What It is – and isn't
Rattan isn't wicker, but wicker can be rattan. Confused? Keep reading and you soon won't be.
Rattan is a prolific climbing vine found in tropical climates throughout the world. Some species can grow more than 300 feet in length. It's abundant, sustainable and incredibly versatile.
Wicker is a general term used for woven furniture and home accents, and has been popular since the pharaohs. How's that for a design trend? It's often made with rattan, but not always. Wicker can also be crafted of bamboo, twigs, seagrasses – even banana leaves. Some of Amanda's wicker accent pieces, including her signature lanterns, are handmade from bamboo.
At Amanda Lindroth, we make our wicker furniture frames from rattan because it's naturally strong, pliable and beautiful. We use only the highest grades of rattan, hand selected for its smooth, uniform color and dense grain.
Rattan cane
Cane is made from the outer skin or peel of rattan, and can be produced in many different gauges, so it's ideal for weaving everything from chairs seats and headboards to fine accent pieces. It's also used to wrap wicker furniture joints and to add an additional design element. Amanda loves woven cane for its naturally beautiful finish and rich texture.
Rattan reed
Reed comes from the rattan core. It's thin and flexible, so it's great for weaving backets and wrapping complicated curves. Unlike rattan cane, reed doesn't have a natural finish, so it can be painted or stained easily. Amanda's popular Palm Beach Totes and whimsical Pagodas are hand woven of rattan reed.
It's not bamboo
Bamboo resembles rattan, so they're often confused. Both grow in tropical climes, but they're structurally very different. Rattan is a solid vine, while bamboo is a hollow grass with pronounced "knuckles" where the leaves grow. Rattan's leaf nodes are smoother and less noticeable. Both are very strong, but used differently in furniture making and wicker applications. Amanda incorporates bamboo into her lanterns and picture frames.
How we use rattan in wicker
For framing
We build our wicker furniture frames from solid pole rattan. About the thickness of a broomstick, the poles are steam bent according to Amanda's design, and dried into their final forms for assembly. For storage pieces like dressers, chests and bookcases, rattan is combined with wood in the completed piece. All of our frames are nailed or screwed together, ensuring strength and durability. Rattan peel is often applied as a design element and for added support.
For weaving
Every Amanda Lindroth natural wicker piece is made by hand, taking from several days to weeks to complete, depending on its size and complexity. Weaves can be open to create an airy, geometric design, or closed for a solid look and feel. The tighter and more intricate the weave, the more time it takes, making it a good indication of the wicker's quality.
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Each piece of Amanda Lindroth wicker furniture goes through a careful, multi-step finishing process:
1. Rattan is washed & dried
2. First hand sanding
3. Base color applied (if any)
4. Clear, low-sheen lacquer applied
5. Rattan is re-sanded
6. Second color coat applied (if any)
7. Second clear lacquer coat applied
8. Final sanding
9. Finishing wax applied
How we finish rattan wicker baskets & accessories
Like our rattan furniture, Amanda Lindroth wicker baskets and accessories are beautifully handmade using a careful, multi-step finishing process:
1. Rattan is washed & dried
2. First hand sanding
3. Base color applied (if any)
4. Clear low-sheen lacquer applied
5. Rattan is re-sanded
6. Second clear lacquer coat applied
7. Final sanding
8. Finishing wax applied.
How to Care for Your Rattan Wicker
We want you to love your Amanda Lindroth wicker just as much in the years to come as you do the day it arrives. To keep your wicker piece looking great, just follow these simple guidelines:
1. Keep it protected. Moisture and sunlight are wicker's worst enemies. We do not recommend leaving any natural rattan outdoors or exposed to the elements.