blog).
Wicker Craft
Many basketry techniques are employed in the construction of wicker furniture. Weave structures are made up of spokes, or vertical supports, and weavers, or horizontal strands. Reed, one of the most frequent materials used in wicker furniture, must be soaked in warm water before it can be molded or made malleable. The thickness of the material determines how long it must soak before being utilized to make the weave pattern for a specific piece.
Because of the individual nature and antiquity of wicker handicrafts, a range of weave variants have been used to produce unique patterns. The most common weave is the simple over-and-under, which is comparable to rug weaving. This method entails going over one spoke and under the next. Along the edges, the weave will most likely shift to a braiding pattern, intertwining two to four strands at a time.
What is Rattan
Rattan is a material that is commonly used in wicker weaves. Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like species endemic to Australia, Asia, and Africa's tropical climates. The skin is taken away and used for weaving in the production process. Often, the core is not wasted and is used to make various sorts of furniture.
Rattan, which has over 600 different species, is a tough fibrous plant that is comparable to bamboo. Because it is lightweight, robust, flexible, and appealing, rattan has been utilized for furniture. While the attractiveness of these strands has created a strong demand, the plants' sustainability has been called into question. Rattan stalks cannot regenerate if they are cut prematurely. For more information on Rattan, read through our other blog where we go over the various different types of Rattan (Link to our Rattan types blog)
So, in the UK, Synthetic Rattan or Rattan Effect are used to referring to the same materials, but both are commonly referred to as rattan. PVC, PU, and PE are the most popular materials used to make synthetic rattan. The grade of these materials varies, with PE being the finest quality, lasting the longest, and requiring the least care. The synthetic rattan/rattan effect is well-known for its weatherproof properties, such as resistance to UV radiation and moist environments.
All rattan furniture is woven around a frame, with the vertical strands stapled to the frame first, and then the horizontal strands braided to provide the rich finish observed in high-quality rattan furniture. Because all rattan furniture is handwoven, each piece is unique, and there will always be subtle variations between articles. To prevent rust and corrosion, top-quality rattan furniture will be weaved around a powder-coated, aluminum frame to suit the UK's climate.
We recommend synthetic rattan furniture made of PE materials, weaved around a powder-coated aluminum frame, wherever you are in the world. Using this technique and material, you may be certain of a long-lasting, solid piece of furniture that will not fade when exposed to sunshine, is resistant to dampness, rust, and corrosion, and is unlikely to unravel. Wicker furniture has many of these amazing attributes as well, but we believe that only wicker furniture built with synthetic rattan components can compete with woven rattan in terms of strength and longevity.
Conclusion
We hope that this information aids you in making an informed selection while purchasing rattan garden furniture. If you require any additional information, please contact any member of our staff who would be pleased to assist you.
Visit - www.rattancity.co.uk for more
Email - info@rattancity.co.uk - Got questions, we are here to support
Phone - 0333 533 0020
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