In the case of the furniture for outdoor use, there is a wide range of options to meet any taste. But, in recent times it seems that no other style seems to be as popular than furniture made of rattan. Rattan furniture for the outdoor has been recognized as one of the most sought-after trends in designs and decor for outdoor spaces, and you need not go far to find it in gardens and other outdoor places.
Rattan furniture is constructed out of rattan vines, which are tied together to form outdoor furniture that is typically used during the summertime. Rattan is either synthetic or natural.
Natural rattan that comes out of the plant fibers that is related with palms, isn’t suitable for all conditions and will not last for long if exposed to specific conditions. It may be bleached by sunlight and this can alter the color. If natural rattan gets wet by rain, there is possibility that the rainwater is trapped within the weaves and cause mildew or mould to develop.
However synthetic polyethylene rattan sometimes referred to as ‘pe ratstan’, is a synthetic material that is the same appearance and feel that man-made fibres are constructed similarly however it’s more flexible, as it’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The uv-resistant waffle is able to withstand extreme UV exposure and will not fade.
What makes rattan furniture sought-after?
1. Rattan is chic
A rattan armchair is a hit due to the way it appears. The classic weaved rattan pattern instantly identifiable, extremely elegant, and is guaranteed to be stylish for years to be. It perfectly blends country chic with modern minimalism, this design effortlessly adds sophistication to any outdoor or garden space. Rattan furniture sets are often fitted with cushioned seating that allow for personalisation if you wish to play with different colours of fabric. Rattan furniture comes in various colors ranging from greys to browns, blacks, and browns therefore you can choose an item that will match the design of your garden.
2. Rattan is tough
Rattan is renowned for being robust and durable, however the quality of synthetic rattan will depend on the kind of materials you used as well as the place you purchased it from. The cheaper synthetic rattan is less sturdy than rattan that comes from a company that invests in high-quality.
3. Rattan is a light material.
Rattan furniture isn’t as heavy like wooden furniture, making it more maneuverable. While it is lighter, that does not mean it’s less durable than furniture made of hardwood. In contrast to hardwood furniture, which is difficult to move You can easily move through your backyard by playing around with the positioning of your rattan table.
4. It can be used for outdoor and indoor use.
Rattan furniture is renowned as the best option that can be used outdoors. However, many are now bringing their furniture inside to give an edgier style. The amazing material is equally effective indoors with natural colors of black, grey or natural browns, creating an elegant, serene and timeless look.
Conservatories particularly benefit from this style since they’re the main point of entry between your house and the outside. With the fibers of rattan giving a cozy and casual color that you can make the most of the outdoors look even when it’s not as bright as you’d like.
5. It’s a green alternative
Natural rattan comes with a number of green benefits. It’s an organic material, so it can be biodegraded and is also lightweight, that means it leaves less carbon footprint when transporting it from its home in Southeast asia to other regions in the world. There are some concerns about the fact that increased demand for this type of furniture could lead to the over-farming.
Like other synthetics ratstan is recyclable because it’s a thermoplastic material that can be melted and then reformed into a new shape.
6. It’s durable
Synthetic Rattan is weatherproof. With more than 160 rain-free days in the year, UK gardens need to be prepared to handle any weather. Our summers can be filled with heatwaves and rain in just a few hours, so picking the right kind of furniture for your outdoor space can be a major challenge.
Synthetic rattan furniture comes with the advantage of being able of enduring any weather condition such as typical British showers. It is made of substances like plastic and resin, so you don’t need to be concerned about bringing it indoors in the event of extreme weather. This is why it has a greater life span than natural rattan which is more susceptible to sustaining damage due to the elements. If it is taken care of correctly the furniture made of rattan can last for up to 10 years.
Apart from being waterproof the furniture made of resin weave is also resistant to UV radiations, which means you won’t have to see a lot of wear and tear during warmer seasons. Additionally to this, rattan’s extremely premium HDPE shields the furniture from damage from frost and moss growth. This means that you don’t have to bring it inside during winter months as well.
How do you care for rattan?
1. Protect natural rattan from rain and sun
Natural rattan should be kept in the indoors. If you plan to use it outdoors, you should be prepared to store it in a shed when it is not being used. Natural rattan can develop mold if it gets wet. Even if it’s dry sunlight can fade the color. If you’re not keen on taking it inside and out of the shed each day then you could use a furniture cover to protect it. It’s not necessary to worry about this when you’re using the synthetic version.
2. Make sure to clean it as required
Rattan, both synthetic and natural are clean and easy to wash. They can be cleaned using moderate soapy water. To stop water damage from occurring on a natural set clean the set using the suds, then gently wipe it off using an absorbent cloth. Clean up any stains immediately. To reach into the crevices and grooves it is possible to use an older toothbrush. Natural natural rattan needs more maintenance and care because of the possibility of mold.
3. Invest in a security
To get the most from your furniture, you should consider buying covers that provide protection from dust, rain as well as general wear and wear and. With the help of covers, you will have less cleanup after severe weather conditions, and it will help prevent the formation of staining.
4. Clean the cushions frequently
Most furniture pieces made of rattan come with cushions, which require more frequent cleaning frequently than the rattan itself. The majority of cushions and cushion covers are able to be put in the washing machine and then hung to dry, but make sure you read the labels on your set prior to placing it in the washer.
The rattan can be cleaned at least once every few weeks, if it’s not stained, but the cushions will require special attention in the event that they’re looking slightly dirty.