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1. Why should you buy your furniture from Wicker and The Works?
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- We are experts in our field because we
sell wicker all year round. We feel
confident that we can help you make an
intelligent and informed choice on the
type of furniture for your particular
needs. We have long term relationships
with our vendors and our customers.
- We sell fabric and can replace cushions when they fade or wear out.
- Our sales staff can draw your room to scale, help you purchase the correct size pieces for your room so you don't make an error.
- We have on-site designers that can help you with your fabric decisions and can help you with draperies or coordinating window treatments. We also custom-make throw pillows, table cloths or placemats to give your room a real decorator look.
- We are committed to service projects and support local charities in Des Moines.
All of these things, and the fact that we have been in the same location under the same ownership
since 1978, should give you confidence in using Wicker and The Works to purchase your new outdoor or indoor Rattan furniture. Our sales staff can tell you about the different lines of furniture and their strong pints depending on how you are going to use your furniture. We can help you accessorize your new room too! to top
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2. What is Rattan?
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The earliest piece of wicker that has been found was in Egypt and dated back to 1400 B.C. Rattan has been used for centuries for forming many tools for fishing, planting, harvesting and construction of homes and furniture. In the late 1800's when rattan and wicker became more readily available, the popularity of wicker and rattan became more apparent. Rattan is a member of the palm family (or the Genus Clamu).
Rattan grows in a long slender stem, which maintains an almost uniform diameter throughout its length. It grows in a manner similar to a vine, but has an inner core and is not hollow like bamboo. The shade in the rain forests is very dense and climbing on tree limbs is the most practical way for the vines to reach the light above the forest canopy. The outer portion of the stem is extremely hard and durable while the inner portion of the stem is softer and somewhat porous. There is no harvesting season for rattan, it grows year round.
Harvesting can be difficult due to the landscape and inaccessibility of the jungle. The diameter and length of the rattan according to the specie of rattan and can be as long as 600 feet, however they are cut into 12 - 15 lengths and tied into large bundles to make the journey from jungle to processing area. The stems and the outer protective layer of the rattan are then removed by hand. The poles are fumigated and then left on end "teepee" style to dry. The poles are then extruded through a machine to produce wicker to be used for weaving into the frame. The large poles are used for the construction of the frame. to top
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3. Who makes the World's
Coolest Rattan & Bamboo Furniture?
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We have several vendors that make really
cook rattan & bamboo furniture, like
Chicago Wicke, LaneVenture & TradeWinds.
Please check
our Wicker page to
see the full list of our vendors. to top
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4. What maintenance is required for Rattan & Wicker?
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Rattan and wicker frames require very little maintenance. Rattan pole frames will need only light dusting or a damp cloth may be used. The same steps are true of wicker frames and in addition an occasional vacuuming with a brush attachment will free dust from the weave. Rattan poles can easily be touched up with premium wood stains, gloss lacquers or furniture touch up pens available from local home improvement centers. to top
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5. How long will Rattan & Wicker last?
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Rattan and wicker frames require very little maintenance
and should last forever, if properly taken
care of. Rattan pole frames will need only light dusting or a damp cloth may be used. The same steps are true of wicker frames and in addition an occasional vacuuming with a brush attachment will free dust from the weave. Rattan poles can easily be touched up with premium wood stains, gloss lacquers or furniture touch up pens available from local home improvement centers.
The fabric seats will fade & get dirty over
time, so they may need to be replaced.
Also, styles may change or you may get tired
of the color, so we can recover them if
needed. to top
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