About Wicker and Rattan

Home furnishings constructed of wicker and rattan date back centuries. Their modern use extends to colonial times when the European powers discovered the delights of wicker and rattan furniture in the tropics. North America's use of wicker extends to the 1800's when many fine "heirloom" pieces were constructed in the southern states; a part of the romance of the ante-bellum era. In Canada wicker first came to prominence in the 1920's when people loved to sit on their porch in their white wicker furniture sets. Up until the 70's, most of the wicker furniture in Canada was cheaper quality and used as patio furniture. How times have changed! Since 1983 Wicker Land has been pleased to offer high quality, well constructed, uniquely designed furniture, using a combination of rattan, wood, metal and leather, giving you a beautiful option for Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom and Sunroom furniture.

Wicker and rattan have been around since "Old Testament" times. The basket they floated "baby Moses" down the river in was a wicker basket.

The definition of wicker is "anything woven from natural materials". Thus there are many materials used in making wicker products. Among these are willows, seagrass, maize, palm frondribs (buri), the core of the rattan pole, etc.

Rattan refers to rattan pole furniture. This pole is a solid vine that grows in the mountainous areas of the tropics. It does not crack, split or dry out, which makes it ideal for furniture. It is also easy to bend in its raw state, which wood cannot duplicate. Until recently it was used for the construction of bridges and scaffolding in Southeast Asia, where it predominately originates. (Indonesia, the Philippines & China among others) In this part of the world, they refer to rattan as "the wood of steel".

Both wicker and rattan are easy to care for. With wicker, an occasional vacuuming with the soft brush attachment is recommended. If it gets dirty over the years, wiping clean with Murphy's Oil soap works well. For your "rattan pole" furniture an occasional rub down with "lemon oil" will restore the luster and shine.

For more information contact:

Wicker Land Patio & Home Furniture Kelowna
2573 Hwy. 97 North
Kelowna British Columbia,Canada
V1X 5T5
1 Block North of Costco on Highway 97

Phone: (250) 862-2011
Fax: (250) 862-3162
Email: Wickerland Kelowna
Toll Free: 1-877 WICKER 1