Maison Louis Drucker is all about the art of rattan, cane and, more recently, metal, inviting you into all your outdoor spaces with a touch of character and unrivalled elegance. Rattan furniture, a symbol of French know-how for over a century at Maison Louis Drucker, nevertheless deserves special attention to preserve its beauty and sturdiness through the seasons.
From Parisian terraces to private gardens the world over, you can keep these handcrafted, iconic pieces alive with a few simple but essential steps.
Find out how to care for your outdoor rattan furniture, with a few secrets from our craftsmen!
Specific care requirements for outdoor rattan
The rattan furniture Outdoor rattan furniture requires special care in the face of the elements. Contrary to popular belief, the durability of your furniture depends less on the material itself than on the regular care you give it, and above all, on its environment!
The importance of the environment for your furniture
Although rattan comes from the tropical forests of Indonesia, it is particularly sensitive to excessive humidity. To preserve its structure and aesthetics, you should avoid placing your rattan furniture on damp ground, such as a lawn that is regularly watered. These moisture-saturated environments considerably accelerate the degradation of the natural fibers.
For coastal regions or high-humidity areas, Maison Louis Drucker recommends the option of powder-coated aluminum structures with synthetic fiber weave. This combination offers optimum strength while retaining the traditional aesthetics of rattan.
And what about the weather? Yes, outdoor rattan furniture can “survive” heavy rain, as long as you leave it outside to dry once the weather’s fine.
Differences between natural rattan and synthetic fiber blades
Rattan furniture consists of a rattan or rattan or aluminum structureThis structure is then covered with a cane (or weave). Chairs with rattan structures from Manila or Malacca, or those with aluminum structures, can be upholstered with natural strips taken directly from the bark of rattan canes. In this case, they require regular maintenance to preserve their lustre and sturdiness.
Rattan or aluminum furniture can also, and above all, be woven from unalterable glossy or satin-finish synthetic fibers in a wide choice of colors.
Rilsan®, a polymer derived from castor oil, or Raucord®, offer exceptional UV and weather resistance. These materials, carefully selected for their superior quality, require minimal maintenance while guaranteeing longevity and preserved aesthetics.
Seasonal precautions
Two main principles govern the seasonal care of rattan furniture:
- Winter period (October 15 – March 15 in Europe): You can use it outdoors during the day, but it is preferable to put it under cover at night to avoid damage caused by prolonged humidity.
- Weather permitting: Your rattan furniture can remain outdoors permanently in a dry environment. However, in the event of persistent rain, limit exposure to a maximum of two or three days before putting it out to dry in a sheltered spot.
For furniture in powder-coated aluminum woven with synthetic fibers, weather resistance means year-round outdoor use, even in marine environments. This alternative combines the traditional aesthetics of rattan with optimum robustness against the elements.
How to clean rattan furniture
Regular maintenance is the secret to the longevity of Maison Louis Drucker pieces. A few simple steps are all it takes to clean your rattan furniture and preserve the shine and strength of your pieces over time.
Cleaning natural woven rattan furniture
For furniture in natural woven rattan, we recommend regular dusting with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner fitted with an appropriate brush. This regular attention prevents dust accumulation in the interstices of the weave.
For light stains:
- Prepare a solution of warm, slightly soapy water
- Gently rub the affected area with a damp (not soaking wet) sponge.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth
- Dry immediately and carefully to avoid deformation.
Watch out! Never soak rattan or natural-fiber woven aluminum furniture! Excessive moisture, even during cleaning, can lead to softening of the fibers and permanent deformation.
To revive the shine of natural fibers, apply an occasional thin coat of linseed oil with a soft cloth. This practice nourishes the material and reinforces its resistance to external aggression.
Care for synthetic fibers (Rilsan and Raucord)
Weaves in glossy Rilsan® or satin-finish Raucord® offer the advantage of simplified maintenance.
- Clean with mild soapy water if necessary
- Use a soft brush for more complex weaves
- Rinse thoroughly without letting the water stagnate
- Leave to dry naturally, preferably in the shade
The exceptional UV and weather resistance of these fibers ensures that Maison Louis Drucker’s signature vivid colors are preserved without special treatment.
Special care for aluminum furniture
Powder-coated aluminum furniture is low-maintenance, but benefits from these special features:
- Simple cleaning with clear water and mild soap if necessary
- Never use abrasive products that could damage the finish.
- By the sea, rinse more frequently to remove salt residue
- Check assemblies occasionally to maintain optimum stability
When should you call Maison Louis Drucker?
Even with rigorous care, your rattan furniture may require professional restoration after many years of use.
Diagnosis of common damage
There are signs that expert intervention is becoming necessary:
- Broken or frayed fibers on the weave
- Structural deformation
- Excessive play in assemblies
- Loss of tension in the cane
- Significant discoloration despite regular maintenance
These alterations are quite normal over time, with dozens or even hundreds of people sitting on them throughout the day, handling them and subjecting them to micro-shocks. This doesn’t mean the end of your furniture’s life, but rather the time to give it a second lease of life in expert hands, to make it last for many years to come!
Repair and renovation services
Maison Louis Drucker offers complete restoration services for your rattan furniture. Our skilled craftsmen will restore your pieces to their original splendor:
- Complete or partial reweaving
- Resurfacing relaxed weaves
- Replacement of damaged structural parts
- Revernissage intégral
- Identical reproductions of historical pieces
This approach is in line with our philosophy of durability and craftsmanship excellence. Thanks to the precious preservation of original molds and templates since the creation of the company, each model can be restored to its original splendor, whatever its age.
Maison Louis Drucker is currently the only French manufacturer able to offer specialized maintenance for aluminum-framed woven furniture. It is important to note that, unlike rattan structures, paint chips on aluminum structures cannot be touched up. Repainting would require a baking process that would irreparably damage the weave. This technical specificity reinforces the importance of preventive maintenance for these structures.
Preserving the elegance and durability of your Drucker furniture
Between your daily care and the expertise of Maison Louis Drucker craftsmen for more extensive restorations, your rattan furniture will retain its beauty and comfort for decades to come! The combination of proper care practices and centuries-old know-how makes each piece not just a piece of furniture, but a living legacy of craftsmanship excellence.
If you have any questions about the care of outdoor rattan or the restoration of your furniture, the Maison Louis Drucker team is at your disposal for personalized advice to prolong the life of these unique creations. Contact us!
