In the world of outdoor furniture, this is the age of synthetic rattan. The stuff is becoming so popular that your bottom has no doubt encountered it at some point. However, Kevin Boland, CEO of OHMM, which specialises in this sturdy material, says that not all weave is created equal. Here are some essential elements to check out before you buy.

Kevin's Tip

1. Turn It Upside Down
Check the finish underneath – this will give you an idea of the level of workmanship. Untidy weave or bare metal means that the manufacturer has cut corners. Also check to see that the welding joints are clean and not messy and that the aluminium is shiny and not easily scratched.

2. Not All Fibres Are Created Equal
The fibre is produced from polyethylene, a by-product of oil. Additives such as UV stabiliser, impact modifiers and anti-oxidants are all key ingredients. Slight variations in these additives will have a detrimental effect on how the material performs.

Without the correct recipe, the fibre is likely to go brittle, split, crack or fade. While it may look all right when you buy it, it will develop problems later on. International polymer specialists such as Rehau have teams of chemists constantly testing and developing high-quality products.

3. Weave and Finish
The standard of weaving differs from country to country, and the best quality is found in the Philippines. Their weaving culture has developed over many generations, and in the past decade the weaving standards and techniques have been enhanced by the fact that top international brands have been manufacturing their products there.

To do your own quality check, ask yourself:

• How tight is the weave? Can you split it with your fingers? The tighter the weave, the better the quality. Slack, loose weave reveals poor workmanship, looks terrible and generally leads to problems later on.

• Is the general finishing neat and tidy, especially around edges and corners? If you can see the frame underneath, the quality is poor.

• Can you see any staples? Good weaving means you won’t be able to see the staples used to secure the fibre to the frame.

• If the product has any fittings, such as feet-gliders, check that the weave is tidy and secure around them.  Legs are one of the hardest areas to finish cleanly and securely.

4. Warranty
If the product doesn’t come with a warranty, don’t buy it.  It may look good now, but problems may arise later. A one-year warranty is worthless – it indicates that the retailer isn’t confident that the product will last beyond a year.

Reputable retailers should offer at least a three-year warranty for residential usage, and someone who offers a five-year warranty demonstrates real confidence in the quality of the merchandise. Consider the reputation of the retailer and the after-sales service offered. Your hard-earned money should buy you something that will give you many years of enjoyment.


OHMM is located at Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, #03-09. Call +65 6836 2747. www.ohmm.sg