Rattan Effect Garden Furniture

Benefits

• Rattan effect garden furniture has emerged as a popular alternative to natural rattan for four very important reasons: It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, it withstands the elements, it is more affordable than natural products and it is available in a wide range of styles and colors. It resists the cracking, splitting and unraveling which plagues natural rattan furniture.

Considerations

• Natural rattan can accumulate mold and mildew over time, with constant exposure to wet and damp conditions. Since natural rattan uses teak wood as its frame, it is an expensive and heavy piece of furniture. However, it is a renewable, green method of furniture making, which is not the case for rattan effect synthetic furniture.

Characteristics

• Rattan effect furniture provides a natural look and a touch of sophistication to your setting, be it a patio, conservatory, or sun porch. It has a wicker weave style, but is constructed of a man-made fiber with plastic weaves that emulate natural rattan. It can withstand all types of climate changes, is highly durable and can have any size of weave, allowing for a myriad of design opportunities not available when using natural products. It can also be painted, opening up the design choices even more. White furniture looks breezy and summer-like. A dark finish provides an elegant look, especially when paired with bright fabrics. A natural finish can be meshed with green fabrics or floral prints for an outdoorsy, truly natural look.

Drawbacks

• Rattan effect furniture is extremely lightweight, being constructed of an aluminum frame and plastic, so it is less practical in windy areas. The finish can also be damaged in direct sunlight if not properly treated. It is also not an eco-friendly method of furniture making, unlike real rattan.

Types

• The types of rattan effect furniture ranges from traditional to modern. One style that is rapidly gaining in popularity is the cube style--a set of four to six chairs and a square or rectangular table with a glass top. The chairs are in the shape of cubes, and it is all designed to stow into a larger cube when not in use, thereby offering an extra layer of protection against nature. If you prefer a more traditional style, British colonial is a popular look. Or you can find a style in between, since rattan effect furniture offers a wide variety in design variation along with robust durability.

Tips

• When buying rattan effect garden furniture, it's less expensive to buy an entire set at a time, and preferably in winter, when they are often on sale. A typical set is four to six chairs with a glass-topped table, or two chairs and a sofa with cushions. Coffee tables, end tables and ottomans are add-ons.