The earliest piece of wicker that has been found was in Egypt and dated back to 1400 B.C. Rattan has been used for centuries for forming many tools for fishing, planting, harvesting and construction of homes and furniture. In the late 1800’s when rattan and wicker became more readily available, the popularity of wicker and rattan became more apparent.

Rattan is a member of the palm family (or the Genus Clamu). Rattan grows in a long slender stem, which maintains an almost uniform diameter throughout its length. It grows in a manner similar to a vine, but has an inner core and is not hollow like bamboo. The shade in the rain forests is very dense and climbing on tree limbs is the most practical way for the vines to reach the light above the forest canopy. The outer portion of the stem is extremely hard and durable, while the inner portion of the stem is softer and somewhat porous.

There is no harvesting season for rattan, it grows year round. Harvesting can be difficult due to the landscape and inaccessibility of the jungle. The diameter and length of the rattan according to the specie of rattan and can be as long as 600 feet, however they are cut into 12 - 15 lengths and tied into large bundles to make the journey from jungle to processing area.

The stems and the outer protective layer of the rattan are then removed by hand. The poles are fumigated and then left on end “teepee” style to dry. The poles are then extruded through a machine to produce wicker to be used for weaving into the frame. The large poles are used for the construction of the frame.

What maintenance is required?

Rattan and wicker frames require very little maintenance. Rattan pole frames will need only light dusting or a damp cloth may be used. The same steps are true of wicker frames and in addition an occasional vacuuming with a brush attachment will free dust from the weave.  Rattan poles can easily be touched up with premium wood stains, gloss lacquers or furniture touch up pens available from local home improvement centers.