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What is the Difference Between Wicker and Rattan?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 110,646
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The difference between wicker and rattan is the distinction between a product versus a process. Rattan is a type of wood with a vertical grain that is often used to make woven furniture items. An item made with a particular weaving style — whatever material is used — is called wicker.

In its original form, rattan is a relative of the tropical palm tree. It starts to grow upwards like a tree, but then bends back to the ground and snakes through the rain forest like a vine. After a few years of growth, the vines are cut into 12 to 18 foot (about 3.7 to 5.5 meters) sections and hauled away for drying. Furniture companies that specialize in furniture made with this plant often have processing plants in the Philippines or Southeast Asia to treat the wood and ship it out to large furniture manufacturing plants in America. North Carolina has a significant number of wicker and rattan furniture companies.

Rattan is considered to be one of the strongest woods available, since its grain grows vertically instead of forming the concentric rings of most other hardwoods. The straight wood is usually steamed and then bent into the desired shape through the use of specialized shapers. Once dried, it will retain its shape forever. These poles are often used to form the frames of what will become rattan or wicker furniture.

Here's where the difference between the two terms lies: rattan is a specific material, but wicker is the general process of weaving this wood or other materials into finished goods. A rattan chair is definitely made from that specific wood, but a wicker chair may use other materials such as straw or bamboo slats around a rattan frame.

There is no specific material called wicker, and some manufacturers may even use the phrase cane furniture instead. It is essentially the same thing as wicker, but the material used in the weaving may or may not be rattan.

Rattan vines may also be peeled mechanically to form thin slats for weaving. The curved outer layer is also used as a decorative trim to hide the rough seams created by the wicker process. Bamboo may also be used for trim, but rarely as a form. Bamboo is hollow, which means it often cracks when steamed and bent. Rattan is solid, which makes it an ideal material for lightweight but solid furniture.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to HomeQuestionsAnswered, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon993509 — On Nov 20, 2015

I hate to inform you but wicker is a natural fiber. It usually comes from the twigs of a willow. While furniture companies will tell you its a process of weaving and that would be true, the over priced furniture they're selling you is made from plastic which is cheap to make and manufacture.

If you went to places where it is made from natural willow twigs and branches you would see a vast difference and how much work goes into even a single piece. Technically the furniture stores are selling you plastic weave furniture that looks like wicker.

By anon304823 — On Nov 21, 2012

Right on point! Now I can explain it to someone else. Isn't that sometimes the point of learning? To share, I mean.

By anon151642 — On Feb 11, 2011

This was a very well explained and informative article even a layman like me could understand. Kudos to you.

By anon134537 — On Dec 15, 2010

Thumbs up. Thanks for the clear info. You deserve your $10 for this article hehe.

By anon124759 — On Nov 07, 2010

which one is stronger rattan or wicker in the sun? is wicker man made and rattan is natural cane? thank you. regards.

By wickedkath — On Oct 07, 2010

Great article. All your posts on wicker furniture have been very informative. Would love to know how many weaving styles there are?

By anon100531 — On Jul 30, 2010

Very helpful and easy to understand. Thanks.

By anon88751 — On Jun 07, 2010

really useful - thanks!

By anon83344 — On May 10, 2010

exactly what i was looking for. Thanks.

By anon78163 — On Apr 17, 2010

thanks. great site! Thanks!

By anon76077 — On Apr 08, 2010

Good thorough easy to understand explanation! Thanks!

By anon55011 — On Dec 03, 2009

Great site. quick to the point answer. Thank you!

By anon44355 — On Sep 07, 2009

Love your site! Thanks for creating it.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to HomeQuestionsAnswered, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a...
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