Rattan (Calamus)
Calamus rotang • Exotic/Tropical (Non-timber Palm)
Grain Pattern
Uniform longitudinal fibers with no visible growth rings; the surface is naturally smooth and vitreous with a fibrous interior visible where cut.
Color Description
Natural rattan is pale yellow to light tan; this sample has been finished with a dark mahogany or walnut-colored stain. It is light-stable once finished but becomes more brittle with age.
Hardness Rating
N/A (Fiber-based material; similar to Soft types under 500 lbf)
Durability Rating
Durable for indoor use; non-durable and highly susceptible to rot/mildew if exposed to moisture or outdoor environments without heavy treatment.
Common Uses
Outdoor and indoor furniture (wicker), canes, baskets, umbrella handles, and decorative bindings.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2 - $5 per linear foot for high-grade stalks.
Wood Age Estimate
The wear on the bindings and the dulling of the finish suggests the piece is 10-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
Generally considered highly sustainable as it grows rapidly in rainforests without killing the host trees; various Calamus species are on the IUCN Least Concern list.
Workability
Excellent for steam-bending; very pliable when heated. Difficult to plane or joint due to fibrous nature; usually worked by sanding, weaving, and binding.
Notable Features
Hollow or pithy core depending on species; the 'skin' (peel) is often removed for weaving (cane) while the core is used for larger structural members.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a flexible finish like polyurethane or lacquer to prevent cracking during use; often requires a sanding sealer due to its absorbent nature.
Identification Confidence
High; the cylindrical stalk shape, lack of growth rings, characteristic nodes (joints), and black wicker bindings are definitive features of rattan furniture construction.