There are many different types of cane furniture that have been made for the last few centuries. Wicker furniture is usually made from Rattan or Bamboo.
Bamboo Cane Furniture
Because Bamboo is one of the quickest growing plants, it's been used for centuries to make durable, long lasting furniture.
Bamboo is also a very sturdy wood, making it a good candidate for furniture creation. Being naturally straight and sturdy, when varnish is added, bamboo becomes even more durable. Varnish also enhances the final look of the furniture.
Rattan Cane Furniture
Unlike Bamboo which grows very straight and vertically, Rattan is more pliable and grows in vines that can reach more than fifty feet in length.
Like Bamboo, Rattan is easy to replenish, making it a great candidate for affordable furniture. Also like bamboo, rattan furniture is very sturdy because of the way the vines of the plant grow.
Cane Furniture Shopping
When shopping for cane furniture, it's a wise investment to make sure you're buying genuine Bamboo or Rattan furniture and not a cheap knock-off. Remember that you get what you pay for when shopping for anything. In the long run (for you and for the planet), it's better to spend a little more to get something of quality that's made from a resource that's easily and naturally produced.
Cane Furniture Care
Like other possessions you might have, if you take care of it, cane furniture will last a lot longer. Here are some tips for taking care of your wicker furniture.
* Keep it clean - use a soapy water or Murphy's Wood Soap to keep the furniture clean and free of debris.
* Keep it protected - you can use linseed oil to help protect the wood of your wicker furniture.
* Keep it Dry - Wicker furniture (especially bamboo) becomes more pliable when wet. If you sit on wet wicker furniture, you can cause it to sag and have it dry in that position.
Wicker Furniture Challenge
Wicker furniture has been around for centuries and will be around for years to come. Here's a challenge - keep an eye open tomorrow for any wicker or cane furniture you might see throughout the day. You might be surprised at how much you start to see how integrated into modern life this style of furniture is.
If you're looking for a great alternative to the tacky, mass produced plastic lawn chairs and outdoor tables, take a look at wicker furniture as a more environmentally friendly and artistic alternative. You can help do something for the environment and be stylish at the same time.
