THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES!
When you buy from American Rattan you are buying from a better company in 2 main ways. First of all we are specialized in in the Rattan and Wicker furniture industry and experts in the process for customizing Rattan and Wicker furniture. When you order from us either online or with a representative you are getting your own personal experts and direct contact throughout the manufacturing process. Secondly, we know how to ship fully assembled furniture, whereas the big multi-product companies dont. We use specialized delivery companies who move large furniture items with no or very minimal damages compared to the big stores that use standard delivery and incur a huge damage rate. We know about the damages these companies encounter because customers call us for help in cleaning up their mess. We offer FREE DELIVERY for many of our products and always for any order of $1000 and more.
The American Rattan Journey
Master Seargent (MSgt) Mark Mosher, aka. "Rattan Man(TM)" a 21 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force had just started his retirement leave on September 1, 2001 and was in the process of starting his new imported furniture business. He didnt know it at the time but all of that planning was about to come to an abrupt halt when after just 11 days into his leave America was attacked by terrorists on that tragic day on 9-11-01. Immediately the Air Force cancelled MSgt Mosher’s retirement and he was ordered back to his base and back to active duty. Fortunately there were no further attacks on our homeland and 6 months later MSgt Mosher was honorably allowed to begin his retirement for a second time and this time it was permanent. Now he could focus on his new import furniture businesss in earnest and thats exactly what he’s been doing for the last 17 years! The company Mark originally built was named “Pacific Imports” and included retail sales of imported Rattan and Wicker furniture as well as Antiques and Rosewood furniture from China as well. Then in 2008 Mark re-organized the company as American Rattan and Wicker and the focus has been on the retail sales of indoor and outdoor Rattan and Wicker furniture ever since. Mark has maintained a simple and straightforward customer service philosophy all of these years - “provide the best possible products, at the lowest possible prices, and with the best customer service”. And working with his team of hardworking, highly trained and knowledgeable consultants he has delivered on that promise. Mark chose Rattan and Wicker furniture as a business because he loves the rustic and tropical look Rattan furniture creates in any room of any home, and he also does all of the web design as well. This furniture can be mixed with your current furniture and brings so much warmth and beauty to any setting. In fact Mark loves this furniture so much that he added his new trademark “The Rattan Man” to his business in 2016. You will see “The Rattan Man” when you visit this amazing store online at https://www.americanrattan.com/ After visiting and finding collections and styles you like its a great idea to call us at 1-888-265-4695 to discuss fabrics, availability, and other details with our knowledgeable team of Rattan consultants.
Wicker Furniture - An American Legacy
by Mark Mosher - "Rattan Man(TM)" and Founder
First of all its interesting to note that the first company in the U.S. to use machinery to shave Wicker strands off raw Rattan Cane was the AMERICAN RATTAN COMPANY operating in Fitchburg, MA.. This is important to note in the production of American made Rattan furniture.
Wicker and Rattan furniture as a commercial industry was created in America and not in Asia as many assume. The American production of wicker furniture began in the 1840's. This occured after the Chinese opened a number of treaty ports to foreign trade. Clipper ships would leave China bound for America with a variety of goods. Raw cane rattan was used as dunnage to secure the cargo and prevent shifting. This raw cane would then be discarded and left at the docks on America's east coast. One day in 1844, a 33-year-old grocer by the name of Cyrus Wakefield, collected an armful of the discarded rattan that had been abandoned at Constitution Wharf in Boston. Wakefield took notice on how flexible the cane was and an idea struck him. Could the cane be wrapped to produce furniture? Wakefield was not a furniture maker by trade but he still bent the rattan to produce a chair. He saw the infinitie potential of the material and quit his grocer job to pursue the rattan and cane idea full time..
It wasnt long when Wakefield realized he couldn't pursue a legitimate Rattan furniture manufacturing company using slow manual stripping processes. He needed a machine-based production capability. In the 1850's the AMERICAN RATTAN COMPANY of Fitchburg, Massachusetts was the only company using machinery to split raw rattan into wicker. Wakefield was familiar with the American Rattan Company because they were one of his customers for the raw Cane Rattan poles he was importing. He followed American Rattan Company's example in setting up a manufacturing operation on Canal Street with the same type of machinery.
To start his business Wakefield traded the raw rattan to basket makers and furniture manufacturers. The manufacturers used just the outer cane to weave chair seats and backs. In 1855, Wakefield and his wife left Boston and moved to South Reading, Massachusetts. There he established the Wakefield Rattan Company. He continued to sell the imported rattan throughout the United States and he continued to experiment with wicker furniture. Bending oak or hickory into flowing shapes, the frames were filled with ornate rattan patterns and wrapped with split cane.
Wakefield realized the reed or inner pith of the whole rattan plant had tremendous flexibility, enabling him to create ornate, Victorian designs. Throughout the 1860's the Wakefield Rattan Company cornered the market on the wicker furniture industry. From 1865-1880, the majority of wicker furniture was made for indoor use, although it was becoming fashionable as garden and porch furniture. A businessman and investor, Wakefield's generosity also matched his success. He would donate both the money and the land for construction of the South Reading town hall and in 1868, the citizens of South Reading voted to rename their town Wakefield in his honor.
Wakefield Rattan Company had fierce competition from another furniture maker, Heywood Brothers Company of Gardner, Massachusetts. Their rivalry from the 1870's through the late 1890's would mark the period known as The Golden Age of Wicker, as both furniture designers created increasingly exotic and elaborate wicker pieces. Their originality and craftsmanship were unparalleled.
In 1897 the Wakefield Rattan Co. merged with the firm of Heywood Bros. and for the next two decades this newly formed company all but monopolized sales of quality wicker furniture. As the 1900's progressed, Victorian and Art-Nouveau designs were considered increasingly gauche. Angular European designs began to curry favor and the Arts and Crafts movement took hold. The Gustav Stickley Company of Eastwood, New York began creating no-nonsense Mission-style furniture in oak and willow.
In response to this new trend, the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company began to produce similar designs in 1905, but with added features such as built-in footrests and magazine holders. By the 1920's there was a marked increase in the number of wicker items available. Besides settees, rockers, dining sets and occasional tables, items included phonograph stands, tea carts, smoking stands, floor and table lamps, planters, blanket chests, china cabinets, baby buggies, desks and sewing cabinets.
You would be surprised to know that there are still manufacturers here in the U.S.A that build wicker and rattan furniture. There are only a few but its nice to know we have kept that expertise here in America and of course keep those jobs here as well. You will note the American made items on our site with the MADE IN USA label. And as you might expect a lot of the manufacturing is also done in the Philippines, Indonesia, and China.Wakefield's early designs still form the basic framework of ideas used in today's Rattan and Wicker furniture.
Home of American Rattan and Wicker
Did you know?
* Conversation chairs (an S-shaped wicker sofa) allowed 19th century courting couples to sit face-to-face without touching.
* The airier look of wicker at the turn of the 20th century was largely due to rising costs in labor and increases in tariffs on imported rattan. This economical style of open weaving is most often found on chaise lounges and armchairs, designed for use by hotels. Manufacturers named these products after well-known resort areas, including Bar Harbor, Southampton and Newport. Today, open weave wicker of this period is usually referred to as Bar Harbor.
Rattan and Wicker furniture is an original American craftsman tradition dating from early in the 19th century. In the 1840's Cyrus Wakefield started the first Rattan furniture company in South Reading, Massachusetts.Watch American craftsmen build Classic Rattan furniture right here in the U.S.A factory!
Recent History of Rattan and Wicker Furniture in America
By: Mark A. Mosher "RattanMan(TM)", Founder
By now you know the older history of Rattan and Wicker furniture in the United States. Now lets discuss more recent history since I went into the business in 2002. Have you noticed the many websites now advertising wicker furniture for your outdoor patio? When I first went into the furniture business in 2002 there was one category that "Wicker furniture" belonged to. It was in the all-natural category of furniture being hand-woven from the strips of natural Rattan or Cane. This all-natural Wicker furniture was built and intended to be used inside the home. This is because all natural Rattan furniture will tend to develop mold in very humid outdoor climates or lose its finish when exposed to rain and snow. Wicker remained an indoor natural product until around 2005 timeframe when it was re-branded as outdoor patio furniture. Manufacturers and retailers are now marketing Wicker as an all-weather product woven from man-made synthetic resin fibers. There are two very important factors that caused this re-branding and change of category for Wicker furniture. First, there is a supply issue with naturally growing Rattan in southeast Asia. The only country with sustainable large commercial tracts of Rattan is Indonesia. That means that manufacturers in countries like China must import the natural product before they can manufacture it into furniture. This lack of availability greatly limits how much manufacturing can be achieved or sustained because of factors including trade restrictions and price controls. Another reason this re-branding occurred is that manufacturers (especially in China) have access to a never ending supply of man-made synthetics. But they had a marketing problem. Most people (including myself) do not imagine synthetic man-made resin as a very desirable furniture. On the other hand Wicker furniture is an American tradition and is always thought of as unique and beautiful. So, what these manufacturers and industry leaders here did was re-brand outdoor synthetically woven furniture as "Wicker furniture". And like it or not it has been an unbelievable success with thousands of companies now advertising Wicker furniture for your patio or garden. Whether you like the traditional indoor wicker like I do or prefer the man-made synthetic wicker you can find any of this wonderful furniture at American Rattan & Wickers online website at: https://americanrattan.com
We have been in the tropical furniture industry since 1999. Our company mission has always been to provide the highest quality furniture at the lowest prices, with excellent, customer service. We have proven we accomplish this goal with our A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Visit our website or give us a call at 1-888-265-4695 and discuss all of the stains, fabrics, and designs available with our experts who truly know their product.
Sales Department
Online Hours of Operation 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST TOLL-FREE SALES: 1-888-265-4695(Sales calls only please)
If you call and receive a voice recorder please leave a message with your phone number and we will promptly return your call.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please use our Support contact information for support issues or status requests
The rattan man team - furniture Experts you can count on
MARK
Founder aka. Rattan Man ® Web Designer and Marketing U.S. Air Force 22 Years Ret.
BEBE
Co-Founder Accounting Manager S.F Water Dept Acctg
TONY
Sales and Support Consultant,Rattan Man, American Rattan, Veteran U.S. Army Infantry, 2 Tours Iraq
DAVE
Sales and Support Consultant Rattan Man, American Rattan, 30 Years Greenhouse/Nursery-Retired, Veteran U.S. Army Vietnam
MARIE
Sales and Support 30 years legal Admin
Top 10 Reasons to Shop Rattan Man for Indoor and Outdoor Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Low Price Guarantee - give us a call at 1-888-265-4695 for your free quote.
A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
We offer discounts of 10% and more - click here for our Coupon Codes.
12% Off with the Purchase of a dining set and a matching living room set.
FREE SHIPPING on your purchase of $1000 or more.
In-Home delivery available where your furniture will be carried in and set-up.
Choose your fabrics for upholstered furniture and your stain color on many collections.
Our Classic Rattan collections are Made In America and can be customized in size, fabrics, and stain.
We ship to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other countries. Email or call for quote
Creating American Jobs! Many of our manufacturers build the furniture, stain the furniture, and for the majority of upholstered furniture all of the seamstress work is done here.
We also specialize in furnishing large commercial projects & larger discounts for:
Furnished Vacation Condos
Indoor - Outdoor Cafe
Rental Vacation Homes
Holiday Resorts
Furnished Apartments
Beach Villas
Restaraunts
Rental Vacation Cabins
To Obtain a Free Quote for Your Project Call Us @: 1-888-265-4695
Testimonials
I ordered the Sanibel sectional from American Rattan. It is what I expected and I love it. Can’t say enough good things about the service and sales. I had William as a representative and he is wonderful. He has addressed every concern I may have had and has responded to every phone call and email. If you are looking for quality furniture and service, look no further! I give William and American Rattan a 5 star rating. Bethany A.
Sanibel Indoor Rattan Sectional and William
Hello William
The Santa Cruz bedroom furniture and Edgewater Living Room furniture got to its final destination.Transportation and Customs were succesfuly passed on Dec 24th
(next days were for unpacking and installing). Mom was very happy with the quality and asked me to send this photos, about how furniture looks.
By the way, may you have a great moment at New Year´s Night.
As always, thanks for your labor.
Alberto L., McAllen
Santa Cruz Bedroom and Edgewater Living Room Furniture
We Love Matt and Our New Key Largo Furniture! Hey Matt, we received our Key Largo furniture yesterday. I love it! It came undamaged and looks great in the space. You were great to work with and responded very quickly to our questions, unlike so many places we have felt with via online purchases.
We would be happy to do business again with you and will recommend your company to our friends!
We Love Matt and Our New Key Largo Furniture! Pat M, Athens, GA
We Love Matt and Our New Key Largo Furniture!
Islamorada Bedroom Furniture
Dave and Mark,
I wanted to let you know that the final coastal style Islamorada shipment of furniture arrived last evening. Now all we have to do is put it in the shipping container and get it transported to the Bahamas.
But more importantly, Dave, we wanted to thank you for constantly helping us with the order and making sure that we were getting everything we had ordered. It certainly was an adventure in this time of COVID. It has been a pleasure working with you. Please stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Debra, Ed, and Nate
Islamorada Bedroom Furniture
Iam very pleased with the customer service William provided me and I’m very pleased with the Key West, Monaco, and Sea Breeze furniture I purchased. During a time (covid) when products are very limited and taking extra long to produce I was able to get my furniture within a timeframe that worked for me. Highly recommend this company. Carolyn S. Crystal River, FL.
My Great Rep William and Great Looking Furniture
Hello American Rattan,
I am sending this review regarding the wonderful customer service I received from Matt. I felt Matt was extremely personable and went over and beyond with answering my questions all while maintaining an extremely patient and friendly demeanor. He definitely left me feeling confident that your company has the best interest in their clients experience with American Rattan.
Warmly, Katherine P.
Comments about our Representative “Matt M.”
On 7/19/2020 3:20 PM, Anusha S wrote:
Dear Manager at American Rattan,
I wanted to share that on July 9th, with over-the-phone assistance from sales representative Matt Mohr, I ordered two pieces of beautiful rattan furniture from American Rattan. I am about to have a baby, and was looking for extra storage in preparation for this. I really appreciated the support that I received from Matt. He was very easy to talk to, genuine and sincere as I was thinking out loud through my decision making process and seeking his suggestions, and made sure I was comfortable with my choices. I had to make multiple phone calls over the course of the day and he was very patient, never pushing me to a decision. This is not always common in my experience with sales representatives, and so I wanted to make it a point to share my feedback.
Thanks and regards,
Anusha S
Our Rep “Matt”
I recently purchased 3 SPICE ISLAND rattan bar stools for my tiki bar from American Rattan and Wicker. Given the disruptions caused by COVID-19, I didn’t know what to expect in regards to service and delivery. On both counts, I couldn’t have been more impressed. I had several questions about the chairs. They were all answered professionally and in a timely fashion. When the stools arrived, I couldn’t have been more delighted with the craftsmanship. They truly are works of art. Thank you for your product and thank you for your service! Gus G.
Spice Island Bar Stools
I ordered the BEACHWOOD rattan and wood collection from American Rattan and was somewhat nervous about purchasing this type of item on line without actually seeing it in person. I finally made the decision to order (because I absolutely loved the uniqueness of the dining set) and I cannot be happier that I did. The whole transaction went smoothly and the set is absolutely beautiful. The workmanship and quality is fantastic and I love it!!. The delivery driver was very friendly and courteous also and the set arrived in perfect condition. I would not hesitate to order from this company in the future. Mary K.
BEACHWOOD COLLECTION
I purchased the Spice Island Rattan collection and selected one of the available patterns for the seat covers. I worked with Dave at the firm and explained that I would only be in Florida for a month and therfore delivery had to be by a set date or I could not place the order. Dave did the research and determined that it was possible to receive within my time frame. Dave provided the freight tracking information for YRC Freight. I called YRC when the order arrived at the destination freight location. The company provided the local number to schedule the delivery date. YRC delivered as scheduled. The driver informed me when he was 10 minutes out. Truly a pleasant experience with the freight company. The chairs were thoroughly wrapped to prevent damage. I love my new barstools! I would definitely order from American Rattan again, this is a company that understands what constitutes good customer service! Mary D.
Spice Island Collection
I ordered this Beachwood Dining Set and it is absolutely beautiful! I could not be happier with my purchase. It was shipped from Florida all the way to Michigan and arrived in excellent condition. The photos do not do it justice as it is incredibly beautiful!! I was nervous about ordering something like this without actually seeing it, but I am so glad I did because I love it!! Mary Ann K., Emmett, MI
BEACHWOOD DINING SET
The Callaway furniture really enhanced the beauty of our VRBO cottage and the guests experience here in Laguna.
Linda D, Laguna CA.
Callaway Collection from Classic Rattan
Thank you for all your service, I love my new Liberty Dining Set. Karin L., Mechanicsville, MD
LIBERTY DINING SET
Hi Dave,
Wanted to let you know that we got our Orchard Park caster chairs and we love them! The colors work perfectly and they are very comfortable!
Thank you so much for your help in the purchase of the chairs.
Hope you have a great Holiday,
Judy E., Chester, MD
ORCHARD PARK CHAIRS BY CLASSIC RATTAN
Im so in love with my Monaco Furniture. Have a wonderful holiday!
Marybeth L, Barnegat Light, NJ.
Monaco Rattan Sunroom Furniture by Designer Wicker
Hi Dave! Sorry I didn’t get to this sooner. I just wanted to tell you I LOVE my new Tortuga Beach Sand Bedroom furniture – it is just as I expected. The delivery was a day later than stated on the tracker, but the driver was polite and courteous. Thanks for all your help!
Regards, Sheila F., Mesquite, NV
TORTUGA BEDROOM IN BEACH SAND STAIN
I ordered this piece for a special corner of our home. It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I am in awe every time I look at it. It is so beautiful and well made. I may even move it to another location where I can gaze upon it more often. Thank you for creating this wonderful piece! Cynthia K.
Biscayne Corner Shelf Unit
Dear Dave, My Bali Furniture order arrived Thursday, 19 Sep. It is exactly as I had pictured it in my mind, thanks to the web site info and the answers to all my questions you so kindly researched. When ordering anything online a person cannot be too careful. I am a happy camper! Many thanks once more. I know this a job to you and you do get paid for it, but from this side of that coin your expertise is much appreciated. Best Wishes, Janet M. P, Puyallup, WA.
Bali Sunroom Furniture
Hi, our Bombay furniture arrived last night. It just looks great and we love it! I will send you some photos soon.
Nitya R., Hopkinton, MA
Bombay Rattan Furniture
I received my Mountain View furniture furniture and I am very pleased. Thank you.
Carol R., Port Isabel, TX
Mountain View from Classic Rattan
Good morning Dave:
Just a note to thank you for helping direct and encourage me in the purchase of my bedroom furniture….it’s everything you said it would be and the Peace Transport delivered it yesterday…wonderful quality and it will grace my guest bedroom for many years to come…stay well…I would not hesitate to recommend your company to any of my friends.
Thanks again, and best regards,
David K, Boynton Beach, FL
Mandalay Bedroom Furniture
Good morning, Marie:
Just wanted to send a note to thank you for all of your hard work with our recent order of the Key West, Palm Cove Bedroom sets, and Newport Bar stools. We are very pleased with everything and have received compliments from friends and family on our transformed guest rooms. We appreciate your attention to detail and assistance with our ever changing schedule. We look forward to using your services in the future, should the need arise.
Sincerely, Peggye and Bob C, Palm Coast, FL.
Key West and Palm Cove Bedroom Sets
Thanks so much for all your help, love the Raffles Dining set, quality and craftmanship really shows. Ahhhh, in love with it.
Donn and Debbie M
Homosassa, FL.
Raffles Dining Set by Classic Rattan
Dave, my Vanatu chair was delivered and set up promptly and efficiently. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! So comfortable! Thanks for your help. Gretchen F, Ft Lauderdale
TESTIMONIALS
“I can’t thank you enough for getting our ABACA LODGE sofa to us before Christmas! I know you worked hard to find another shipper and we greatly appreciate it! The sofa is beautiful and perfect. We are 100% pleased in every way! I submitted a review to BBB, and will upload a picture tomorrow. I’m also ordering another piece after the holidays. Have a wonderful holiday–you made ours more special!”
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