Introduction to a Unique Type of Rattan Material: Rattan Reed

Introduction to Rattan Material

Because of people’s growing appreciation for natural aesthetics in their living and working spaces, rattan materials have become one of the most popular materials for furniture making and construction projects over recent years. Many manufacturers and designers choose to use rattan elements to enhance the natural ambience of any environment.

When talking about rattan material, people normally think about terms like “rattan cane,” “rattan reed,” and “rattan” as these words are the important components of rattan material. In fact, these three terms refer to different parts of the rattan plant, each with its unique properties and uses.

In this article, we will dive deeper into rattan reed, highlighting its characteristics, benefits, and applications in various settings. From crafting furniture pieces to decorative accents, rattan reed offers an organic and rustic touch that many people are looking for.

Reed Core of the Rattan Palm Plant — How Rattan Reed Look

Rattan Reed vs. Bamboo Reed

When discussing rattan reed materials, another popular type often mentioned is bamboo reed. In addition to their highly similar appearance, both rattan reed and bamboo reed share similar qualities, such as their flexibility and natural appearance. These two materials are all eco-friendly and durable, making them widely used by people for further manufacturing.

However, there are still some major differences between the two. Rattan reed comes from the rattan palm plant, which is a type of tropical plant. Known for its long, vine-like stems, rattan palm plant is widely used in furniture industry. Meanwhile, bamboo reed is derived from the bamboo plant, which is a grass species.

straight bamboo reed sticks — Straight Bamboo Reed Sticks

In terms of their applications, rattan reed is often used in furniture making and weaving because of its exceptional sturdiness, while bamboo reed is primarily used in crafting items such as mats, baskets, and flooring materials.

Rattan Reed vs. Rattan Cane

Another common distinction in rattan material is between rattan reed and rattan cane. Although many people might mess up these two terms and think they are the same. They are actually two different materials derived from the same rattan palm and have distinct characteristics and applications.

Rattan cane refers to the outer skin of the rattan palm plant, which is normally peeled off by machines or people. It is normally in a stripe shape and is flat and thin. Cane is normally used for furniture weaving, particularly in cane webbing for chair seats, backs, and other decorative purposes. Rattan cane is known for its exquisite aesthetics, smooth texture and exceptional strength, making it popular to be used in modern furniture designs.

Rattan Cane Webbing Sheet with Stylish Design — Rattan Cane Webbing Sheet

On the other hand, the rattan reed is the inner core of the rattan, often called reed spine or rattan core by people. The rattan reed is more flexible and lighter than cane, which makes it ideal for intricate weaving and crafting. While rattan cane is primarily used in furniture and space designs, rattan reed is commonly found in decoratieve applications like baskets, wall art, and lampshades.

Round Reed and Flat Oval Reed

In the current furniture material market, rattan reed is normally crafted into two main variety styles which are round reed and flat oval reed.These two types of reeds are the same things but with different appearances and applications. Because of their smooth and matt surfaces, both round reed and flat oval reed are easy to be dyed to match specific colour schemes.

Round reed, just like its name suggests, is manufactured into smaller reed strips with a circular cross-section and has a smooth, uniform appearance. It is often used to create fine patterns in furniture, particularly in applications like chair backs or decorative panels. What is more, it is commonly used to hide and decorate the edges of cane webbing roll on chairs to create a nicer look and finish.

Flat Oval Reed is made by cutting round reed in half, giving it a flat surface on one side and a rounded surface on the other. This version of rattan reed is particularly useful in applications where a smooth, even surface is required. For example, flat oval reed is perfect for weaving baskets and other containers where stability and evenness are important. Its flat side provides a sturdy base for placing objects, while the curved side offers a more flexible design or aesthetic appeal for weaving.

Synthetic Plastic Reed

With people’s increasing preference towards rattan reed material, it is common to see lots of rattan reed elements around you. However, although natural rattan reed is famous for its organic appeal, it does have certain limitations. For instance, natural reed is vulnerable to environmental factors like moisture and wear, which may reduce its longevity in some applications.

To address these concerns, some suppliers like Leisure Touch Rattan have developed synthetic plastic rattan reed. Crafted by high-quality PE plastic, this material mimics the appearance and texture of natural reed, but with added durability and resilience. Unlike natural reed, which can be prone to moisture absorption, plastic reed will not warp, crack, or rot when exposed to the elements. It is weather-proof, waterproof, and resistant to fading or cracking, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of PE plastic, artificial rattan reed can be bent or woven into complex patterns without breaking.

Plastic round reed coils BM 90291 — Synthetic Rattan Reed from LTR

To ensure that it closely resembles the look of real rattan reed, Leisure Touch Rattan’s synthetic plastic reed is treated with special texturing techniques to enhance its realistic appearance. For example, LTR adds fine fibre details on the reed surface to further enhance its authenticity, making it popular to be chosen by people.

It is perfect for a range of applications, from weaving furniture frames to creating outdoor decor. Its ability to withstand various weather conditions without losing its charm has made it a popular choice among designers and homeowners.

Round Reed Applications

Round reed is highly classic, versatile and can be used in a variety of creative applications. Some common uses for round reed include:

Edge Decoration for Cane: This is one of the most common uses of round reed. It is often used to place on the edges of cane webbing to provide a smooth and aesthetically pleasing transition between cane and the furniture frame, which adding a refined touch to the piece while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the rattan.

Apply Reed to Four Sides of Cane for Better Look — Apply Reed to Edges of Cane

Chair Weaving: Round reed is widely used in traditional and modern furniture making, especially for weaving chair seats and backs. Its flexibility allows for the creation of intricate patterns and its sturdiness ensures that the chair can withstand everyday use.

Lampshades: Round reed application in lampshade designs are commonly seen in theme restaurants and home decor. The subtle texture and natural look of the reed provide an inviting and warm glow when paired with soft lighting, creating a cosy and relaxed ambiance to the space.

Plant Hangers: No matter for natural or synthetic round reed materials, the exceptional flexibility and strength of reed make it ideal for creating plant hangers. Strong enough to support various plant sizes, round reed plant hangers provide a stylish and eco-friendly solution for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Diffusers: This is an innovative application of reed. It is also used in aroma diffusers for indoor designers. Thanks to the small holes in the center of the reed, it can absorb and diffuse essential oils throughout the room, adding a soothing and fragrant touch to your space. This simple yet effective application can easily enhance the ambiance of any environment.

Rattan reed for diffusers — Rattan Reed for Diffusers

Flat Oval Reed Applications

Compared to round reed material, flat oval reed is less used in the market. It is a preferred choice for certain types of weaving and crafting due to its flat surface. Some popular applications of flat oval reed include:

Basket Weaving: Flat oval reed is the perfect material for basket making. Its smooth and flat surface allows for neat, even weaving and stationary plane, while the flexibility of the reed ensures a sturdy structure.

Furniture Making: Flat oval reed is also used in the construction of furniture, particularly for creating chair backs or decorative purpose. The half-moon like surface provides a clean, modern look that complements a variety of design styles.

FAQ:

1. How do I choose between natural and synthetic reed?
The choice between real and synthetic reed depends on your different use. If you are looking for an aesthetic material for indoor decor, natural reed is a great option. However, if you need a durable, low-maintenance material for outdoor furniture or high-traffic areas, synthetic plastic reed is the better choice.

2. Is rattan reed waterproof?
Natural rattan reed is not waterproof and may be damaged by moisture after exposing in a humid environment over time. However, plastic rattan reed is waterproof and resistant to fading or rotting, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

3. How do I attach rattan reed to a wooden frame?
Rattan reed is easy to attach to any frames. You can use staples, nails, or glue to secure the material, ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting bond.

4. Can I use rattan reed for outdoor furniture?
Yes, synthetic plastic rattan reed is perfect for outdoor furniture because of its ability to resist moisture, insects and harsh weather conditions. However, natural rattan reed is best used indoors or in dry environments.

5. Is rattan reed eco-friendly?
Yes, both natural and synthetic rattan reeds are eco-friendly. For natural reed, since rattan palm plant can grow very fast, it will not suffer from harvesting, making it a sustainable material for the environment. Besides, synthetic plastic reed is also environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled plastic, offering durability without compromising on sustainability.

6. Does synthetic plastic reed look artificial?
It depends. Although synthetic plastic reed is designed to closely resemble natural reed, some suppliers might not produce plastic reed with the best result. Therefore, you need to carefully select a reliable supplier for your plastic reed. With added texturing and matte finishes, LTR’s plastic reed has a realistic look, making it hard to distinguish between the two.

Enhance Your Projects with High-Quality Plastic Reed

As a versatile, durable, and eco-friendly material that offers endless possibilities for home decor and furniture making, rattan reed is popular for many designers and furniture manufacturers. Whether you choose natural or synthetic reed, this material adds a unique charm to your any spaces.

If you are looking for eco-friendly and appealing plastic rattan reed to enhance your furniture or space aesthetics, visit Leisure Touch Rattan’s website to get your premier material home!