WHAT IS WICKER, RATTAN, SEA GRASS: The term wicker has come to mean different things to different people. It's origins can be traced back to old dialects of scandinavian languages vikja, vikker respectively meaning the process of weaving twigs and vines, and literally willow branches. Eventually the term was adopted into middle english as wiker. Today, wicker has come to be known as the process of weaving natural materials. A variety of vines such as rattan, land or sea grasses, or tree branches, such as willow are the most common materials utilized in the design of wicker products.

Rattan grows in abundance southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines, where the average annual rainfall can be 80 inches or more. Rattan grows along the ground as a vine, somewhat like ivy. Though lightweight, rattan is a solid timber and is as strong as our domestic red oak. After harvest, rattan is treated to prevent any stowaways from making their way into the final product. The poles are then stripped of their dark outer peel, leaving just the rattan core. It is then cut lengthwise and machined to the desired diameter. The final processing stage takes advantage of rattan's unique characteristic: that is, when the rattan is steamed, it can be easily molded into graceful curves that will retain their shape once dried.

Many other materials are also used in the manufacture of our furniture, including sea grasses and banana rush/leaf to name a few. These can be woven to create beautiful designs that are sturdy and strong while remaining lightweight. Among the many reasons these materials are becoming more and more popular, aside from aesthetics and durability, is that they are renewable resources that grow very quickly.

FINISHES: It is important to note that paints, stains, whitewash, and even natural finishes are generally consistent within the same manufacturer. However, finishes with the same name may vary from one manufacturer to another.
+ NATURAL: a clear lacquer is applied to protect against moisture or discoloration.
+ WHITE WASH: a two step process of first applying a thin white paint or stain followed by wiping to remove the excess. This permits the rattan grain or pattern to show through.
+ STAIN: rattan is often darkened with gradations in stain most frequently identified as honey, pecan, walnut, vintage or antique.
+ PAINT: unfinished wicker and rattan can be painted a wide spectrum of colors.

CARE: First, remove any dust with a brush or vacuum attachment. Then, dip a cloth into a solution of mild dish detergent or mineral soap (like Murphy's Oil ) to gently remove any remaining dirt. Repeat the process with a clean cloth damped only with water and allow the wicker to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon sun.