Are you looking for new garden furniture and torn between wicker and rattan? Then you've come to the right place! These two materials might sound like exotic terms, but they're both super popular and each have their own unique charm. In this blog post, we'll take you through the world of wicker and rattan, so you can make the right choice for your garden with full confidence. Want to know which material is not only a feast for the eyes, but also fits perfectly with your outdoor lifestyle? Read on quickly and discover which type of garden set suits your needs!
What is the difference between wicker and rattan?
Wicker looks very similar to natural rattan, but has a few important advantages. Although wicker is made of plastic strands, it is, just like rattan, hand-woven around the garden furniture. This gives it the same beautiful, artisanal appearance as rattan, but with added benefits.
Wicker is much more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for use in the garden. Moreover, it's super low-maintenance: you only need to keep it clean and no additional treatments are required.
This material is extremely durable, which means a garden set made of plastic rattan will last for years. And with the many available colours, you can choose a natural shade that is barely distinguishable from real rattan. So you get the authentic look of rattan with the benefits of plastic!
Curious to know what wicker is? Read this full explanation!
The differences between rattan, bamboo and reed
Apart from wood, there are many other natural materials that can give your interior or garden furniture a unique appearance. Think, for example, of reed, bamboo and rattan! These versatile materials not only bring a touch of nature into your home, but also create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Below you'll find information about these 3 materials.
What is rattan?
Rattan is a versatile natural material that comes from the rattan palm, a climbing plant that grows mainly in the tropical rainforests of Asia. What makes rattan so special is the combination of strength and flexibility. The stems of the rattan palm can be split, bent and woven, allowing beautiful, durable furniture to be made from it. From chairs to tables and decorative baskets, rattan exudes a natural elegance that fits perfectly in both modern and classic outdoor spaces. Moreover, rattan is lightweight, making it ideal for garden furniture that you can easily move around. Another major advantage of rattan is that it is an ecologically responsible material, since it grows quickly and has relatively little environmental impact when harvested. In short, with rattan you bring a piece of nature into your home that is both stylish and functional.
What is bamboo?
Bamboo is one of the most versatile and sustainable natural materials available. It's actually a type of grass, but a very special one: bamboo grows extremely fast and can reach up to 30 metres high within a few months! This makes it an extremely environmentally friendly choice for all kinds of applications, from household items to garden furniture.
What makes bamboo so attractive is not only its sustainability, but also the combination of strength and flexibility. Bamboo is strong enough to support heavy loads, yet light in weight, making it easy to move. The natural appearance of bamboo with its characteristic knots and colour variations adds a rustic, exotic touch to any space, whether indoors or outdoors.
In addition, bamboo is naturally resistant to moisture and insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. Whether you choose a bamboo table, chairs or even decorative elements, you bring with bamboo a piece of nature into your garden or home that not only looks good, but will also last a long time.
What is reed?
Reed is a natural material that has been used for centuries to make various household items and furniture. It grows in damp environments, such as marshes and along water banks, and is known for its flexibility and resilience. Because of these properties, reed can easily be woven into sturdy and attractive structures, making it ideal for furniture such as chairs, baskets, and decorative elements.
What's unique about reed is the warm, natural appearance it brings with it. Reed has a light, honey-like colour that adds a rustic charm to any interior or exterior. Because reed is both light and strong, reed furniture is easy to move and yet robust enough to last for years.
In addition, reed is a sustainable material. It grows quickly and can be harvested without completely destroying the plant, making it an environmentally friendly choice. With reed you bring a piece of nature into your home or garden that is not only functional, but also exudes a timeless aesthetic.
Maintenance of rattan
Plastic rattan, also known as poly rattan, is one of the most low-maintenance materials for garden furniture, and that's precisely why it's so popular. Unlike natural materials, you don't need to worry about painting, varnishing or staining. All you need to do to keep your garden set looking fresh and clean is to wipe it over occasionally with some soft soap. This prevents dirt and grease from building up in the material.
After a quick clean with a soap solution, simply rinse the garden set with water. Let it dry in the sun or wind afterwards – it's that easy! For stubborn stains, there are special cleaners that are safe for wicker, with which you can get the weave looking like new again. For this, use a soft cloth and possibly a soft brush to remove dirt or crumbs from the crevices.
One thing to keep in mind: avoid using high-pressure cleaners or aggressive cleaning products on your poly rattan garden set. These can cause hairline cracks in the plastic, making it easier for dirt to stick and your garden set harder to clean. With the right care and a bit of attention, however, your plastic rattan garden set will remain in top condition for years to come.
Weather resistance
Plastic rattan, or poly rattan, is a material known for its durability and weather resistance. You can safely leave your garden set made of this material outside all year round. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause discolouration over time. Although manufacturers often apply a special UV coating to reduce this effect, it's smart to take extra steps to keep your garden set looking better for longer.
Want your plastic rattan garden set to remain in top shape for years? Then consider storing it indoors during the winter months or covering it with a good protective cover. If you opt for a protective cover, make sure there is adequate ventilation. This prevents moisture from remaining under the cover, which could damage the material. With these simple precautions, you'll enjoy your stylish and weather-resistant garden set for even longer!
Types of garden sets
If you're looking for the ideal garden set made of plastic rattan, there are countless options to choose from, depending on your personal preferences and the size of your household. Whether you want to create an intimate spot for two or welcome a large group, there's always a set that fits perfectly with your wishes.
For an average family, a garden set with four to six chairs and a garden table is often the best choice. These sets offer plenty of seating for everyday meals and cosy evenings with friends or family. But if you regularly have many guests over, there are also larger tables available with eight or more seats, so you can welcome everyone comfortably.
Are you a couple looking for a cosy spot? Then a bistro garden set might be just for you. These small, charming sets consist of two comfortable chairs and a small table, perfect for a romantic breakfast or a cup of coffee on a small terrace. A bistro set made of plastic rattan combines durability with style, and is ideal for a compact space.
For those who like to dine outdoors, a dining set is an excellent choice. Here you replace the standard garden table with a sturdy dining table, allowing you to enjoy a meal at a comfortable height in the open air. There's nothing quite like dining under the stars, surrounded by friends and family on a warm summer's evening.
If you're looking for ultimate comfort, then a plastic rattan lounge set might just be the perfect solution. A lounge set offers a spacious lounge corner sofa, often complemented with lounge chairs and a low table or footrest. You can relax comfortably here, or enjoy time together with a larger group. Want to make your lounge set even more versatile? Replace the low table with a higher one, so you can also use the set for dining.
Wicker lounge sets are enormously popular because of their versatility and easy maintenance. They're available in a range of colours and weaving styles, so you can choose a set that fits perfectly with your taste and garden. Moreover, with some sets you can buy the elements separately, so you can create the perfect arrangement yourself. Whether you choose a corner sofa, straight sofa, or a combination of lounge chairs, the possibilities are endless. This way you can furnish your outdoor space exactly as you wish and make the most of long summer evenings in style.
Final conclusion: Wicker or rattan?
Plastic rattan, also called wicker, is a smart choice for your garden furniture. It looks like natural rattan, but is much more durable and better able to withstand weather and wind. You don't need to worry about much maintenance; the occasional clean is enough to keep your furniture looking good.
Whether you're looking for a small bistro set, a spacious dining set, or a comfortable lounge set, with plastic rattan you get style and comfort without the hassle. It's the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a beautiful garden without much maintenance.
Also read: Rope vs. wicker lounge set: what's the difference?
