What is Benchcraft Wicker Furniture?

Wicker is a weaving process, not a material. One of the materials used in the weaving process today is called rattan core, which comes from the rattan interior. A machine cuts the inside of the rattan stem into pieces small enough in diameter for the weaving process. Due to the nature of this product, splits and discolorations in the rattan stems are to be expected. They even enhance the beauty and uniqueness of these fine wicker bedroom furniture products. How is the Furniture Constructed? We import only the finest Malaysian Manua rattan for our hand crafted rattan furniture line. The rattan is then placed in a steam box which is necessary for bending the rattan poles and making it more pliable. Wooden and metal templates are constructed for producing specific shapes. When the rattan is steaming hot, it is bent to fit into the templates, additional heat is provided by torch to make every piece fit perfectly. Once in the template we cool it off by pouring cold water over the rattan ...  more