What are Wicker & Rattan?
Rattan and wicker explained.
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What is Wicker?
In fact, there is no product on Earth which is actually called Wicker. It is a word which is widely used to mean almost any type of woven furniture. It can mean cane, rattan, water hyacinth, or almost any material you want it to. On our website, we use the word to describe many items and they are usually made of woven Natural Rattan, Synthetic Rattan or Water Hyacinth.
So, it is a term which is widely recognised but technically incorrect.
So why do we still use the word Wicker? Honestly? Because it helps our search ratings. Everyone understands what Wicker is but nobody would dream of searching for Water Hyacinth. If we only described it as Water Hyacinth, nobody would ever find our website and they would miss out on a whole range of fantastic products.
What is Rattan?
Natural Rattan is a fast-growing, climbing palm from South East Asia, similar to a vine. It is incredibly strong and flexible, making it one of the best materials for weaving. It is extremely durable and can withstand very high temperatures so it's ideal for use in conservatories. However, it is not weatherproof and is not for outdoor use.
What is Water Hyacinth?
It is an aquatic plant, originally from South America but now found in many parts of the world. In most countries, it is considered to be a very problematic weed. However, in parts of Asia they have discovered that it can be harvested and used for a variety of purposes including weaving. This solves two problems in one go; how to get rid of a troublesome weed, and how to find a strong, renewable source of materials for the furniture industry.
It is a natural, untreated, hand made product and will absorb moisture. It can withstand heat and is ideal for conservatories and sun rooms but is unsuitable for outdoor use.