Rattan Furniture, How It's Made

There are around six hundred species of palm, growing in tropical regions of Asia, Australasia and Africa that are used to produce what we call rattan. They are fast-growing vine-like plants and they have been known to reach hundreds of feet in length.

The vines are harvested by local loggers and the rattan is used in the manufacture of furniture and baskets, among other things. The process for collecting the rattan is much easier and quicker than it would be to harvest trees, and the impact on the environment is much less, and the plants quickly re-establish themselves and grow back.

It is believed the use of rattan will greatly minimise the effects of de-forestation in tropical woodland, and this benefits the indigenous people of the region, as they are still employed to cut the rattan but their habitat is preserved.

Once harvested, the skin is peeled from the rattan strand and this is used as weaving material. The inner part is used in other areas of furniture making, often in wicker items.

Rattan is a strong and durable material, but once cut it is not suitable for outdoor use without treatment.

Rattan looks great but it cannot be used outdoors, so manufacturers have developed ways of cheating nature. Some treat natural rattan with a strong resin which coats and protects it, so that it can be safely used in the garden.

We have gone one step further and offer rattan garden furniture which is produced using a synthetic substance called Ecolene™ - it has the same gorgeous qualities associated with natural rattan, but it can be produced in a range of colours which will not fade and can be used all-year round in all weathers.

Our rattan garden furniture is also resistant to chlorine, salt, wine and greasy lotions for stress-free enjoyment of your garden. And what's more, it's completely recyclable, making it probably the most environmentally friendly garden furniture on the market, as no vines were harmed in the making of these products!

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