Wicker and rattan furniture have earned a prominent place in gardens because of their natural, handcrafted style. Although they are often confused, they actually come from different plants and have several differences in terms of strength, texture, uses and durability.
So, choosing between wicker or rattan furniture depends not only on the aesthetic aspect, but also on the use you are going to make of it, especially if you want to use it for your sofas, chairs and outdoor dining tables.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll tell you about the main characteristics of both materials and talk about which one is more resistant to the elements. In addition, we will also give you a third material option for your garden furniture that is worth considering.
First of all, let’s take a look at how the two materials are similar. Both wicker and rattan are two natural materials that share common characteristics.
Both come from plants that grow in tropical and subtropical areas and have been used for centuries in the manufacture of furniture and decorative objects thanks to their flexibility, strength and lightness. They also share a great ability to be moulded into different shapes, which makes them versatile and adaptable.
In addition, wicker and rattan give spaces a warm, natural and timeless style, perfect for creating cosy and relaxed atmospheres. This furniture is widely used in all types of outdoor spaces, from private gardens to hotel terraces.
But despite their commonalities, these materials also have several aspects that distinguish them. In the following, let’s see what the difference between rattan and wicker is.
Wicker comes mainly from a shrub of the willow family called Salix viminalis that grows in temperate areas of America, Europe and Asia, whose long, flexible branches are ideal for hand weaving.
Rattan, on the other hand, is obtained from climbing plants that grow in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, in countries such as Indonesia, China or the Philippines, and some areas of West Africa. Its stems are thicker and stronger, perfect for outdoor furniture.
Another difference between rattan and wicker is their look and finish. Rattan tends to be thinner and lighter, with a rough, natural finish and a beige or light brown colour. Rattan, on the other hand, has a thicker and stiffer stem, with a natural colour ranging from pale yellow to dark brown.
Of course, there are also models in other shades so that you can mix and match different coloured furniture and give your garden the style you prefer.
Although it needs maintenance if used outdoors, rattan is more durable and resistant than wicker, especially to moisture and wear and tear.
On the other hand, wicker is more delicate and sensitive to weathering, as it tends to deteriorate with humidity and exposure to the sun, making it more suitable for indoor use or protected spaces.
As we will see below, there is a third option that is more suitable for outdoors and requires little maintenance and care.
Although both plants have a considerable length, this differs due to their different origins. Wicker, which comes from willow branches, has a shorter and more flexible length of no more than two metres. Rattan, on the other hand, has longer stems, which can reach several metres.
Another difference between wicker and rattan is their flexibility. In this respect, wicker is very easy to malleable due to the thinness of its branches, so it is easy to use it to create objects with curved shapes and delicate details.
Rattan, on the other hand, is more rigid and resistant, although it retains a certain flexibility to bend without breaking. To mould it better, it needs to be moistened, which makes for solid and durable furniture, but less likely to have elaborate shapes.
Although both are used in furniture making and decoration, wicker is more often used in ornaments and light furniture for interiors. It is very popular in handcrafted decoration and in objects that do not require great resistance.
On the other hand, rattan is commonly used in garden furniture, chairs, sofas and structures that need more strength and ability to withstand continuous use and outdoor conditions.
If you are wondering which is more expensive: rattan or wicker, the answer is that rattan furniture tends to be somewhat more expensive than wicker furniture, due to the greater need for transport and its durability. On the other hand, the price of wicker furniture can vary depending on the materials used and the quality of craftsmanship.
At this point, you may be wondering which is better: rattan or wicker. As we have seen throughout the post, natural rattan is more resistant than wicker, thanks to the hardness of its stems, withstanding humidity and wear and tear better.
However, the truth is that both materials can suffer damage if exposed to rain, direct sun or sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, to prolong their useful life, it is necessary to cover or store them, as well as to clean them carefully with suitable products.
In general, natural rattan is more suitable than wicker for outdoor use, but neither of them is the best alternative if you don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for your garden furniture.
To solve these limitations, synthetic rattan emerges as a functional, aesthetic and economical alternative for your outdoor furniture. It is a material made of plastic fibres, generally polyethylene resins, which imitate the appearance of natural rattan but with a much greater durability, as well as a high resistance to water, the sun’s rays and extreme temperatures.
Thanks to these characteristics, it does not require so much care and maintenance, as it is easy to clean with a damp cloth and does not crack or deform over time. In addition, it is available in a multitude of models and colours, often in combination with other materials.
Because of its combination of aesthetics and functionality, polyrattan or synthetic rattan is the most practical solution for those who are looking for garden furniture that will last for a long time without losing its good looks.
That is why at Home Zentrum we are specialists in this type of material, offering you a wide variety of outdoor furniture of the highest quality. Consult our catalogue and enjoy your garden without worries for many years to come.
