Rattan is the common name for around 600 species of palms in the Calameae tribe. These vines are great for wicker furniture because they're flexible, durable, and inexpensive to grow. The leaves come in a variety of sizes, which makes them useful, but other parts are used as well when making furniture.

Rattan is similar to bamboo, but it's shafts are not hollow and usually grow horizontally rather than vertically. Native to South America, Africa and Southeast Asia, Rattan is easy to grow and makes a good replacement crop for other trees because it takes less time to mature and be usable. It can also be grown year-round.

While the leaves of the Rattan plant are weaved together for the backs and seats of furniture, the stalks are also occasionally used. When heated, the thick stalks of the Rattan plant become bendable and easy to shape.

Like other wood, Rattan accepts stain and varnish and is able to be colored from light to dark and everything in between, so getting wicker furniture to fit with other interior design themes isn't as difficult as you might think.

Because of it's easy to grow and work with, Rattan has been used for centuries by furniture craftsmen. Wicker furniture first became popular in the West in the 17th and 18th centuries. The reason for this is that it could be used to copy designs of popular Victorian furniture but at a lot cheaper price than traditional wood furniture. Even today, Rattan furniture comes in many different styles.

Now, in the 21st century, wicker furniture is still around - in outdoor settings like a deck or patio and even indoors at hotels and in homes.

Rattan furniture is very durable. If you take precautions and don't abuse it, you can expect it to last for generations. One reason Rattan furniture lasts such a long time is the plant itself. The stalks are made up of tiny vines, much like a coaxial cable. This also helps make the wood so pliable and great for furniture making.

While rattan furniture is durable, owners should still take precautions to make sure the furniture lasts for years to come. These precautions include keeping the wicker furniture out of direct sunlight and harsh conditions like wind, sleet and snow. Weather proofing the wood (especially the stalks) is also a good idea. This is usually done when it's originally made, but if you're restoring wicker furniture, it might be something you look into.

Cleaning Rattan furniture can be accomplished with nothing more than a damp cloth. This helps keep your furniture looking brand new (or at least slightly new) for years to come.

When it comes to wicker furniture, Rattan was and is king.