Rattan Outdoor Furniture has become immensely popular these last few years becoming the number one choice for many people. Due to it’s durability, good looks and low maintenance it is easy to see why it has become so popular. There is sometimes confusion between rattan outdoor furniture and rattan furniture, and in in this article I will explain the differences as to eliminate any misunderstandings you may have.
Rattan furniture which in some countries such as Australia is also called cane furniture. Rattan itself is a palm tree climbing variety which is mostly found in South East Asia, mainly in Indonesia. For it’s weight it is one of the strongest woods around and has the ability to be shaped in a variety of way’s using heat. This makes it a popular choice for furniture designers and is an art that has been mastered by the Indonesian’s.
What is important to note here is that rattan furniture is an indoor product and should not be used outdoors. For an outdoor setting it is imperative that you choose Rattan Outdoor Furniture which is designed to handle the elements.
Also known as rattan garden furniture or synthetic rattan, it is actually a poly ethylene material which looks almost identical to the natural rattan product. It has the same ability to be woven so that unique designs can be created to give the natural beauty associated with rattan furniture. The furniture is considered to be of high quality if stabilizers and UV inhibiters are added to the product so that it’s durability against the elements is maintained. This higher quality product should last for many years and will retain it’s good looks with very little maintenance.
Either of the rattan products described above actually require very little maintenance. For the indoor natural rattan products a wipe with a damp cloth or a brush with a vacuum cleaner is all that is required. The same is all that is required for Rattan Outdoor Furniture however there is one piece of advice that will help keep it looking great and extend it’s life for many years.
There is one primary factor which causes rattan furniture to deteriorate and it usually always occurs on pieces that have not been treated with UV inhibitors. Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes the rattan to crack allowing moisture to get inside, after some time cracking and splitting will occur. In order to prevent this from happening it is recommended to have protective covers to put over your furniture when they are not being used. This will not only protect the Rattan Outdoor Furniture but will stop the cushion covers from fading.
