Selecting the right materials is crucial for crafting high-quality furniture that meets modern market demands. Among the many options, rattan and sungkai wood have emerged as a leading combination, especially from Indonesian furniture manufacturers. This duo offers an elegant look, lightweight durability, and aligns perfectly with minimalist, tropical, and coastal design trends.
As global buyers look for custom, stylish, and sustainable pieces, this combination offers both function and beauty. Here’s everything you need to know about why rattan and sungkai wood are in high demand.
What is Sungkai Wood?
Sungkai (Peronema canescens) is a local hardwood from Indonesia known for its light color, smooth grain, and affordability. It’s popular for indoor furniture and often compared to teak. While not as dense or oily as teak, sungkai is easier to shape and more cost-effective, making it ideal for both premium and budget product lines.
Characteristics of Sungkai:
- Light yellowish to brown color
- Straight grain, clean look
- Easier to stain or finish
- Locally abundant in Indonesia
Comparison: Sungkai vs. Teak vs. Oak
- Teak: Dense, durable, oily, higher price
- Oak: Heavier, imported, more expensive
- Sungkai: Lightweight, customizable, locally sourced
For indoor use, Sungkai offers the right balance of affordability, aesthetics, and versatility. With proper wood treatment and an outdoor-grade finish, Sungkai can also be used as under-roof furniture, making it suitable for patio furniture, balcony use, or semi-outdoor cafes.
📚 Read more: Furniture Buyers’ Guide to Sungkai Wood
Why Combine Sungkai Wood with Rattan?
For many international buyers, the combination of sungkai and rattan is more than just aesthetic; it’s strategic. It offers a high-quality yet affordable option that balances beauty, practicality, and sustainability. This is exactly why many of MPP’s clients prefer this mix for their product collections.
1. Balanced Design and Comfort
Sungkai wood provides structure, while rattan offers flexibility and texture.
Together, they create pieces that are not only visually pleasing but also comfortable to use. Many MPP buyers appreciate this natural, breathable combination, especially for seating products like lounge chairs and benches.
2. Efficient Production and Inventory Handling
This combination simplifies production and inventory logistics. Sungkai is easy to process, while rattan is lightweight and flexible, allowing faster assembly and efficient storage.
For buyers ordering in bulk or looking for scalable production, this mix reduces lead time without compromising quality.
3. Trending Aesthetics for All Styles
Although it’s commonly associated with Japandi, Scandinavian, and boho themes, sungkai and rattan furniture adapts easily to modern, rustic, and even eclectic interiors.
The neutral tones and natural textures allow it to blend into almost any design concept.
4. Sustainability with Verified Legal Wood (SVLK)
Both rattan and sungkai are native to Indonesia, which minimizes import-related emissions and supports local forestry.
More importantly, Indonesia mandates the SVLK certification (Timber Legality Assurance System), ensuring that all wood used is legally sourced and sustainably managed.
Learn more about SVLK Certifications
5. Affordable Elegance for Retail
Combining sungkai and rattan allows manufacturers to offer a premium look at a more accessible price point.
Compared to full teak or imported oak, this combination provides excellent value for retail markets, especially in product lines targeted at young homeowners, boutique hotels, or budget-conscious design projects.
You get the warmth and natural texture of solid wood and woven elements, without the high cost typically associated with luxury furniture.
6. Reparability and Modularity
Unlike fully welded metal or all-hardwood pieces, rattan-sungkai furniture can be easily repaired or refurbished.
This makes it attractive for interior designers or B2B buyers seeking longevity in hospitality or retail environments.
Pros and Cons of the Combination
Advantages
- Visually versatile and timeless
- Easier to develop new designs and models (free NPD available at MPP)
- Naturally breathable; ideal for warm climates
- Lighter logistics weight = lower shipping cost
- Custom branding with OEM/private label options
Limitations
- Not suitable for uncovered outdoor use
- Rattan requires occasional cleaning and dusting
- Sungkai is less water-resistant than teak
Popular Products Made from Sungkai and Rattan
At MPP Furniture—One of the best Indonesian furniture manufacturers and suppliers, our in-house production team specializes in combining these materials into stunning pieces. Some top-performing products include:
- Rattan x Bench: Sturdy sungkai frame with breathable rattan seat, perfect for entryways or cafés. This piece also works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms as a decorative accent or functional seating.
- Bedroom Sets: Bed frames, nightstands, and wardrobes blend function with airy design. The sungkai wood provides strength and structure, while rattan adds texture and a tropical finish. One of the best-selling items is the sungkai wood headboard with rattan webbing, offering a breezy, natural touch that works beautifully in both modern and tropical bedrooms.
- Chairs and Loungers: Lightweight, stackable, and customizable with fabric or leather. These are popular for dining rooms, living rooms, waiting areas, and even hotel lounges. Rattan and sungkai combinations work particularly well for occasional chairs, accent pieces, and lounging furniture that serves both comfort and style.
- Patio Furniture: Ideal for covered outdoor use, Sungkai provides structure while rattan adds comfort and airflow. Treated with outdoor-grade finish, these pieces work well in semi-outdoor environments like terraces, balconies, or gazebos.
- Dining Tables and Chairs: Sungkai tables with rattan-backed chairs or accents offer warmth, durability, and an artisanal look. Suitable for modern or rustic dining setups.
Each of these designs demonstrates how sungkai and rattan can work harmoniously in various furniture categories.
➡️ Explore more sungkai-based furniture here
Why MPP is the Right Supplier for Sungkai and Rattan Furniture
At MPP, we don’t just produce, we problem-solve.
A client from Australia came to us with an issue: their teak-framed stools with white cushions were developing yellow stains over time. Our team identified the problem as oil bleeding from the teak. We offered Sungkai as a cleaner alternative, and since the switch, they’ve had zero complaints. This kind of hands-on consultation is what sets MPP apart.
Not every manufacturer has the technical skills to treat sungkai wood properly. With over 20+ years of experience, MPP has refined this capability. Ensuring top-tier sungkai and rattan combination furniture that meets global expectations
As one of the most trusted Indonesian furniture suppliers, MPP stands out by offering:
- ✅ 100% In-house production — from sourcing to packaging
- ✅ Custom OEM/Private Label manufacturing
- ✅ Free consultation and design development
- ✅ Strict quality control at every step
- ✅ Responsive support via WhatsApp and email
📩 Let’s create your next best-selling sungkai and rattan furniture collection together.
Contact us via WhatsApp or Email
Conclusion
The combination of rattan and sungkai wood represents a smart, stylish, and scalable solution for modern furniture collections. It blends Indonesian craftsmanship with materials that meet both aesthetic and practical needs.
Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or interior designer, this duo allows for custom furniture manufacturing that’s both affordable and desirable. With MPP Furniture, you get more than products; you get a strategic and long-term partner.
FAQs
1. Is sungkai wood good for furniture?
Yes, especially for indoor use. It’s affordable, stable, and easy to customize.
2. What wood goes best with rattan?
Sungkai is one of the best due to its light tone and complementary strength.
3. What aesthetic style fits rattan furniture?
Boho, Japandi, Coastal, and Scandinavian interiors.
4. How to maintain sungkai and rattan furniture?
Keep it dry, dust regularly, and avoid direct sun or rain.
5. Can I order custom rattan and sungkai pieces?
Yes. MPP offers free design development, private label, and OEM.
Worth reading: Why an Indonesian furniture manufacturer with in-house production gives competitive advantages for global buyers