Outdoor Rattan Furniture: A Guide To Choosing The Best

By: Jason Harris

The outdoor rattan furniture market is simply exploding. Not only are there new designs, but new colors and patterns as well -- and every day there is another company springing up that sells this wonderful stuff.

Let's deal with one subject right off: What is rattan? Actually, rattan is a natural plant product - it is grown in the moist, humid tropical regions of Asia and India. Bamboo grows there as well, but unlike bamboo, which has a hollow stalk, rattan is solid. In addition, bamboo is less flexible than rattan - which is good as this allows the maker to fashion it into all sorts of useful furniture objects.

As mentioned, rattan grows in tropical areas. After being harvested, the plant stalks are cut down into the lengths needed for the furniture. A reputable rattan grower will treat the plants harvested with chemicals - otherwise the rattan can become infested with a fungus that can discolor and eventually destroy the plant fibers. Less reputable harvesters will not treat the plants properly, and as a result you can have problems with it later.

Which leads me to this first recommendation: to avoid buying an inferior product you need to make sure that you are dealing with an outlet or furniture dealer who is knowledgeable and reputable. Unless you are an expert on rattan, you will need to rely on their judgment - so pick a good dealer or you may end up buying an inferior product.

Outdoor rattan furniture is made from natural, organic products -- so make sure that you do not leave your furniture sitting in the middle of standing pools of water. Eventually this water can become absorbed through the rattan fibers, and it will cause the rattan to swell, with gaps appearing in the woven fibers.

Maintaining your outdoor rattan furniture is very easy: vacuum the dust and dirt from it, or use a warm, soapy cloth. If your furniture does get wet, it should be allowed to dry - thoroughly - especially before storing it away for the winter season.

If your outdoor rattan furniture requires more care than what you can give, it's time to call upon the services of a professional furniture restorer. If you like you can lightly sand and refinish any rough areas on your furniture. But if more extensive work needs done - repair of cracked frames, or re-weaving - that's the time to call on a professional

When it is properly cared for, your outdoor rattan furniture will last for many years. Rattan is a quality material for any outdoor furniture item. It is cool, requires but little maintenance, and is lightweight. For all of its cost, it is truly a great value in outdoor furniture!

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Author: Jason Harris writes about home improvement and Outdoor Wicker Furniture Learn all aboutpatio furniture by visiting his home and garden site.
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