Cane or Rattan Furniture for your home and garden
Rattan or wicker furniture is made from cane which is a raw material that comes from the stems of large rattans, which are climbing palms found native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia. Because cane is a raw material it is tough and durable which makes it an ideal material for indoor and outdoor furniture. The material is also very versatile which means manufacturers can now modify designs to keep it right up today with today’s designs and styles. More and more people are realising the benefits of having cane furniture in their homes and gardens.
The reason cane furniture is ideal for gardens and conservatories is because unlike wood it will not rot or become damaged. It is an ideal material for any environment at any time of the year. If like most people you keep plants in your conservatory then you will find the air will be moist. This would be detrimental on any wood furniture which makes cane or rattan furniture most people’s first choice when it comes to furnishings. Cane will not rot or rust, it is water resistant which means it will last in great condition for years to come.
The beauty of cane furniture is that it offers a timeless look that will last you a very long time. It looks beautiful in conservatories but also not out of place in the living room or any other room of the house. Some of the styles and designs are very contemporary which makes it fit into today’s modern living. Cane is also ideal for outdoor living and can be found in gardens all around the world.
So how do they make it? Well, once the palm is harvested it is then boiled which removes the sap from the bark. This removal of the sap allows the material to have the flexibility properties which makes it easy to mould into various shapes. Once this process is completed the material is then split into thin strips. These strips are then intertwined to make the furniture. Generally the frames of the furniture are made from much larger canes. This whole process is very time consuming and costly which is why quality cane furniture isn’t cheap. However, you are buying furniture that is very easy to clean, will last for years and years, will need very little attention to keep it preserved, with that in mind the cost isn’t that expensive.
Another important aspect which shouldn’t be forgotten is that cane furniture is completely environmentally friendly due to it being made completely naturally without the use any chemicals or wood treatment. This is another hit with consumers as we are all living in a world where environmental products are in the foremost of everyone’s minds.
Patio Furniture – What Type Should I Buy?
When trying to decide which type of patio furniture you may wish to buy, you may want to think about a couple of things first. I will cover a few points of interest that you may not have given consideration to that will aide you in your decision.
Weather and climate conditions
Due to the scientific laws know as entropy, all matter will face deterioration at some point in time. Patio furniture no matter how expensive or durable will ultimately face the same fate. Although this principle can’t be reversed, consumers can take measures that will prolong the deterioration process. Consider for a moment what happens to something when it is left outside in to face the elements. Some things hold up longer than others will. Indeed, patio furniture made of plastic will have a better chance of enduring the moisture of the snow and rain than a wood based model. Wood should be waterproofed in a finished that will repel water and not soak into the wood. Although these models may go for more money, in the long run it stands the best chance of holding up over time.
If you have an outdoor patio which will face the elements, keep the furniture covered or bring it indoors after each use. The most logical option would be to purchase patio furniture that has a better chance of being left outside. Plastic, iron and waterproofed wood grains would be ideal. Cloth padding and pillows often accommodate newer furniture models. If you plan on purchasing a brand with extra padding, make sure it is detachable so it can be washed and removed from the outside elements. Keep in mind that the sun also plays a large part in the longevity of your outside patio furniture. Colors can fade and wood can warp do to prolonged sunlight exposure. For people living in extremely hot and humid areas of the world you may want to inquiry with the patio furniture manufacture about the best way to care for your furniture.
Further considerations
Do you have children and/or pets? If you do, you definitely want to purchase patio furniture that is durable and easy to clean. Pet hair, animal scents, scratching etc. will all affect the quality of your patio furniture. Plastic or iron are probably the best choices, however, wood may be suitable in some cases.
Weight
Family members with above average weights and sizes may not be able to fit into all patio furniture brands. Check with the manufacturer for widths and weight limits.
Excessive use
For people who will only use their patio furniture on rare occasions this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you entertain guest often or frequently have patio functions make sure you select the most durable models for your guest.
Teak Furniture – Ideal For Outdoors
When it comes to wooden furniture, most people just classify them as hardwood furniture, or softwood furniture. Simple classifications do help to make buying decisions easier. However, in reality, even when wood belongs to the same category, they can have rather different characteristics.
For example, not all hardwood is suitable for the outdoors. That is because outdoor furniture has to be exposed to external elements such as weather, moisture, insects, weeds, etc. Furniture gets damaged very easily when left outdoors for prolonged periods of time.
Therefore, if you are considering buying furniture for the outdoors, you have to be extra careful about the raw materials that is used to create the furniture. Some homeowners may just jump to conclusion and write off wooden furniture, thinking that they may rot when left outdoors. Others may think that steel furniture sounds like a better option.
In general, if you buy furniture that is made from some kind of stainless steel, it’s a relatively safe choice. However, steel is still subject to rust and oxidation, which dulls the shiny appearance of the surface. Furthermore, steel can never achieve the same aesthetic effects of wood. If you still prefer wooden furniture, you may be comforted in knowing that there are certain types of wood that is suitable for the outdoors. Teak is one such example.
Unlike other types of timber, teak has got some unique characteristics, that may it extremely durable. In fact, teak is renowned for it’s ease of maintenance and durability. The wood contains high levels of resinous oils, which helps to keep out moisture, insects, and plant growth. You may be surprised to find that teak won’t rot even when left in the outdoors.
Teak does not grow in rain forests. It is a deciduous plant that grows in hilly areas. It is mostly found in South East Asia. But the highest quality teak comes from Indonesia. These are not carelessly harvested raw materials. The teak actually comes from specialized tree farms.
If you are looking for high quality teak furniture, be prepared to pay a premium price for the furniture. That is mainly because it takes several decades for teak trees to become mature. To get a better price for the furniture, you may wish to consider buying teak furniture at wholesale prices. The more you buy, the more discount you can ask for.
One would expect a wood that is as durable as teak to be hard to work with. Fortunately, that is not true at all. Many expert craftsmen find teak to be an easy wood to work with. In general, most teak are straight grained. You do occasionally find wavy grained teak though. For this reason, teak is a very popular material that is used to build decks, cabinets, etc. You even find it in expensive boats!
Patio Furniture – Fun During Summertime
During the summer months, many festivities take place involving friends and family. Children are out of school, families are vacationing and everyone wants to get outdoors and have some fun. This quick and simple guide will cover some situations that you will find patio furniture to be most useful.
Beside swimming pools.
So, you have your kids at home with you and your sister’s kids as well? They are out in the backyard swimming having a good time and are about to exit the pool soaking wet. What would you rather have them sit on after wards? In this case I would think that something waterproof would serve the best for one. Number two, something tough enough to handle a child who will disregard adult etiquette for sitting. My choice would have to be a plastic Ancona Chair that repels water and is strong enough to hold a hyper child. No fabric to worry about getting wet or dirty makes plastic chairs the best option in this situation.
Social occasions – cooking out.
While cooking out you have to take a few things into consideration. One, the time it will take to prepare the food. Guests should feel comfortable while waiting for prolonged periods of time for the food to be prepared. Two, they should have a place to store their plates and cups while eating, and after they eat as well. For those people who plan on cooking out frequently, you may want to think about the Wicker Leon Set. Not only will you have seats and a table but also a sofa and love seat. This is the perfect choice for people who want to relax after a heavy meal.
Sun bathing – time for relaxation.
There is nothing like laying out in the sun on a summer day with your significant other. What better way is there of doing so with the plastic Lublin Sunbed? The comfortable feel and stylish look along with its generous size is perfect for multiple people. The convertible roof on the top can give you some extra shade whenever you need it as well. Another equally good choice is the plastic Yangoon Lounger that bares a traditional lounge design, yet has a distinctive look. Equipped with soft padding and body curvature, this model should be taken into consideration if you are still trying to narrow your choices down.
Whatever the occasion may be, you can see that different patio furniture may be used for different situations. Perhaps, after reading this short article, you will give more thought to buying some patio furniture. Having fun in the summertime should also include being comfortable during the down time. And you can achieve that with high quality patio furniture.
Rattan Furniture – Ideal for Indoor and Outdoor Locations
Shopping for new home furniture can be a painstaking process. You may ask yourself over and over what will look best in each particular room, and question how each piece will integrate with your existing d?r. Fortunately, there is a particular style of furniture that is appropriate for every room of your home, allowing for seamless integration and endless decorating options.
Wicker is a style of furniture construction that involves tightly weaving pieces of wood or reed. The most common, and long lasting, type of wicker is made of rattan. This tropical vine is both fast growing and sustainable, making it an excellent choice for both financial and environmental reasons. To add to its appeal, it has a natural shine and beauty that rivals even the finest of hard woods.
Wicker rattan is an excellent choice for nearly any room of your home, including the outdoors. Because the vine is farmed in a tropical environment, it can withstand weather that would cause most hardwood to crack or split. Rattan does not warp or swell due to moisture like other woods, and it does not splinter from overuse.
The weather resistant nature of rattan has given it a name as the ideal outdoor furniture material. Its strong nature also lends itself to the perfect indoor item. Just as it won’t succumb to rain or sun, it will stand up to rowdy children, partying adults and years of light use. Because it is so lightweight, it can be easily moved from room to room, to accommodate last minute guests or a spur of the moment redecorating idea.
You may worry about purchasing wicker rattan furniture if you have children, but the durable furniture is the perfect candidate for curious little ones. From back porches to living rooms, wicker rattan can be a worry easing furniture choice that won’t crack from a child’s abuse or leave splinters in little fingers. Cozy couches and traditional rocking chairs, two favorites of small children, are appropriate for most any room, but most notably casual spaces like living rooms and recreation rooms.
If you frequently entertain, rattan is one of the simplest ways to create an elegant, modern look without excessive costs. Rattan furniture can easily be dressed up with colorful cushions or even a fresh coat of paint. By decorating your entertaining rooms with all rattan furniture, your guests will see a seamless transition even with varying colors and styles. A comfortable love seat set in a parlor will match well with a tasteful table and chairs in a conservatory, while giving your guests plenty of room to relax and enjoy themselves.
Rattan’s water resistance makes it the perfect mate for your poolside. As an added benefit, since most pools are only in use for a few months each year, rattan pieces can do double duty for the rest of the year on patios or 3 seasons rooms.
These are just a few of the many ways you could use wicker rattan, and with luck you’ll find a way to integrate this versatile, environmentally friendly furniture into your home’s d?
Synthetic Rattan
Woven outdoor furniture made from rattan and wicker features intricate designs while providing owners and their guests with a comfortable and relaxing area on a porch, deck, or patio. Rattan and wicker are natural woods that blend beautifully together to form a unique design that your guests will envy. You will find plenty of wicker patio furniture and rattan porch furniture sets to choose from. Rattan and wicker outdoor chairs, tables, and benches are available in various designs and styles so you can find the perfect look for your backyard.
Rattan is a type of climbing palm that can be found in Asia. When correctly prepared, the long and thin stems can be woven together to create the gorgeous rattan outdoor furniture you find today. One major difference between rattan patio furniture when compared to other types of furnishings is that it won’t warp; therefore you won’t need to be replacing it after a short period of time. Rattan cane has a very hard core that is molded to form the various frames for the different pieces of furniture. One loved benefit of rattan outdoor furniture is the minimal amount of maintenance it needs. A vacuum with a pointed attachment or a slightly damp cloth can be used to easily remove the dirt that has accumulated.
Wicker outdoor furniture is most often made from willow, rush, rattan core, and reed. When these woods are wet they are bendable which allows them to be woven into the prestigious wicker-weaved shape. Wicker furniture will never have two pieces that are exactly the same, which is a feature many people enjoy. The technique in which the wood is woven together ensures that the furniture is strong and durable and can last for many years when properly taken care of. Outdoor wicker chairs, tables, and benches can be stained or painted to achieve a specific look.
Synthetic outdoor wicker furniture has grown in popularity. You can find chairs, tables, and benches that use the weather-resistant rattan frame which is then woven with synthetic wicker that has been made to avoid cracking, splitting, and unraveling. All weather outdoor wicker furniture is enjoyed by families in every type of atmosphere without the worry of rotting wood to damage the overall appearance. Synthetic wicker chairs, tables, and benches can also come with a cheaper price tag that can be a very attractive benefit. Maintenance for your synthetic outdoor wicker furniture set is just as easy as cleaning real wood.
Wicker furniture cushions will not only provide the final touch to your patio, deck, or porch, they will also provide amazing comfort. Outdoor wicker furniture cushions will come in different shapes, sizes, and colors so you can match your personal style. Cushions can be bought together that matches a rattan or wicker furniture set, or be bought separately so you can customize the final look. You are sure to find the perfect wicker porch furniture or rattan furniture set with the countless styles and designs that are available today.
Using Outdoor Rattan Furniture in a Conservatory
Conservatory furniture has achieved a bad reputation over recent years for being old fashioned with people only thinking of the high back cane suites, the sort of thing you’d expect your grandmother to have. Many of the old furniture importers did not seem to go far enough with new designs, many copying each others designs and some just re-designing rattan furniture that the older generation would like. However a new wave of fashionable rattan furniture has been a breath of fresh air for the cane furniture specialists because it has been very frustrating not to have a collection that suits everybody.
A questions asked “Rattan garden furniture is expensive why would you want to buy it for indoors?” with a reply from a recent customer “The look, the design, basically I want something modern.”
The frame of rattan garden furniture is generally welded aluminum to be weatherproof, and that is expensive to purchase and time consuming to work with, however the frame of indoor rattan furniture tends to be locally grown hardwood or cane, therefore much cheaper and as rattan is a natural product it is much cheaper to buy than a man made synthetic fiber alternative.
The UK based rattan garden furniture companies are now designing furniture for the discerning modern market. Some employ famous furniture designers to create innovative designs and all at a cost but there is definitely a market that is buying.
Our own experiences in recent months are that most customers are willing to pay up to £4000 to obtain the right look on rattan garden furniture, but only about £1500 on traditional rattan conservatory furniture even if it does have the ‘right look’.
Our feeling is that this ‘old fashioned’ reputation is costing the cane market a lot of money bourne out by the fact that even large companies such as Burdekin are going into liquidation, its possibly another factor in the reasons for the downward turn as well as the general pull back due to the credit crunch.
Wicker & Rattan Furniture – A Brief History
Brief History of Wicker
Ever wondered when wicker really took off as the choice for outdoor furniture? Well the answer is during the 1600s and 1700s, at least that is the case for England as originally this type of furniture was created and used primarily in Asian countries where the rattan used to create wicker was grown. When wicker for furniture started to become popular in England it started to resemble more of the usual Victorian-style furniture. However for a while wicker styled furniture fell out of favour but there was then a resurgence in the 20th century and this is when it started to become popular both in England and also America, primarily for conservatory but also garden furniture and today wicker is as popular as ever!
The Origin of Wicker
Wicker is the term used to describe the weave of the material, the actual material is made from rattan which is a plant that grown in southeast Asia where vines from these plants are stripped and weaved into furniture. The vines are filled with lots of fibers which gives it more strength and when it is woven into wicker furniture the strength is even greater especially when the weave is very tight.
Today’s Wicker Furniture
Is actually mostly artificial wicker, often called “rattan garden furniture” and while this may be able to withstand the elements better, especially when used for outdoor furniture, it is the all-natural wicker that is the show stopper and will continue to be used in home and gardens for centuries to come! You do have to keep in mind that no matter how strong & durable wicker is, you don’t want to be leaving the furniture exposed to the elements or to the sun for any longer than necessary as they can do irreparable damage to the wicker, even artificial rattan.
Finding the Right Conservatory Furniture For Your Taste
Conservatory furniture UK is known as conservatory garden furniture or sun room furniture in the US. These types of furniture are made to be beautiful and stylish, while standing up against the changes in temperature and weather that affect the areas in which it resides. When looking for furniture for conservatory space, you should first consider how the furniture will be used, the length of use during the year, the overall style of the house or surrounding rooms and the look you are going for.
Conservatory furniture is available in many different varieties, styles, colors and textures. Some of these include choices of cane, wicker and rattan conservatory furniture just to name a few. If you are looking for conservatory dining furniture it should be durable, easy to clean and still be able to stand up to the elements, unless you have somewhere to store it during the winter months. The most popular for this is generally metal, stone, glass and other elements that are easy to clean and store.
For a sun room or other covered area, wicker and rattan are two of the most popular styles of conservatory furniture to use for their tropical look and comfortable design. These more natural types of furniture are cozier in appearance, wear well and shape and adapt over time to feel like they were made for you. If you are looking for something with a more modern feel though, glass, stone and metal furniture styles are extremely popular and available in a variety of colors, patterns and tend to be easier to clean.
If you are interested in sustainable garden or conservatory furniture, consider bamboo furniture. Bamboo is extremely sustainable and grows as an alarmingly fast rate, not only that it has an antibacterial agent to it that naturally is great at killing germs and keeping your family and friends healthier. Bamboo is also now being used in flooring, cabinetry and many other home improvement items to help your home be greener and environmentally conscious as well as beautiful.
Finding the right conservatory furniture can be difficult, but if you know the look you are going for and have a sense of what the textures you like are, then you can navigate through the myriad of choices to find just the right pieces for your outdoor living environment.
