We Know: How to Buy Wicker and Rattan Furniture

What is Rattan?

Rattan is a type of palm tree that reaches over 100 feet. It grows in the Asian jungles. Wicker furniture is made from poles from the rattan tree, so the names rattan and wicker are often used interchangeably.

How is wicker furniture made?

The rattan poles are cut down and inspected. If they are determined to be of good quality, the rattan poles are used to make the structure and other elements of wicker furniture. This part of the process is often done in Indonesia and the Philippines. These frames are shipped to United States manufacturers. These manufacturers finish the construction, which includes sanding, torching to remove fine hairs, adding trim, and support like the seats and backs of the furniture.

How can I tell high quality from low quality wicker furniture?

Higher quality wicker furnishings will cost more. The more expensive pieces will have better processing, which includes a smoother, cleaner finish, and will be far more comfortable. Sitting in a higher quality wicker or rattan item will reveal an ergonomically correct seat depth and pitch.

Lower quality wicker furnishings will be more rustic in appearance and less expensive. It will very likely have a hard seat, unlike the full suspension seat available in the higher quality pieces.

Can all wicker furniture be used both inside and outside?

While all wicker furniture can be used inside, not all items can be used outside. The manufacturer's labels should designate if the furniture has been specially treated for outdoor use. The items that are not treated will deteriorate within two years.

How can I get high quality wicker furniture at discount prices?

To purchase high quality wicker furniture at discount prices you must be very patient.

  • You can wait until the end of season sales in the late summer.
  • You can frequent places that sell global and Indonesian style furniture, which will allow you to figure out the markdown schedule. Many stores will markdown-unsold items after they have been in inventory for a specified period, and will continuously markdown the item at certain time increments. By visiting, store with the items you like, you will become aware of this markdown schedule, and be able to grab one of the last pieces at the lowest possible price.
  • You can do online comparison-shopping for closeouts and auctioned pieces.


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