The difference between wicker and rattan is slightly small since they tend to be in a symbiotic relationship. While rattan is the material, wicker is the technique used in weaving. Think of it like an apple, yet again as apple juice since they tend to be the same. Another difference can be spotted when you look at natural rattans and synthetic wickers. In as much as both are good for your decor upgrade, they all have their specifications. Most of the time, natural rattan is taken out and returned since it has a weakness to different weather conditions, unlike the synthetic wickers. If you are considering durability, then the synthetic wickers are the best since the woven material used, polypropylene, makes it live on your porch or patio, unlike the natural ratans. This is the case because when it comes to cleaning, with effects from the weather, the natural rattan will often tend to crack and fade, something not seen in synthetic wickers.