Rattan is a natural product and is on the rise again as a material for furniture, because rattan furniture fits perfectly with a Mediterranean or Asian-inspired interior style. An expert told us in an interview where the stable material comes from and what the differences are in rattan furniture. In the following article he also reveals which criteria should be taken into account when purchasing.
Questions and answers: Everything about rattan furniture
The level of awareness of rat furniture is still relatively low. We spoke to Moritz, the expert fromwww.rattan Möbel.org, who answered some key questions for us on this topic:
DEAVITA editorial team:Where does rattan actually come from and which plant genus does rattan belong to?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org: The rattan palm trees or alsoThe rattan palm, which belong to the Calamus plant genus, mostly grow in tropical areas, for example in southern India or Africa. Their lianas grow up to 200 meters long and have a diameter of up to five centimeters.
Image source: Robert Adrian Hillman – 2339354 / Shutterstock.com
DEAVITA editorial team:What should interested parties pay attention to when purchasing?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:First of all, the question arises as to whether the furniture should be used indoors or outdoors. Poly rattan, which is made from polyethylene, is particularly resistant to external weather influences. This means that wind and, above all, moisture have almost no effect on the artificial braided material. Unprocessed rattan, on the other hand, would not last long outdoors.
DEAVITA editorial team:What is the exact difference between rattan and polyrattan?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:Although they are very similar, the latter is manufactured artificially and is particularly inexpensive to produce. That's why polyrattan furniture is usually offered cheaper than furniture made from real natural fibers.
DEAVITA editorial team:How about caring for this furniture? Easy or complex?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:Both materials are extremely easy to care for. However, since polyrattan is an artificial base material, it has the great advantage over the natural product of being able to withstand somewhat rough conditions and heavy soiling without the material suffering.
Rattan furniture should be lightly moistened regularly with a water sprayer so that the material remains supple. However, the water should not be used too generously because the material tends to become brittle so quickly. Kubu rattan requires a little more maintenance and should be oiled from time to time. The same oil can be used as for the care ofTeak furniturebe used.
Difference between rattan, polyrattan and kabu rattan
DEAVITA editorial team:What is Kubu rattan?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:This is a special shape that can be very fine but also coarse. Although Kubu rattan is also used for garden furniture, it is mostly used for indoor furniture. Because it is important to always store Kubu rattan furniture under one roof. Although Kubu rattan looks very good, it does not tolerate strong sunlight, cold and rain particularly well.
DEAVITA editorial team:Can I weatherproof real rattan?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:This is easily possible. If the product was delivered in its natural state, it can be painted to protect it from external influences. Choosing the right paint plays a crucial role here. This must not become completely solid. It should also have a certain flexibility after drying. Otherwise, cracks may appear in the surface of the paint during use of the furniture. As a result, moisture would seep through and damage the durability of the device.
DEAVITA editorial team:Can damaged furniture be repaired?
Moritz from rattan Möbel.org:Yes, the possibility exists. Anyone can repair damage on their own with a little skill. Doing repairs yourself saves unnecessary repair costs. There is the option of either renewing part of the braid or completely replacing individual rushes. The respective fibers are usually available in specialist retailers in the corresponding colors.
Image source: rodho – 75356974 / Shutterstock.com
Important criteria when purchasing
As mentioned, natural wickerwork can also be used outdoors, but only if it is treated appropriately. However, since this results in considerable additional effort, this is usually not implemented. In addition, painted rattan often no longer looks natural and the natural look is the deciding factor for many people. That's why we recommend buying furniture made of polyrattan for the garden or balcony.
When purchasing, make sure that the pieces of furniture are connected with dowels and glue or wooden tenons. If nails are used, it is to be expected that they will rust. This results in a less attractive discoloration. In order to avoid such cosmetic defects, even in constructions with nails, it is advisable to protect the garden furniture with a cover when not in use.
Infographic: For most customers, an attractive look is more important than a modern color or shape when buying furniture. Where do you recognize yourself? Graphic source: Own illustration
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
• Very low weight compared to furniture made of leather, wood or metal
• Furniture can be moved with little effort
• Rattan is just as stable as wood
• Rattan is durable and elastic
• Rattan is a rapidly renewable raw material; a plant grows back completely within five to seven years, making it a sustainable material
• Rattan can be recycled
• Each piece of furniture is unique because the goods are made by hand
Disadvantages:
• Untreated rattan is not weatherproof
• If rattan is left out in the rain, it will turn gray after a few downpours and become brittle
• Rattan furniture must be covered with protective covers after use
Furniture should always be stored under a roof to protect it from rain.
The qualityrecognize
A long lifespan of rattan furniture is important to many people who want new and high-quality furnitureMöbelausstattung aus Rattaninvest. But how can this quality be recognized?
The closer the mesh and denser the weave, the longer the manufacturer has generally worked on the product. As a result, the piece of furniture is more expensive, but certainly more durable. But the basic material is also crucial. If the material is rough and angular, the fibers on the edges break off more quickly. If, on the other hand, the braided fibers are smooth and round, they cling to each other, give way and break less quickly.
In order to ensure the long-term elasticity of the material, a specific process is used. Liana stems are bent using steam. They are heated by steam to up to 350 degrees Celsius. As a result, they become so soft that they can be bent. Another method of making the material more flexible is implemented with the help of a heat gun. After the liana has cooled, the curved shape is retained in the long term.
Image sources:
Robert Adrian Hillman – 2339354 / Shutterstock.com
rodho – 75356974 / Shutterstock.com
