Rattan

• Rattan is a tree grown mostly in the southeastern parts of Asia, related to the palm tree and known for its propensity to grow sideways along the ground, more like a vine than a tree trunk. Unlike bamboo it is not hollow, but it does grow quickly and has both high water content and strength. Its wood grows in straight lines instead of the usual rings that wood fibers make, which makes it ideal to form furniture from. True rattan chairs are made from poles that are steamed, bent into particular shapes and then dried to preserve the shape.
  
  

Wicker

• Wicker and rattan should not be confused. Rattan is used to make the framework of the chair, the poles on which it is based. Wicker is the slats of wood wrapped around the frame to make the surface of the chair, bound closely to add support and protection. While the wicker slats can be made of rattan, they can also be made of bamboo or another type of wood. Rattan wicker typically costs more than just the rattan framework. While durable, rattan tends to absorb moisture over time and will eventually began to lose integrity.
  
  

Aluminum

• Aluminum is an ideal metal to use for the framework of chairs. It is very lightweight and it does not rust, leading to very sturdy and dependable frameworks. The primary problem is appearance. Aluminum will always look like a metal, even when painted, while rattan has a natural, wood look that may fit in better with certain styles. Aluminum is also more difficult to paint, and many finishes will eventually flake off, whereas rattan absorbs paint more dependably.
  
  

Synthetic Rattan

• Since wicker is a delicate part of the chair and most susceptible to wear, some manufacturers produce a synthetic version, combining resin and tree fibers to form their own wicker, designed to last longer and be more resistant to outside elements. This does not mean the frame itself is made from synthetic rattan or any other type of synthetic wood. While wickers can differ in terms of construction, a rattan frame is almost always made from authentic rattan timber.
  
  

Other Alternatives

• Wicker chairs are mixed and matched when it comes to frames. A chair can easily have an aluminum frame with rattan wicker, giving qualities of both materials. Other metals like steel are also sometimes used, but steel rusts in the outdoor weather and can eventually compromise the appearance of the chair. it should be noted that aluminum does not rust but does oxidize in its top layer, leaving a white film in places where the metal is exposed.