What Is PE Rattan? A Complete Guide to Synthetic Wicker

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PE rattan, also known as synthetic wicker, is a highly popular material for outdoor furniture, offering an excellent alternative to natural rattan. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about PE rattan, how it’s made, and the key differences between PE and natural rattan to help you make the best choice for your outdoor spaces.

1. What is PE Rattan?

PE Rattan, short for Polyethylene Rattan, is a synthetic material specifically designed to replicate the look and feel of natural rattan. It is commonly used in outdoor furniture because of its durability, resistance to the elements, and low maintenance requirements.

PE rattan is engineered to be highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions, such as UV exposure, rain, and extreme temperatures, without deteriorating.

This is a PE rattan, we can see no difference from the natural except the color.

Unlike natural rattan, which can warp, crack, or fade when exposed to these elements, PE rattan retains its shape and color over time, making it ideal for outdoor environments. Additionally, its low maintenance requirements make it a convenient option, as it typically only needs occasional cleaning with soap and water to remain in good condition.

Another advantage of PE rattan is its eco-friendly potential. Many manufacturers use recycled polyethylene in the production process, reducing the environmental impact. Furthermore, PE rattan is generally more affordable than natural rattan due to lower production and maintenance costs, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers looking for durable, stylish outdoor furniture.

2. Benefits of PE Rattan:

PE rattan has gained immense popularity for several reasons. Here’s why it’s the go-to choice for many homeowners and designers:

2.1. Weather Resistance

PE rattan is specifically designed to endure harsh outdoor elements like sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures. Unlike natural rattan, which tends to warp, crack, or fade when exposed to these conditions, PE rattan maintains its shape, color, and texture over time. This makes it perfect for use in outdoor spaces, where furniture is constantly subjected to the elements.

2.2. Durability

One of the standout qualities of PE rattan is its long-lasting durability. Unlike natural rattan, which can split or fray with prolonged use, PE rattan is much more resilient. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, which needs to be tough enough to handle regular use without deteriorating.

2.3. Low Maintenance

PE rattan furniture is incredibly low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners. A simple clean with soap and water is typically all that’s required to keep it looking fresh. Unlike natural materials, there’s no need for frequent protective treatments or special cleaning routines.

2.4. Affordability

PE rattan is generally more affordable than natural rattan due to its lower production costs. It also requires less upkeep, making it a cost-effective solution for those who want durable, stylish outdoor furniture without the high price tag.

2.5. Eco-Friendly Options

Some PE rattan furniture is crafted from recycled materials, offering a more environmentally friendly option. Choosing manufacturers that focus on sustainable practices ensures you get an eco-conscious product.

A full set of PE rattan dining patio, focus on sustainability by incorporating recycled materials

3. How Is PE Rattan Made?

Rattan’s most common use is in furniture-making. Artisans heat the rattan poles—by boiling, torching, or steaming them—until they become flexible enough to be shaped in molds. Once the rattan is bent into the desired form, the poles are nailed together at the joints, then allowed to cool and harden. 

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how it’s made:

3.1 Raw Material Melting

The process starts with raw polyethylene pellets or resin. These plastic pellets are heated to a high temperature until they melt into a thick, liquid form.

3.2. Extrusion

Once the polyethylene is melted, it is extruded through small holes to form long, thin strands or fibers. The shape and thickness of these fibers can be adjusted to resemble the look and feel of natural rattan, which can be round, flat, or half-round in appearance.

3.3. Cooling

After extrusion, the synthetic rattan fibers are cooled down, causing them to solidify into flexible, durable strands that are ready for weaving.

PE Plastic Rattan/ Wicker Production Line for your comfortable furniture

3.4. Coloring

The PE rattan strands are often dyed or pigmented to match the desired color, which can range from natural tones like beige and brown to modern colors like gray and black. These colors are added either during the extrusion process or afterward through coating.

3.5. Weaving

The finished PE rattan strands are then woven onto furniture frames, usually made of metal like aluminum or steel. Artisans weave the strands by hand or machine to create intricate patterns and designs, similar to how natural rattan is woven.

3.6. Finishing

Once the weaving is complete, the furniture undergoes quality control checks. Additional protective coatings may be applied to enhance the durability and UV resistance of the PE rattan, ensuring it withstands outdoor conditions.

4. Advantages of PE Rattan Furniture:

Rattan is known for its surprising durability and visual appeal. Many collectors have discovered century-old rattan furniture in excellent condition, and it’s not uncommon for pieces to be passed down through generations. With its warm color palette ranging from pale gold to chestnut brown, rattan brings a subtle tropical elegance to any space.

Easy way to clean your PE furniture, we don’t need much effort in cleaning it

5. PE Rattan vs. Natural Rattan: Which Should You Choose?

Natural rattan with its true color, gentle and elegant is what it has

When deciding between natural rattan and PE rattan for your outdoor furniture, it’s essential to consider several factors:

Factor PE Rattan Natural Rattan
Aesthetics Imitates natural rattan with more color options and finishes. Earthy, natural tones and texture.
Durability Highly durable, resistant to UV light, water, and heat. Durable but sensitive to humidity, moisture, and sunlight.
Environmental Impact Made from plastic, recyclable but contributes to plastic waste if not properly disposed of. Biodegradable and renewable, but overharvesting can harm ecosystems.
Maintenance Low maintenance, just occasional cleaning with soap and water. Requires regular cleaning and protective coatings.
Cost Generally more affordable with lower maintenance costs. Can be more expensive due to labor-intensive production.

6. Considerations for Your Choice:

Sustainably sourced Rattan from recycled materials

Ultimately, the choice between natural rattan and PE rattan comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the intended use of the furniture. Natural rattan offers authentic charm and elegance but requires more maintenance. On the other hand, PE rattan is durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements.

By understanding the key differences and benefits, you can confidently choose the best material for your patio or outdoor space.