How Rattan Furniture is Made

Written by: Wicker Paradise

Summary: Rattan furniture making involves a strong weave, a light frame and a resin finish.

Rattan furniture has the timeless appeal of glitzy hotel furniture, like something out of the distant past. Rattan is in the same family as wicker, and it’s a material used in furniture and basket making. It was first used to produce furniture during the early part of the 20^th century, where intrepid furniture makers found use for a material dredged up from Southeast Asian seas. Today, rattan furniture making is a commercial enterprise. Here is how rattan is made.

Weaving

The weave used in rattan wicker furniture sets is typically tightly woven around the frame. This is to provide support, and to carry weight. The material is surprisingly durable and flexible. That makes it perfect to absorb the weight of someone sitting down. The weave also stands up well to the prolonged stress of weigh being placed onto it.

Framing

The framing for rattan furniture is made of aluminum typically, although wood is occasionally used. Sunroom furniture faces the elements day in and day out, so it has to have a frame that will last. Aluminum frames are powder dusted, so they resist rust and handle wet conditions well.

Finishing

The finish on rattan is resin-based, usually to keep colors vibrant. The resin also has the added benefit of protecting the fibers from wet conditions. With all of the extra finish work, wicker is resilient but not invincible. You should consider storing your wicker furniture throughout the colder parts of the year to maintain the luster of your new furniture.