First things first: Just what is rattan? Well, rattan is actually a natural product - a plant fiber, mostly grown in Asia and India - where the moist, humid conditions are conducive to it's growth. Rattan is different from bamboo. Bamboo is hollow inside, whereas rattan is a solid stalk. In addition, rattan is much more flexible than bamboo - which allows the manufacturer to shape the plant fibers into very useful furniture designs.

The rattan grower, as mentioned above, grows the rattan in tropical areas. They will harvest the plants at the right time and cut the stalks down to the right length for use in furniture. Rattan can become infested with a fungus that can discolor and eventually destroy the plant fibers. Reputable harvesters will treat their rattan plants with chemicals to prevent this from happening, but less reputable companies will not do it, or do it properly -- as a result, the rattan can develop these problems later.

So I am making this recommendation up front: Make sure that you deal with a furniture supply company that is reputable and knowledgeable. If you don't you might end up buying junk that will not last very long, or look very good. Your alternative? Become an expert on all things rattan!

Remember: Outdoor rattan furniture is made from naturally occurring materials. For this reason do not allow your furniture to sit in pools of standing water. Why? Because it will eventually absorb the water, and this can cause swelling and gaps to appear in where the rattan is woven together.

How do you maintain your outdoor rattan furniture? Well, it's very easy: just clean with a vacuum cleaner, or a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. If your rattan furniture gets wet, you should allow it to dry thoroughly - and make sure that your furniture is completely dry before you store it away for the winter.

Sometimes your outdoor rattan furniture requires more care than usual. In that case, you should take your furniture to a furniture repair expert. If you see small rough areas develop on your furniture, you can sand them lightly and then apply a finish or varnish. But if you've managed to crack the frame, or the weaving has holes in it - then you need to refer the whole matter to the pro of your choice.

Properly cared for, outdoor rattan furniture will give you many, many years of useful service. Rattan is used the world over for outdoor furniture. It is cool, clean, lightweight and does not require extensive maintenance. For the cost, it really is one of your best values in outdoor furniture.