First of all, we would like to tell you that wicker is not a material but a weaving style or method. So far, many people still misunderstand the concept of wicker for they think wicker is a rattan material in furniture making industry. However, wicker and rattan are completely two different things. The history of wicker furniture can date back to around 5000 years ago. Nowadays, wicker furniture is so popular that you can see it everywhere - both residential and commercial, such as gardens, patios, balconies, restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, etc.
Wicker can be made of many different raw materials including natural and synthetic. Traditionally, wicker is made of natural plants like rattan, reed, bamboo, willow, etc. However, in order to enhance the practicality of outdoor furniture, various synthetic materials are increasingly used. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are widely used in furniture manufacturing. In particular, plastic rattan, also called synthetic rattan or resin rattan, has been a dominant raw material for wicker furniture.
Thus, for outdoor furniture making, which wicker material is better - natural plant or synthetic rattan? As a professional outdoor furniture material manufacturer, we will give you the answer in the following passages.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Material For Outdoor Wicker Furniture
When you shop for wicker material for outdoor furniture, there are a few aspects that you need to consider. Let’s see which material can make more durable outdoor furniture.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor furniture is used to serve people in most outdoor conditions, so the material must be weather-resistant enough. Synthetic rattan is made from 100% plastic, mostly polyethylene. It is not prone to weather threats like rain, UV, moisture, wind, etc. The plastic coating on the surface prevents the synthetic rattan material from water and sunlight. Even when you left synthetic wicker outside all year round, it won’t fade or grow mildew.However, the original plants like reed, rattan, or bamboo are not waterproof. When they are exposed to long-term moisture and sun heat, they will grow mildew, fade, and even go brittle.
Appearance & Style
Wicker furniture can be perfectly used to add aesthetic value to both residential and commercial areas. Therefore, the appearance of wicker material should be elegant and exquisite enough to bring a sense of beauty.Original plants grow with beautiful colors, shapes, and patterns, which can create a sense of nature and leisure. What’s more, natural rattan and bamboo can be painted in different colors to make stylish wicker for outdoor furniture. However, it is hard to modify the shapes and patterns of the original plants if you want other specific styles. In this case, you can go for synthetic resin wicker.
Synthetic wicker is made of man-made rattan strips, which are designed to look like natural plants like rattan, reed, and bamboo. What’s more, different colors, patterns, and shapes can be made to meet the requirements of various outdoor furniture. If you prefer custom styles, synthetic rattan wicker is the right choice.
Cleaning & Maintenance
A good outdoor furniture material should be easy to clean and maintain. Natural wicker requires specific maintenance because it is 100% waterproof and weatherproof. It can easily grow mildew and become brittle when it is under constant moisture and sunlight. Especially, when the natural wicker gets stained, it is difficult to clean off.Compared to the natural wicker, synthetic does not need special care because it is not 100% waterproof and not prone to weather elements. What’s more, synthetic wicker is washable with water. Stains on the synthetic wicker can be easily cleaned off by wiping them with water.
Eco-friendly & Healthy
Natural wicker possibly attracts bugs and worms when it is used in outdoor furniture. What’s more, natural wicker is not environmentally-friendly because natural resources are consumed during the manufacturing process.The synthetic wicker material is made of high-performance polymer so it won’t attract bugs. Moreover, there are no original plants used in the manufacturing process so it is also eco-friendly.
Synthetic Rattan Is Better For Wicker Furniture
Nowadays, 90% of wicker furniture on the market is made of synthetic rattan wicker. Undoubtedly, synthetic rattan material is an ideal alternative to the original wicker material. The quality of synthetic rattan varies from the manufacturer. Leisure Touch Rattan, a professional plastic rattan manufacturer with more than 25 years of experience, is your ideal option.
