subject: Varieties Of Wicker Garden Furniture [print this page] Wicker does well in the outdoorsWicker does well in the outdoors. In fact, the material used in several types of wicker furniture is natural and comes from the outdoors. A common fallacy is that wicker is a material. In reality, wicker is really the weaving method used to make the furniture, basket or other object. Wicker garden furniture is made of several types of materials such as reed, willow, cane, bamboo, or man made sythetic plastics. This is a popular type of furniture because of the comfort, style, appeal and durability.
Rattan - This is actually the most widely chosen material to make wicker furniture. The rattan shrub has been used since ancient times. The stalk of the tree if used in the making of the furniture when the outside thorny layer has been removed. Rattan is not only great to look at but is very tough and has a solid foundation. It generally will not splinter, flex or crack and may be colored and stained to provide the perfect look and style.
Reed - This comes from the rattan palm. Reed is an adaptable substance that is used in a variety of dimensions to create weaves, embellishments and spokes. If you remove the outside shiny coating of cane this is where reed is derived. You can stain, paint and polish reed to give it the look and feel that you desire. Be careful not to put too much strain on reed as it can be bent, broken or snapped.
Cane - This also is derived from the rattan plant. It is actually the second coating directly beneath the thorny skin. Cane is frequently used in the creation of wicker garden furniture. If you have some wicker furniture take a look at the joints and weaved seats. There is a good chance that these are made of cane. Typically, it is stitched all over the rattan body. The surface of cane is slick so it does not paint or stain very well.
Bamboo - Bamboo and rattan are very similar in appearance. Some people cannot tell the difference between the two materials. Rattan has a durable central core and a consistent exterior where bamboo has a hollow middle and distinctive black ridges where the leaves were attached. Since the core is hollow bamboo is not as durable as rattan and will break more easily. For this reason, bamboo is not used as much in the creation of wicker furniture.
Despite the differences, you are able to sleep well knowing that if you maintain and look after properly, all of these types of wicker garden furniture will give you years of comfort and style. All of them will give you charm, class and coziness to your back yard.
