Outdoor Rattan Furniture: A Guide To Choosing The Best

I am amazed, simply amazed, at how fast the outdoor rattan furniture market is exploding. It seems that almost every day there are new designs, new patterns , new colors - and new companies springing up everywhere selling them.

First things first: Just what is rattan? Well, rattan is actually a natural product - a plant fiber, mostly grown in Asia and India - where the moist, humid conditions are conducive to it's growth. Rattan is different from bamboo. Bamboo is hollow inside, whereas rattan is a solid stalk. In addition, rattan is much more flexible than bamboo - which allows the manufacturer to shape the plant fibers into very useful furniture designs.

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.

Since outdoor rattan furniture is a natural product, you should make sure that you do not leave your furniture outside sitting on floors or decks that have pools of water that do not drain away. Eventually the water can become absorbed into the rattan, causing it to swell, and gaps may appear in the frame or woven fabric of the back and sides.

How do you maintain your outdoor rattan furniture? Well, it's very easy: just clean with a vacuum cleaner, or a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. If your rattan furniture gets wet, you should allow it to dry thoroughly - and make sure that your furniture is completely dry before you store it away for the winter.

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 talks about Home, Gardens, and Outdoor Wicker Furniture Learn all aboutPortable Charcoal Grills by visiting his website.