Rattan and Polyrattan: What Are the Differences?

At first glance, it’s hard to tell the difference between rattan and polyrattan. Both materials are used to create beautiful, eye-catching furniture that has grown increasingly popular in recent years. Whether in seating sets, beds, chairs, or many other pieces, you’ll find furniture made from these materials everywhere. However, rattan is not the same as polyrattan — there are key differences between these two popular materials. To help you understand what you’re buying and ensure you get the quality you expect, this blog post explains the main distinctions between rattan and polyrattan.

Rattan: Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Rattan is a natural material obtained from the rattan palm. The vines, which can grow up to 200 meters long, are dried and made flexible using hot steam, allowing them to be shaped into nearly any form. Rattan is especially well-suited for indoor use, as it gives spaces a light and airy feel. The thicker parts of the rattan stem are used to build sturdy furniture frames, while the finer fibers are woven into decorative patterns. Each rattan piece is truly unique — since it’s handcrafted, small irregularities or color variations are completely normal and add to its charm.

Rattan furniture is known for its elegant and stylish appearance. The natural fibers make it lightweight yet durable — even as strong as wood — while being more flexible, making it a great alternative. It’s also a sustainable material since rattan grows quickly and is fully renewable, fitting perfectly with eco-friendly living trends.

While rattan excels as an indoor furniture material, it’s less ideal for outdoor use. It readily absorbs moisture, which can cause damage over time. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using untreated rattan furniture outdoors or ensure that pieces have a proper protective coating. Even then, they should be stored in a dry place during damp or cold weather, as exposure to rain, wind, and frost can lead to discoloration or brittleness in the fibers.

Properties of Polyrattan: Advantages and Disadvantages

Polyrattan is designed to imitate natural rattan while offering several additional benefits. Although furniture made from polyrattan is also handcrafted, the material itself is a weather-resistant synthetic fiber, making it generally more affordable. Manufactured from polyethylene, this plastic is processed into flexible weaving fibers, ideal for outdoor use. Today, garden furniture made from polyrattan has become an essential feature in many outdoor spaces. Unlike natural rattan, polyrattan does not absorb moisture, meaning that standing water or constant humidity won’t damage it. This makes the material extremely durable — you can even leave your furniture outside in the rain without concern.

Another advantage is that polyrattan is dyed during production, not just coated on the surface. As a result, its color does not peel or fade easily. Additionally, the material is highly UV-resistant and retains its original shade even under intense sunlight. Its heat resistance and low thermal expansion prevent the fibers from cracking or warping. Like natural rattan, polyrattan is flexible, but it also maintains enough tension to hold its shape without overstretching when exposed to heat.

Which Material Should You Choose?

Whether you should choose rattan or polyrattan depends entirely on where and how you plan to use your furniture — and how much maintenance you’re willing to invest. For outdoor use, such as in the garden, polyrattan is generally the better choice due to its excellent weather resistance. It’s far less demanding in terms of care, whereas natural rattan requires more maintenance to ensure long-lasting beauty and durability.

For indoor spaces, however, natural rattan creates a particularly stylish and refreshing atmosphere. From an ecological standpoint, it’s also the more sustainable option. Natural rattan makes an elegant material for conservatory furniture, as winter gardens offer year-round use while still protecting the material from excess moisture.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and intended use. At Krines Home, we offer a wide range of high-quality natural rattan furniture that requires minimal upkeep, as each piece comes pre-treated with a protective clear varnish. This ensures that you can enjoy your unique handcrafted furniture for many years to come.

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