If you are shopping for rattan and wicker furniture, you can find all sorts of rattan and wicker furniture types and styles. As you shop, it would help if you understand something about wicker furniture construction. It definitely wouldn’t be in your best interest to choose a piece to go outdoors when it’s only for indoor use.

The rattan for rattan furniture comes from a vine that grows in South East Asia. Wicker can be any type of grass or vine that is flexible enough for weaving. Frames for outdoor wicker patio furniture should be aluminum or some other metal that doesn’t rust. Outdoor rattan furniture should have a patio covering of some sort to protect it from the rain, as rattan doesn’t tolerate much moisture. From the number of vintage outdoor wicker furniture pieces available, it’s easy to see that wicker does tolerate extreme weather conditions.

As you look at rattan and wicker furniture types and styles, you can also see patterns in usage. Most manufacturers classify their furniture in groupings that include the following choices:

1. Living room settings of rattan furniture.

2. Dining settings including outdoor settings.

3. Rattan bedroom furniture settings.

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Understand the basic construction of rattan and wicker furniture

As you study the differences between rattan and wicker, you should keep in mind where you plan to use the furniture. If it's going to go indoors, then consider rattan pieces. If the furniture is for outdoor use, consider whether it's going to have exposure to the elements or have some protection from rain and snow. Some wicker pieces have rattan frames while other pieces may have synthetic or resin wicker exteriors and metal frames.

I recommend: Wicker Warehouse offers a good explanation of terms used with rattan and wicker furniture types and styles. As you read the information, you can see that rattan is a preferred product for furniture that has little or no outdoor exposure while wicker can withstand a variety of weather conditions. Learn the differences between rattan and wicker furniture at Home Accents Today.

Choose rattan furniture pieces

If you want indoor rattan furniture, you can find it in all types and styles. Start with your basic seating pieces such as sofas and chairs. From that you can add tables and other accent pieces that coordinate. It is possible to find a variety of types and styles of discount rattan furniture, but be sure you still get good quality furniture.

I recommend: Wicker Paradise has a large selection of rattan furniture for your home. Pick from several styles of rattan living room furniture on the Wicker Tropics Furniture website.

Select wicker furniture

Pick the pieces of wicker furniture you want based on where you plan to use them, as well as their comfort. You can find natural wicker products at a wicker furniture store and the newer resin wicker outdoor furniture is becoming easier to find, as well.

I recommend: From the traditional white loveseat and chair combination to other, more modern groupings, WickerFurniture.com has a large selection of wicker rattan furniture. Check out the all-weather outdoor wicker furniture at Fran’s Wicker and Rattan Furniture.

Rattan patio furniture is extremely versatile for hotels, restaurants, lobbies, poolside, or sun rooms. Wicker rattan furniture is durable for outdoor and indoor settings, offices, luxury suites, common areas, dining and patio settings, and much more.

Wicker furniture is a worthy investment that adds elegance, relaxation, and a bit of fun to your establishment. When buying wicker furniture wholesale:

1. Determine the pricing structure and the price range you are willing to spend before you buy. High quality outdoor rattan furniture can be expensive — upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 for a set.
2. Customize your order. Most companies will help you select and match the rattan and wicker furniture that best serves the function of your business while catering to your customers.
3. Understand how your order will be shipped. Rattan furniture, which is large and heavy, is considered freight and can arrive in a few days if the item is in stock, or may take several weeks if it needs to be special ordered.

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Look for discount rattan furniture sellers

There are many ways to be economical when buying rattan patio furniture. Wholesalers carry a variety of national brands at discount prices and can even import special requests. Also look for clearance items. Sellers may be clearing out older models, changing distributors, or selling last season's designs at closeout prices.Additionally, look for factory seconds, which are usually of high quality but are generally non-returnable. Finally, some sellers offer price matching -- if you can find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, they will match it. And, remember to always check the warranty and return policy before purchasing rattan.

I recommend: Rattan Shack offers clearance items and price matching. There are also wicker furniture wholesalers, such as Direct Patio Furniture and Wicker Outlet.

Choose outdoor wicker patio furniture or indoor furniture for your specific needs

Decide if your rattan furniture will be used with no roof or canopy, in limited outdoor use under a roof but still open to the elements, or indoors. All-weather resin wicker outdoor furniture used in the open air is made from vinyl wicker or PVC polyurethane for maximum durability. General outdoor wicker furniture is made from high-quality wicker reeds that are coated with resins, plastic, and paint to create a protective layer over the wicker, which can endure harsh rain and snow. Indoor rattan furniture is made from natural materials that are coated with a polyurethane finish. Although rattan living room furniture is very popular, you can also select rattan for bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and office furniture.

I recommend: Contract Furnishing International offers advice on selecting various kinds of indoor/outdoor furniture. WickerFurniture.com and Wicker Warehouse sell a wide variety of rattan bedroom furniture, such as rocking chairs, hampers, storage chests and trunks, vanities, and room dividers, in addition to outdoor wicker furniture.

Select the style of rattan patio furniture that reflects your clientele

Order your rattan furniture in a variety of styles and fabrics. Casual, modern, traditional, and vintage rattan furniture come in dark and light earth tones, such as dark browns, light sand, grays, terra cotta, and natural green. You can choose your rattan with nature-inspired designs, such as leaves, palms, and tropical scenes. Choose darker colors to invoke a serene, relaxing atmosphere, and brighter pastels and primary colors to bring the party to life. Fabric comes in many colors, textures, patterns, and styles, but be sure to select appropriate fabric for outdoor and indoor use. Quality fabric will withstand weather and repel moisture, and be easier to maintain. Find a seller who will work with you to coordinate various fabric designs with the rattan and wicker furniture you desire.

I recommend: Wicker Paradise offers 120 designer fabrics and even sells fabric by the yard. Wicker On Park offers several types of high quality American-made fabrics in a wide variety of styles. Check out the Wicker Buying Guide at Teak Wicker & More.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are leery working with a wicker furniture wholesaler on the Internet that you don't know, some sellers will ship you a single item for your inspection before you place a large order. This builds trust between the seller and buyer.
• •  Accessorize your rattan and wicker furniture with end tables, umbrellas, potted plants, throw pillows, and dishes that match the color of your furniture.
• •  Properly maintain your outdoor wicker patio furniture for highest quality. Use warm water and mild soap on outdoor cushions and rinse thoroughly. Even all-weather rattan furniture should be brought indoors or at least covered during harsh winter weather.

Rattan and wicker furniture are not modern inventions. Archeologists have uncovered wicker chairs, boxes and chests of at least 5,000 years old in Ancient Egyptian excavation sites. You can even trace wicker furniture back to AD 79 where people used it in early Rome. As time unfolded, the idea of weaving reeds into wicker furniture began to spread. For Victorian England, indoor and outdoor wicker furniture became a more sanitary, sophisticated alternative to upholstered furniture and the first wicker items traveled to America aboard the Mayflower.

Although the popularity of wicker furniture has risen and fallen over the past centuries, today's businesses have revealed a renewed interest in this classy, versatile furniture and it is seen often in gardens, offices and lobbies. Although wicker furniture tends to be costly, easily ranging upwards of $5000 for a high-quality set, many businesses consider this purchase a worthwhile investment. Consider the following:

1. Wicker furniture looks professional and has a classic appeal.

2. Rattan and wicker are versatile materials that companies can custom-design into a variety of styles.

3. Wicker and rattan furniture is low maintenance, eliminating the cleaning costs of upholstered furniture.

4. Outdoor rattan-based furniture is durable and weather-resistant.

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Select wicker furniture to match your business style

The beauty of wicker furniture is that companies can design it to meet a variety of styles and purposes. Determine the look you want to portray for your business - contemporary, vintage, or low-key and choose an appropriate style in wicker furniture. Rattan and wicker furniture pricing and costs can vary depending on the materials used and the design.

I recommend: Wicker Paradise offers the finest quality in wicker and rattan furniture at discounted prices. A set costs a little over $2000. A single piece may run anywhere from a little over $100 to just under $500. Wicker Warehouse also carries discounted wicker furniture. Order a free catalog to compare prices. Comcore21 carries contemporary wicker furniture ranging for just over $100 for a chair to just under $5000 for a 6-piece set. Sign up for e-mail alerts of special offers.

Locate resin wicker rattan furniture for outdoor use for greater savings

Companies usually construct outdoor wicker furniture with a steel or aluminum frame wrapped with resin or vinyl. High quality outdoor rattan furniture can be expensive - upwards of $9,000 for a set. Resin wicker outdoor furniture is not only cheaper than actual wicker furniture, it is also easy to clean and weather resistant.

I recommend: Outdoor Garden Furniture carries a variety of outdoor and resin wicker rattan furniture. You can purchase a complete dining set for under $7000 or a single seating unit for just over $5000. For more affordable rattan furniture, try NexTag Comparison Shopping where you can purchase a resin rattan set for under $1000.

Locate wicker furniture wholesale for discount prices

You can purchase wicker furniture from wholesale distributors at discount prices. You can find a good quality wicker set for less than $1000 at a wholesale manufacturer and, many times, you can apply other discounts to these low prices.

I recommend: Rattan Shack offers high quality wicker furniture at discounted prices, clearance items and price matching. Join their mailing lists for notices on sales and clearance items. Wicker Outlet offers a variety of wicker and discount rattan furniture. Contact the store for designer discounts and additional savings.

Rattan and wicker furniture is an attractive option for many businesses. Whether you're selecting furniture for outdoor patios, hotel rooms or reception areas, it's a good idea to learn some of the key terms associated with rattan and wicker furniture. Where you intend to place the furniture, for example, makes a big difference in whether you should purchase all-weather wicker or indoor wicker. Start by learning these terms and you'll be ready to buy in no time at all.

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Rattan vs. wicker

Rattan and wicker are often used interchangeably, but the words are actually somewhat different. Rattan is a wood that is used to make furniture, while wicker is the act of weaving furniture from wood. Wicker can be made from a variety of sources.

I recommend: Read more about the difference between rattan and wicker from wiseGEEK.

Rattan vine

Rattan vine is the plant that is used to make rattan furniture. It's ideal for use in making furniture because it is sturdy, yet flexible.

I recommend: View the rattan vine at The Noble Foundation's Plant Image Gallery.

All-weather wicker

All-weather wicker is wicker furniture that has been specially treated to be able to withstand rain and snow. You can use it for outdoor use on a patio. It is typically made out of resin. It's important to note that even though it's made to withstand harsh weather, you can improve its life by protecting it from the elements.

I recommend: Learn more about all-weather wicker from The Old House Web.

Indoor wicker furniture

Indoor wicker furniture is sturdy, but it is not made to withstand the weather, so it must be kept indoors. Rattan furniture is often indoor wicker furniture because the wood will warp and weaken when exposed to water. It is typically sold in sets.

I recommend: See pictures of indoor wicker furniture at Williamsburg Wicker & Rattan Shoppe.

Wicker furniture covers

If you are keeping your wicker furniture outdoors, a wicker furniture cover can help protect the furniture from inclement weather when it's not in use. These covers are usually made from a vinyl or other waterproof material. They come in several different shapes to match the furniture you own.

I recommend: See wicker furniture covers at PatioFurnitureCovers.com.

Limited exposure wicker furniture

Limited exposure, or semi-outdoor, wicker furniture can be used outdoors, but should be kept under a canopy or small roof.

I recommend: Kozy Kingdom shows several examples of limited exposure wicker furniture.