As you delve into this article, you’re likely sharing a common question with other readers: how many types of plastic rattan exist, and which one is the ideal choice for your needs? In the following paragraphs, I’ll offer an extensive guide to help you navigate the diversity of plastic rattan, helping you gain a better understanding of rattan materials.
Popularity of Plastic Rattan Application
Plastic rattan, also known as synthetic rattan or PE rattan, is a type of material used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture, typically replicating the appearance and texture of natural rattan. Rattan itself is a sturdy and flexible vine that is commonly woven into furniture. Natural rattan is difficult to survive for a long time in garden areas since it is sensitive to environmental elements, making it less ideal for outdoor settings. This is where plastic rattan comes into play.
How Plastic Rattan Is Made: 7 Steps
Before we reveal various shapes and types of plastic rattan, there are 7 manufacturing steps that can help you get deeper information about synthetic rattan. Some people believe that plastic rattan cannot be compared with natural rattan due to its artificial appearance. However, this is not true. For people who are big fans of rattan furniture but are concerned about its durability and practicability, plastic rattan is their best choice. As a leading Chinese plastic rattan supplier, we skillfully replicate the authentic grains and aesthetics of natural rattan. We apply refined craftsmanship in its production to solidify its practicality and appeal. Below are the seven manufacturing steps of PE rattan.
Step 1: Material Preparation
Gathering and blending crucial raw materials together like HDPE, LDPE, colorants, and additional additives such as antioxidants.
Step 2: Extrusion
The material blend is swiftly fed into an extruder at high temperatures, passing through a die to achieve the desired shape.
Step 3: Molding
Crafting a distinctive pattern necessitates the use of a custom mould to shape the extruded plastic into the desired size and form.
Step 4: Water Cooling
Water circulates through the mould to swiftly cool the plastic, helping with its solidification into the desired form.
Step 5: Embossing
The automated embossing machine is used to create various surface effects on the cooled rattan, including patterns resembling sea grass and bamboo.
Step 6: Rolling
Post-cooling, the plastic rattan undergoes rolling or twisting into large rolls, which is convenient for transportation.
Step 7: Packaging
The PE rattan rolls are meticulously packaged using uniquely designed packaging bags, complete with labeling and subjected to final quality checks.
Diversity of Plastic Rattan: 8 Different Shapes
Synthetic rattan, stands out as one of the top materials for outdoor furniture, blending a natural and stylish aesthetic that invites a sense of relaxation, allowing people to reconnect with the natural world effortlessly. Some manufacturers often provide diverse solutions, such as a multitude of styles and shapes, to cater to customers’ distinct preferences and needs; hence, navigating the selection process for various types of rattan materials can be challenging. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the differences among LTR’s eight types of plastic rattan according to different shapes, offering you a quick and comprehensive understanding of their distinctions.
Type 1: Flat Rattan
True to its name, this type of synthetic rattan has a smooth and flat surface. Resembling nearly straight lines on both sides, it is the most commonly used rattan in furniture crafting, admired for its simple but beautiful appearance. Its smooth texture makes it easy to shape and weave into stunning furniture pieces.
Type 2: Round Rattan
The interior of round synthetic rattan is circular, offering three kinds of circle variations: double-circle, hollow circle, and solid circle. Ideal for seat covers, chairs, and baskets, round rattan materials introduce an unique contour, providing an additional layer of texture. This not only imparts an appealing aesthetic to your furniture but also enhances the furniture’s capacity to support weight, ensuring comfortable seating and a robust overall structure.
Type 3: Half-moon Rattan
It looks like a half-moon on sides, which is unique and trendy. Blending the finest qualities of flat and round rattan, it boasts a special surface design that serves as an aesthetic embellishment, enhancing the overall appeal of your furniture.
Type 4: Seagrass Rattan
In order to showcase the most original appeal of this material, it mimics the unique appearance of seagrass, capturing its natural shape and pattern. In comparison to other PE rattan varieties, it is softer and more elastic.
Type 5: Twisted Rattan
The twisted rattan is another type of seagrass rattan with an additional twisting process. It has the features of being natural and soft, with a high imitation level of real seagrass, which is sturdy and aesthetic at the same time.
Type 6: Rope-like Rattan
With its unique design, this rattan closely resembles an authentic rope, mimicking the appearance of real strands with precision.
Type 7: Bamboo Rattan
A clever design seamlessly merges the aesthetics of bamboo with the durability of plastic rattan. Not only does it exude a natural and beautiful appearance, but it also meets the desire for bamboo-inspired furniture, ensuring both style and resilience.
Type 8: Fusion of Half-Moon With Flat Rattan
These two rattan styles coexist on the same material, creating a novel design that is both trendy and avant-garde. It is a dream partner for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Different Exquisite Craftsmanship
Beyond the diverse range of rattan types shaped into various forms, the crafting process itself also introduces distinct craftsmanship. As environmental consciousness rises, the majority of consumers prioritize furniture materials that are both eco-friendly and contribute positively to the global environment. For instance, when faced with the choice between natural rattan and plastic rattan, many people will opt for the latter one. However, a significant concern is held among some individuals—the apprehension that plastic rattan may not match the texture and aesthetic appeal of natural rattan, potentially compromising the intricate beauty of woven rattan in outdoor furniture.
Hence, certain manufacturers choose to innovate and refine craftsmanship to address this concern. For instance, LTR, which not only satisfies diverse customer preferences with a range of PE rattan shapes but also employs top-tier craftsmanship in the manufacturing process, elevating plastic rattan materials to new heights. Various handcrafted techniques yield distinctive visual effects, aiming to emulate the authentic appeal of natural rattan. This endeavor provides an opportunity for you to enjoy stylish and functional outdoor furniture right on your patio.
Scratching:
During the production of plastic rattan, a specialized process is employed to introduce deliberate scratches onto its surface. As a result of this technique, the rattan’s exterior exhibits small scrapes, providing the material with an appearance and tactile quality that closely resembles natural rattan.
Embossing:
This method imparts a more flexible aesthetic to plastic rattan, employing distinctive and refined craftsmanship to emboss multiple dents onto its surface. The outcome is a sophisticated and high-end appearance for the rattan.
Twisting:
Involving a unique and intricate procedure, this process twists standard rattan or sea grass rattan materials using a specialized twisting machine. To maintain the desired shape, the material is immersed in hot water for 20 seconds. Following this step, a distinctive twisted vine is produced.
The plastic rattan types that I mentioned are just a small portion of the wide range of PE rattan types, excluding the shapes and craftsmanship; you can customize different colours and sizes that completely meet your needs and preferences.
The Selection of Different Types of Rattan
The diverse range of plastic rattan provides individuals with various choices to meet their furniture requirements. However, with the extensive catalogue of PE rattan materials, selecting the ideal one to elevate the ambiance of your home might be a challenge. When choosing rattan materials, it is essential to consider the occasion, style, and personal preference.
For example, if you are looking to enhance your backyard (occasion) with outdoor decorations, opting for a set of rattan chairs might be a great idea. Rattan materials provide a natural feeling that harmonizes with the outdoor environment. In this case, it is crucial to assess the load-bearing capacity of the materials, especially if they need to support multiple individuals simultaneously. At a result, seagrass rattan might not be the optimal choice due to its softer nature compared to other varieties. By contrast, when it comes to selecting small rattan decorations, the possibilities are abundant. You can freely choose any style or shape that captures your preference, as there are minimal considerations for small adornments. Once you have selected the appropriate rattan material, you just need to relish your leisure time comfortably outdoors, whether it is on dewy mornings or during serene sunset afternoons.
What is more, imagine that you are a person who does not like doing housework. You may prefer furniture that is easy to clean and maintain. For example, flat rattan is a good option if you are thinking about buying outdoor furniture. That is because, as the most popular and best-selling rattan material, its simple design is suitable for many different scenes and decorative styles (style). Secondly, as a flat-shaped rattan, it is much easier to clean than other shapes of rattan. Given the prevalence of dust in outdoor spaces, regular cleaning is necessary. Fortunately, due to the uncomplicated and relatively flat shape of flat plastic rattan compared to other types, the cleaning process is effortless, making it a highly convenient choice (preference).
Benefits of Plastic Rattan
The benefits of opting for plastic rattan extend far beyond its eco-friendly nature. This material is resilient against various weather conditions, anti-insect, sturdy, and easy to maintain. It can withstand high temperatures and is not easy to rot in humid environments, which is an important feature of outdoor furniture. Besides, the sturdy structure and its anti-insect properties prevent it from breaking easily, contributing to its outstanding durability. Plastic rattan material proves its practicability in the long run. These robust features make it a reliable choice for outdoor settings, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Ensuring the longevity of plastic rattan furniture through proper maintenance is a straightforward process. You do not need to spend any additional effort to do this job, which does not take much of your leisure time. If some stains are left after a comfortable moment with your friends or family, a cleaning with a mild soap solution and a soft brush effectively removes the dirt and grime. However, it’s crucial to avoid abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washing to prevent damage. With proper care, your plastic rattan furniture will retain its aesthetic appeal and functionality for a long time.
Contribution to Our Nature Mother
Nowadays, since people’s consciousness towards environmental protection has grown a lot, the demand for eco-friendly products, especially in furniture, has significantly increased. PE rattan has become a good option due to its environmentally friendly features, which aligns perfectly with the increasing focus on earth protection.
Plastic rattan is crafted from recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) materials and stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional natural rattan. By choosing furniture made of plastic rattan, you are contributing to the reduction of environmental impact, as it repurposes materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. This not only satisfies the desire for stylish and functional furniture but also reflects a commitment to responsible and sustainable consumer choices, fostering a harmonious balance between aesthetic preferences and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plastic rattan material emerges as a durable and eco-friendly alternative for outdoor furniture, with various kinds of shapes and excellent craftsmanship. Its diverse types accommodate various scenes, styles and preferences. Beyond providing durability, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance, embracing plastic rattan contributes to a sustainable and greener lifestyle. Choose the perfect plastic rattan type for your needs and revel in the harmonious blend of style and functionality in your outdoor spaces. For more in-depth information on plastic rattan, explore our online resources and guides. We aim to provide our valued customers with the most perfect and suitable outdoor solutions!
