Rattan Dining Table

A rattan dining table is always woven from the rattan material. Although the wood is more popular for other furniture (like cabinet and other kitchen furniture), you should consider the flexible rattan dining table when you see one. 

As rattan fiber strands are relatively thin, they have to be woven (mesh) to be made into a sturdy table frame.  

Features

Here are the main features you should know about rattan dining tables:

• Very light
• Very strong
• Long-lasting
• Can be bent a little
• Arguably the most natural looking wood of all
• Extremely rich in texture due to its woven state
• Most commonly available in South East Asia countries (above Australia) because the majority of rattan production is from this region
• Grows very quickly in the forest. You don't have to worry about deforestation because rattan trees can grow faster than other wood tree types

Benefits

Dining table too heavy? This is not the case with rattan dining tables. If the table is is made 100% from rattan, you can even carry and move it around with one hand. Even if only the table top is made from rattan, the table is still very lightweight to transport.

Suitable for the outdoor. Since it is so light, you can always bring it out into the patio, for example. Then simply enjoy your casual evening dining with your loved ones.

If you live in a beach house or in coastal areas, you must get the rattan table! There is simply no other better dining table types that can match the island environment with beautiful palm and coconut trees around.

What about the price? Is it expensive or cheap? The good news is they are affordable. Often times, you can get them under $500.

If you want to store the table, no problem. Simply move it out of the way when there is a indoor house party.

Tips

Usually the light to medium brown (rattan natural color) finish of the wood makes people think it is an antique wood. Did you know that you can also get these rattan furniture in very modern colors? These modern colors come in much darker brown colors. You'd be surprised how much contemporary (modern) value these newer versions of rattan furniture look like.

In most cases, rattan dining tables exist in rectangle and round shapes for the table tops. Most of the time, the rattan material is used for the table top.

Sometimes when you shop, you'll find that the rattan is used for the tables legs instead. In this case, the table top is most probably made from glass material.
(Note: Rattan dining tables with glass table tops are very common and popular.)

Actually, rattan chairs are far more common than the rattan tables. Why is this? This is because of the mesh surface (woven wicker) that allows for better air circulation, keeping the sitting surface cool all the time. Other times, manufacturers use the woven rattan wood for the chair frame only and place padded seats on the seating surface.

You can also opt for stool chairs. The stool design matches the table very much, making it a great form of rattan dining set. Stools are much cheaper than proper dining chairs (with back and arm rests). You can save more money this way too.

Glass top dining table

Ever heard about the pineapple dining table? Its table pedestal is made from rattan. Meanwhile, the table top is often made from other material; either glass (more common) or wood. Its thick but hollow table base coupled with a round table top makes it resemble the pineapple fruit, hence its name.

Rattan disadvantages

Dust can get stuck in between the woven sections over time. It will eventually happen. How do you clean it? You can use a vacuum cleaner but it would not be as effective. The best solution would be to use a canned air or a blower machine to blow the dust off the rattan "netting".

Over the years, the table could produce minor creaking sounds if pressure is applied. This is a common problem for rattan chairs. But for the table, it is not a big problem. Why should you apply heavy weight on the table at first place? There is no reason why you should sit on the rattan table! You should only be concerned about this disadvantage if you are using aged rattan chairs. Still, these minor creaking sounds will not cause a big irritation. This is the normal effect of any aged rattan furniture.

The rattan dining table is the best choice for people who like woven mesh texture for their kitchen tables. When you are buying them, just make sure you choose the rattan material because wicker (woven) furniture can be made from other wood types.

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