What is Rattan ?
Rattan is among the oldest natural furniture material in use today. Unlike bamboo, which is hollow, rattan is a solid timber vine that grows in the tropical forests of Thailand. Growing hundreds of feet in length, it is one of nature's strongest materials. It will not splinter or break and is ideal for making furniture. Once molded, solid rattan retains its contours permanently. Peel, is the outer skin of the rattan pole and traditionally is used to wrap joints. Wicker refers to products that are made from reed, cane, rush, willow or other natural materials. When wet, these materials are pliable enough to be woven. Wicker and Rattan are natural products with each piece having its own individual, unique qualities. When stained there will be slight differences in hue and color of the wicker furniture and this is part of the beauty of owning a product made from nature.
How is the Furniture Constructed ?
The rattan is placed in a steam box which is necessary for bending the rattan and making it more pliable. Jigs are constructed for producing specific shapes. When the rattan is steaming hot, it is bent to fit into the jig. The cooling process takes 4 days at the rattan is taken out of the jig. The rattan will remain in that shape. The shaped poles are assembled with straight poles that are contoured to fit joints evenly. Our furniture is constructed only with quality hardware. The joints where the two pieces meet are wrapped chiefly with peel / wicker / leather bindings. |
