Nothing evokes fond memories of times gone by like wicker furniture

You might be wondering "what's the difference between wicker and rattan?

Rattan is a vine that grows mainly in Southern Asia. It can grow up to 500 feet in length with a diameter up to two inches. Rattan is one of the oldest natural materials used to make furniture. It comes from the rattan core and it's known for its incredible strength - in fact, it's one of the strongest woods in the world. The vine has the density of wood but it's pliable and is easily bent. Many people mistake rattan's flexibility for weakness. Rattan is also one of the lightest woods in the world.

Wicker is a weaving process, not a material. The primary material used for wicker furniture is rattan. Although there are other types of material used, rattan core is the most common.

What about resin wicker?

Today we have the option of resin wicker - a low maintenance synthetic product that captures the beauty of wicker with little maintenance required. The wicker weaving is the same but the materials differ.

What's paper fiber wicker?

Paper fiber "rush" is a man-made fiber of treated twisted kraft paper. It was used in the manufacturing of wicker furniture from the early 1900s to the late 1930s. Invented in the US in 1904, it emulated the Victorian wicker furniture made from rattan reed. I remember seeing furniture made this way when I was a small child but I don't know how much of it still exists.

Apparently paper fiber wicker is more durable and less expensive than its counter part natural rush and will last for 5-50 years under normal use and with proper care.

Where to use wicker furniture?

Just about anywhere! In the living room, out on the porch, in the bedroom, the bathroom - as I mentioned, we even use wicker as our dining room chairs. Use it wherever it fits in your lodge or cabin.

You can get it in natural tones, dark stains, painted white or in colors.

A final thought - padded chair seat cushions will prolong the life of your rattan furniture and add to its comfort. The use of padded chair seat cushions is especially important for any woven seat that’s over 14 inches in diameter. Plus you can choose (or make) cushions with your cabin decor or theme in mind.

Enjoy!

Grand Wicker Rocking Chair Although looking every bit an authentic rattan piece, you'll love the maintenance-free, all-weather, resin material. Hand-woven to a sturdy rattan frame.	Country Porch Arm Chair Intricate design, yet with a rustic feel. Available in white or brown wash. Perfect for your front deck, but will also grace a sun room, living room, or just about anywhere you choose.
Sahara End Table Available in walnut (shown) and white. The perfect compliment for your wicker chairs or settees. Maintenance-free resin.	Sahara Outdoor Wicker Armchair Outstanding customer reviews confirm that this furniture is of exceptional quality and is sure to please!
Sahara Outdoor Wicker Loveseat	Classic Wicker Bedside Table Constructed from all natural Indonesian wicker, this table features a drawer plus storage alcove.
Sahara Outdoor Wicker Coffee Table	Diamond Settee Conversation Set This 4 piece set comes with 2 armchairs, a loveseat and coffee table. Built with sturdy aluminum frame with resin wicker. Comes in 4 frame colors and the optional cushions come with 7 optional colors/designs.
Diamond Wicker Dining Side Chair These great looking chairs are constructed from reinforced, powder coated, welded tubular aluminum frame with resin wicker... ideal for dining room or outdoors on the patio. Optional cushions come in choice of 7 styles/colors.	Cozumel Dining Package Four comfortable chairs and a 42" round table made out of vinyl resin wicker make this the perfect set for a large deck or patio. Comes with cushions available in your choice of 6 colors.
Balmoral End Table Created with a woven checkerboard design, this table has a glass top with space below for your books or magazines or other items. Measures 20" on all sides.	Barbara Tub Chair This is a very strong and very comfortable chair. Plenty of room to curl up with a book and your beverage of choice, or share the chair with a child or two! Constructed with strong rattan poles and a tight wicker weave.
Saginaw Plant Stand Basket weave pattern, lower shelf, the gentle curve in the legs and all-weather PVC wicker make this and attractive addition to your lodge or cabin.	Honey Hibiscus Wicker Plant Stand Perfect either inside or out, the traditional lines of this plant stand make it the perfect accessory for your rustic decor.
Traditional Wicker Rectangular Planter Crafted from top-grade woven wicker, this plant stand has a metal liner to protect the wicker from water seepage. 2.5' wide with space for plenty of plants.	St. Ives Armoire A truly magnificent piece of wicker furniture, this armoire can discreetly accommodate your TV. The doors slide back inside the cabinet. Wrought iron scroll accents help create a rustic feel.
Duncan Wicker Trunk Great trunks crafted from real wicker. Small has 1 cubic feet of storage, while the large can accommodate 4.5 cubic feet. Comes in 4 attractive colors.	Townsend Wicker Trunk With 11 colors to choose from you're sure to find one to fit your decor. With 4.5 cubic feet of storage, this trunk is much more than just storage... it's an attractive piece of furniture.
Natural Hamper with Liner A functional, yet attractive, natural hamper that comes with removable liner and side slots for carrying.	Aunt Millie Rocking Chair Destined to become a classic, this antique looking chair combines tight and loose weave, beads, swirls and diamond pattern. Available in 3 colors: brown wash (shown), white, and white wash.
Sahara Outdoor Wicker Set Create the perfect conversation pit with this comfortable 4-piece wicker set with seating for 4. Also available in walnut finish. Note that cushions and end table are not included.	Serpentine Rocking Chair w/cushion This could be called a "significant" chair. Combining exceptional design with exquisite craftsmanship, you'll enjoy many hours relaxing in this magnificent piece of furniture. Made from Indonesian wicker and available in brown or white.