All about rattan – from the plant to production
Rattan plants grow primarily in Southeast Asia, within the tropical regions around the equator. They can reach lengths of 100 to 200 meters and climb toward the sun like vines. Long thorns on their light yellow to light brown bark help the plant grip trees and grow upward. Unlike parasitic plants, however, rattan does not harm the trees it climbs. The stems, which can reach up to 7 cm in thickness, draw water from the ground through hundreds of tiny channels running through the core, nourishing the plant from root to tip.
How Is Rattan Processed?
Before rattan can be made into furniture, it must first be harvested by hand. After the canes are cut, they are trimmed into sections about 4 meters long and then stripped of their thorny outer bark. The poles are then heated and placed upright in the sun to dry. Once dried, the plant is ready for further processing.
Next, the material is sorted by diameter. Particularly thick and sturdy rattan canes are used for chair or basket frames, while thinner fibers are processed into woven material. When placed in steam pipes for a certain amount of time, the rattan becomes flexible and can then be shaped manually using templates and physical strength.
According to traditional methods, the canes are sometimes heated over an open flame and bent skillfully by hand and eye. Once shaped, the rattan must dry in the molds to maintain its new form. After drying, the shaped pieces are removed and assembled using dowels or screws to form, for example, a chair frame or shelving unit. The joints are wrapped and concealed with thin binding or weaving material.
Before the finishing touches are applied, the frame is cleaned and sanded again. Depending on the intended use and desired appearance, the frame may be adorned with decorative rattan slats or woven with cane webbing. The various weaving patterns and combinations create beautiful visual effects that give rattan furniture its distinctive charm. Finally, through staining or lacquering, the furniture can be offered in a wide range of colors, achieving its final elegant look.
How Sustainable Is Rattan?
In general, rattan plants are a fast-growing renewable resource that can be harvested within just a few years. Rattan harvesting in forests differs fundamentally from the harvesting of other types of wood. Only the rattan cane is collected by hand, without damaging surrounding trees or plants, which are essential for the regrowth of new rattan vines. Additionally, the plants are not completely cut down during harvest — only the shoots are processed further. The extraction process is strictly regulated and limited to ensure sustainability.
But that’s not all! Compared to synthetic materials, this renewable and recyclable natural product performs significantly better in terms of environmental impact. Nowadays, rattan is also cultivated and harvested in managed plantations, ensuring both ecological and economic sustainability.
Furnish Your Home with High-Quality Rattan Furniture from Krines!
Our rattan furniture impresses with its strength, stability, and comfort, while standing out through its elegant design and beautiful weaving patterns. With their exotic charm, our pieces enhance any home and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Thanks to the variety of our furniture and the wide range of combination options, your creativity knows almost no limits — so you can bring your personal dream interior to life.
Because rattan is a natural material, no two pieces are exactly alike, meaning you’ll enjoy owning truly unique, one-of-a-kind furniture crafted by nature itself.
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 2-5 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 2-5 days
Available in 90 days, delivery time 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 2-5 days
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