Whether you are looking for a new sun lounger or just want to refresh your current furniture, the materials they are made of can make a difference. It is important to consider how long they will last, how much maintenance they require and how they will look in your garden.
Rattan is Natural
Rattan is a tropical vine-like plant found in Africa, Asia, and Australia that can be harvested and processed into furniture. When the skin is peeled away, it presents a sturdy yet flexible material that can be woven into various shapes.
The sustainable harvesting of rattan provides a cash crop for local communities and preserves forests, while also converting CO2 into clean air. WWF is partnering with local communities in Laos to implement a rattan forest management plan.
This project is helping to protect and restore rainforests, providing incentives for local villages to keep trees on their land. This process is reducing deforestation and contributing to conservation efforts across the world.
Compared to wood, rattan grows very quickly at a rate of 2 cm per day and can be fully grown and harvested within two years. This makes it an excellent choice for furniture. It's also eco-friendly and can be recycled in the future.
Synthetic Wicker is Non-Porous
Synthetic wicker is non-porous and can be hosed down. This makes it easy to maintain your furniture and keep it looking good for longer.
Natural wicker can get dirty, clogged with dust and other dry debris, and will need regular scrubbing. With synthetic wicker, you can simply wipe down the surface of your outdoor pieces with a soft cloth or a scrub brush and then hose them off before you put them away for the winter.
Another advantage of plastic rattan is that it is very durable and rarely breaks under normal use. When it does, repairs are simple and inexpensive.
Synthetic wicker is also non-toxic and sustainable, so it's a great choice for eco-friendly gardeners. It will not absorb toxins from your soil or water supply, and can be recycled. In addition, it can be used to create a variety of different items and furnishings. It will not fade or warp over time, and will look beautiful in your garden or patio for years to come.
Synthetic Wicker is Easy to Clean
If you love the look of rattan, but don’t have the time to clean it, synthetic wicker is the perfect solution. This low-maintenance material is easy to clean and maintain, and it won’t fade in the sun like rattan.
Outdoor living is a huge trend right now, and patios, decks, and pool areas are becoming a popular place to relax. Dirt, pollen, and other debris can build up quickly, but cleaning your wicker furniture is simple.
To keep your wicker furniture clean, dust it regularly with a soft cloth or duster and vacuum the surface when necessary. For more substantial dirt, use a paintbrush or toothbrush to brush out the crevices and nooks.
Regularly cleaning your synthetic wicker will help it last a long time. You should clean it at least four times a year, according to Better Homes & Gardens.
Synthetic Wicker is Easy to Repair
Synthetic wicker is very easy to repair. You just need a few replacement resin wicker strips and some plastic epoxy or glue, depending on the type of wicker you have.
You can also use boiled linseed oil to fix dry or cracked rattan. Apply the linseed oil to the affected area until the wicker stops absorbing it and then wipe it clean.
Once the wicker is dried, it is ready to be used again! You can even paint the repair section so that it matches with the rest of the furniture.
Synthetic wicker is durable, resistant to water and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, you need to take care of it by keeping it out of extreme weather conditions like snow and rain.