Rattan is the name of a particular plant that grows to several hundred feet high
in tropical forests. It is extremely strong and will not splinter or break.
Rattan is easily molded into the desired shape for furniture and once it dries,
the shape is retained permanently. The outer peel of the rattan pole is used to
wrap joints securely.

A whole rattan pole may be used to create spiral designs for arm rests, legs or
backs of furniture. The outer part of the rattan is peeled off, then heated and
bent into shape. Rattan poles can also form the frame of a couch or chair with
wicker weave panels as a finishing touch.

Wicker is considered a type of rattan weave, but it can also be produced from
cane, reed, willow, rush, and other natural materials. It is pliable when wet so
the strands can be woven tightly together. When dry, the finished product is
sealed, sanded, and then stained and lacquered to the desired color.

Wicker furniture is available in many of the same colors and stains as wood. The
most common colors include natural, pewter, honey wheat, sage and bronze. Add
colorful cushions to make the furniture bright, cheerful – and softer to sit on.

Maintaining rattan and wicker deck furniture is easy. All it requires is
regular, light dusting with a damp cloth, or vacuuming with a brush attachment.
Any spill should be immediately wiped up with a mild detergent and a minimum
amount of water.

Furniture made of rattan and wicker include chairs, tables, footstools, and bar
sets. Because it is such a versatile material, chairs range from broad,
low-sitting styles with high backs and arm rests to basic dining-room styled
chairs. Table tops are made of wood, metal, or glass and occasionally rattan.

Rattan and wicker furniture add class to any deck, but depending on the style,
it is not always very comfortable. Cushions will solve that problem. Some sets
come complete with cushions in your choice of style, color and fabric.

Floral patterns, stripes and solid colors are common for outdoor cushions.
Florals have an advantage over solids as they do not show the dirt as readily.
However, all fabrics fade in the sun, and solid colors retain a more attractive
appearance as they fade.