If you’ve been shopping for outdoor furniture, you’ve probably seen the words rattan and wicker everywhere. They often appear together — but they don’t actually mean the same thing.
So what’s the real difference? And which one should you choose for your patio or garden?
Let’s clear it up.
Table of Contents
What Is Rattan?
Rattan is a natural vine that grows in tropical forests.
It’s harvested, dried, and shaped into durable poles that are used for indoor furniture.
Because of its beautiful texture and natural warmth, it’s loved for bohemian or coastal-inspired interiors.
But here’s the catch — natural rattan doesn’t do well outdoors.
Sunlight and moisture can cause cracking, fading, and even mold.
What Is Wicker?
Wicker is not a material — it’s a weaving technique.
It refers to how the fibers are interlaced, not what they’re made of.
Modern outdoor wicker furniture is usually made from synthetic fibers like PE rattan (polyethylene rattan) — a weather-resistant material designed to look like the real thing but last much longer.
✅ In short: rattan = natural material; wicker = weaving style.
Why PE Rattan Is the Outdoor Champion
PE rattan (the material used in RattanKind furniture) is built for the outdoors.
It’s flexible yet strong, waterproof, and UV-protected — perfect for patios, backyards, and balconies across the U.S.
Advantages of PE Rattan:
- All-weather durability (sun, rain, humidity)
- Fade-resistant color coating
- Easy to clean — just hose off and dry
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
Whether you live in sunny California or rainy Florida, PE rattan stays beautiful year after year. Read our guides: PE Rattan vs. Natural Rattan: Which Is Better for Outdoor Furniture?
Quick Comparison: Rattan vs. Wicker
| Feature | Natural Rattan | Wicker (PE Rattan) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural vine | Synthetic resin |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| UV Resistance | Low | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Frequent | Minimal |
| Ideal Use | Indoors | Outdoors |
| Eco Benefit | Biodegradable | Recyclable |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re furnishing your living room or sunroom, natural rattan brings cozy organic warmth.
But if you want something that can handle real weather — from summer BBQs to sudden showers — choose PE rattan wicker furniture.
🌿 Discover our Rattan Outdoor Furniture Sets Collection — crafted from weather-resistant PE rattan, designed for timeless outdoor comfort.
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FAQs
Q1: Is PE rattan eco-friendly?
Yes! It’s fully recyclable and designed to last years longer than natural rattan, reducing waste.
Q2: Can I use natural rattan outdoors?
Not recommended. It absorbs moisture and fades quickly in sunlight.
Q3: Does PE rattan fade or crack?
High-quality PE rattan with UV stabilizers won’t fade or crack even under strong U.S. sun.
