PE rattan, or Polyethylene Rattan, is a durable, low-maintenance synthetic material that mimics natural rattan. It is weather-resistant and ideal for outdoor furniture. The four main types are Flat, Half Moon, Round, and Seagrass PE Rattan, each offering unique textures to suit various styles.
The PE rattan production process involves preparing HDPE, adding UV stabilizers and color additives, extruding the material into strands, cooling and cutting them, and molding them into specific shapes. The strands are then woven onto a sturdy frame to create furniture.
This guide covers its four main structural types, their specific uses, and the manufacturing process. It also highlights the benefits of PE rattan for outdoor furniture. We also share maintenance tips and guidance on selecting quality pieces for durable, stylish furniture.
What is PE Rattan?
PE rattan is a synthetic material made from polyethylene, designed to mimic the look of natural rattan while offering superior durability and weather resistance. It is engineered to withstand water, UV rays, and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor furniture.
The manufacturing process uses controlled industrial methods that guarantee consistent quality across every strand.
Unlike natural rattan harvested from climbing palm plants, PE rattan maintains uniform properties throughout production. This synthetic material distinguishes itself from standard plastic furniture through careful attention to authentic aesthetics and functional superiority.
The result is furniture that looks remarkably similar to traditional woven pieces while offering weather resistance impossible with natural fibres.
PE rattan (polyethylene rattan) fibersTypes of PE Rattan
PE rattan comes in 4 distinct structural types, each suited to different applications and design needs. These variations result from different extrusion designs and surface textures, offering flexibility for any project:
1. Flat PE Rattan
Flat PE rattan has a rectangular cross-section, typically 6mm to 12mm wide. Its thin, wide profile creates smooth surfaces with minimal gaps, making it ideal for contemporary furniture.
The main benefits include a sleek, uniform surface and weather-tight construction, making it perfect for outdoor use. Flat PE rattan is also commonly used in interior décor for decorative panels and accent furniture, offering a clean, modern look.
Common dimensions range from 6mm to 12mm in width and 1.5mm to 3mm in thickness, allowing for flexibility in design. The flat profile also makes it easy to store and transport.
Flat PE Rattan fibers2. Half Moon PE Rattan
Half-moon PE rattan has a semi-circular cross-section, offering a balance of flat coverage and curved stability. This design creates natural shadow lines and enhances visual depth, adding sophistication to finished pieces.
It’s ideal for furniture that needs both strength and flexibility. Often used in high-end outdoor collections, the half-moon profile blends natural aesthetics with modern design. It works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
Structurally, it offers better performance than flat PE rattan while remaining easy to weave.
Half Moon PE Rattan fibers3. Round PE Rattan
Round PE rattan has a circular cross-section, available in solid or hollow forms, closely resembling natural rattan. Its shape distributes loads evenly, offering better resistance to bending and impact.
This profile works well with traditional weaving techniques, maintaining an authentic look that suits styles from classic to minimalist. Round PE rattan is ideal for load-bearing applications like chair frames and table supports, where strength is key.
Round PE Rattan fibers4. Seagrass PE Rattan
Seagrass PE rattan mimics natural seagrass with textured, irregular surfaces and a matte finish. Subtle color variations add depth, giving it a more authentic look than standard smooth finishes.
Mainly used for decorative purposes, it’s ideal for rustic or coastal designs, often seen in baskets, storage solutions, and craft items. The scattered light reflection closely resembles real seagrass.
Seagrass PE rattan pairs well with other PE rattan types as an accent material in mixed-media furniture designs.
Seagrass PE Rattan fibersHow Is PE Rattan Made?
PE rattan production begins with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pellets serving as the base material. Manufacturers blend these pellets with performance-enhancing additives during the melting process. The combination creates synthetic strands with properties far exceeding natural rattan's capabilities.
The manufacturing process follows 6 stages:
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1. Raw Material Preparation: HDPE pellets are measured and prepared for melting
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2. Additive Integration: UV stabilizers, colorants, antioxidants, and processing aids are mixed into the molten polymer
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3. Extrusion: The heated mixture is pushed through specially designed dies, creating continuous strands with specific profiles
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4. Cooling and Cutting: Extruded profiles are cooled rapidly, then cut to precise lengths for quality testing
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5. Secondary Molding: This critical step involves controlled heating and remolding to create irregular cross-sections that mimic natural fibres' three-dimensional appearance
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6. Frame Assembly: Finished strands are woven around aluminum frames, providing lightweight yet robust structural support
Secondary molding transforms standard extruded material into authentic-looking wicker. The process eliminates the uniform appearance of basic plastic extrusion. Quality control occurs at each stage, confirming dimensional accuracy and surface finish meet specifications.
6 Stages of PE Rattan Manufacturing ProcessWhy Is PE Rattan Better Than PU and PVC Rattan?
PE rattan demonstrates superior performance across multiple characteristics directly affecting outdoor furniture durability. The molecular structure and additive composition enable better resistance to environmental stresses than PU and PVC alternatives.
These differences become apparent through comparative analysis of 5 key performance metrics:
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Characteristic
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PE Rattan
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PU Rattan
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PVC Rattan
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1. UV Resistance
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Excellent (10+ years)
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Good (5-7 years)
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Fair (3-5 years)
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2. Temperature Range
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-40°C to +80°C (-40°F to +176°F)
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-20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
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-10°C to +50°C (14°F to +122°F)
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3. Tensile Strength
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High (25-35 MPa)
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Medium (15-25 MPa)
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Low (10-20 MPa)
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4. Environmental Impact
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Recyclable, non-toxic
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Limited recyclability
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Contains plasticizers
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5. Surface Texture
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Natural rattan-like
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Smooth, less authentic
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Glossy, synthetic
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PE rattan's crystalline structure prevents deformation and maintains stability in extreme temperatures. Its UV resistance keeps it from becoming brittle or discolored, unlike PVC rattan, which degrades under UV light, or PU rattan, which isn't suitable for harsh climates.
Comparison of PE, PU, and PVC RattanBenefits of Using PE Rattan for Outdoor Furniture
PE rattan overcomes the limitations of natural materials while offering new design possibilities. Its synthetic construction provides practical solutions for weather exposure, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Here are the 8 key benefits driving its popularity:
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1. Exquisite Appearance: Mimics natural rattan textures, maintaining visual appeal without fading.
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2. Waterproof: Resists moisture, preventing swelling, warping, and mould, even in poolside or coastal environments.
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3. Weatherproof: Protects against UV rays, temperature extremes, and pollutants for year-round performance.
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4. Durability: Offers long-term structural integrity in conditions that damage natural rattan.
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5. Low Maintenance: Easy to clean with a damp cloth, no need for refinishing or special treatments.
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6. Eco-friendly & Non-toxic: Made from recyclable materials with sustainable processes, free of health risks.
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7. Affordable: Competitive pricing and long lifespan reduce overall costs compared to natural rattan.
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8. Comfortable: Smooth, splinter-free surfaces offer a pleasant touch and withstand temperature extremes.
PE rattan’s blend of aesthetics and durability makes it ideal for both home and commercial use, eliminating the constant upkeep of natural rattan while withstanding heavy daily use.
8 Key Benefits of PE RattanPractical Applications of PE Rattan
Its versatility allows it to enhance spaces in 5 practical ways, offering solutions that suit diverse project needs and design visions:
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1. Residential & Commercial Furniture: Complete outdoor sets including dining configurations, lounge furniture, and modular seating systems for both home patios and commercial venues.
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2. Hospitality Industry: Restaurant seating, hotel furnishings, and event venue pieces that withstand intensive use while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
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3. Decorative & Craft Products: Baskets, storage bins, floor mats, and flower pot covers, particularly those using seagrass-textured variants.
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4. Architectural & Design Elements: Lighting pendant shades, wall cladding systems, and privacy screens that integrate natural aesthetics into buildings.
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5. Custom Installations: Retail displays, exhibition installations, and themed environments requiring unique design solutions with material consistency.
5 Key Applications of PE RattanMaintenance and Care for PE Rattan Products
Simple cleaning routines prevent dirt buildup that can dull surfaces over time, and following the 5 easy tips keeps your furniture looking fresh and new for years.
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1. Regular Cleaning: Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and light debris.
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2. Washable: Rinse furniture directly with water from a garden hose to remove accumulated dirt and stains.
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3. Stain Removal: Apply soapy water with a soft cloth for persistent stains; use a soft toothbrush for crevices.
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4. Avoid Abrasives: Never use abrasive cleaners, brushes, or scouring pads that damage the woven surface.
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5. Climate Protection: Cover furniture with UV-resistant covers during extended periods of extreme heat or cold.
5 Tips for Maintaining Your PE Rattan ProductsTips for Choosing High-Quality PE Rattan for Your Home
Before making a purchase, consider these factors to ensure the furniture meets your expectations. The 5 key aspects are particularly reliable indicators of quality:
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1. Check Material Composition: Confirm the furniture uses HDPE with sufficient UV stabilizers rated for outdoor exposure.
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2. Inspect Frame Structure: Quality pieces feature aluminum frames providing strength without excessive weight.
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3. Verify Strand Thickness: Flat rattan should measure at least 1.2 millimetres (0.047 inches) thick for durability.
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4. Assess Durability Rating: Look for materials rated for 10+ years of UV resistance and weather exposure.
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5. Evaluate Surface Texture: High-quality PE rattan feels comfortable, displays natural-looking texture, and avoids a glossy synthetic appearance.
5 Choosing Tips for Your PE Rattan Products
FAQs About PE Rattan
Can PE Rattan Be Left Outside in Winter?
Yes, high-quality PE rattan can stay outside in winter, but it lasts longer if covered or stored indoors, with cushions kept inside.
How Long Does PE Rattan Furniture Last?
Furniture made from high-quality PE rattan can last up to 8-10 years.
Which Is More Durable, PE Rattan or Natural Rattan?
PE rattan is significantly more durable, offering superior resistance to weather and environmental aging.
Is PE Rattan Eco-Friendly?
Yes, it is made mainly of recyclable polymer material and is considered non-toxic.
Conclusion
This guide explored PE rattan’s composition, types, and benefits for outdoor furniture, helping you make informed choices that balance style and function. Its durability and versatility make it ideal for modern outdoor spaces.
At IndochinaLight, we specialize in natural handcrafted lighting made from rattan, bamboo, hemp, and jute. Our pendant lamps pair perfectly with PE rattan furniture, creating cohesive spaces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Each piece reflects our commitment to sustainability and the rich traditions of Vietnamese artisans.
IndochinaLight - IndochinaHomeDecor LLC
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Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801
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Phone: (+)1 307 249 0594
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Email: service@indochinalight.com
