Koboo, Kubu and Rattan Core: Choosing the Right Rattan Material for Your Order

Walk into a rattan factory in Medan and you'll find four distinct materials in use: Kubu Natural, Koboo Grey, Rattan Core (Fitrit) and CL Rattan. Each has different properties, different applications and a different visual character. Understanding the distinctions helps you specify the right material for your product — and helps you have a more productive conversation with your manufacturer.

Kubu Natural (Koboo Natural)

Kubu Natural is the most widely used rattan skin in basket and accessory production. The outer skin of the rattan cane is peeled away in thin strips, then woven over a structural frame. Kubu Natural is unbleached and undyed — its colour ranges from pale cream to warm honey, with the natural variation you'd expect from an agricultural product.

Appearance: Pale cream to light honey, smooth skin surface, natural colour variation between pieces.
Texture: Smooth and uniform on the skin face; the reverse shows the rough inner surface.
Applications: Storage baskets, shopping baskets, picnic hampers, laundry baskets, decorative accessories.
Character: Light, airy and natural — pairs well with linen, cotton and other natural textiles.

Koboo Grey (Smoked Kubu)

Koboo Grey uses the same rattan skin as Kubu Natural, but the material is smoked during processing. The smoking process drives out residual moisture and gives the cane a distinctive grey-brown tone. The colour is not uniform — it ranges from warm grey to dark taupe with natural variation, which is part of the material's appeal.

Appearance: Warm grey to dark taupe, natural variation in shade across a single piece.
Texture: Similar to Kubu Natural — smooth skin surface with natural character.
Applications: The same basket and accessory applications as Kubu, but in a cooler, more contemporary palette. Popular in Scandinavian and minimalist interiors.
Character: More sophisticated and neutral than Kubu Natural — pairs well with grey, charcoal and natural linen schemes.

Rattan Core (Fitrit)

Rattan Core — known as Fitrit in Indonesian — is made from the inner pith of the rattan cane rather than the outer skin. It is typically round or oval in cross-section and is used to weave over a structural rattan pole frame in furniture production. Rattan Core has a slightly rougher, more textured surface than the skin materials.

Appearance: Natural honey to mid-brown, slightly matte surface with visible texture.
Texture: Rougher and more tactile than Kubu — the texture is visible and adds character to woven patterns.
Applications: Furniture weaving (dining chairs, armchairs, lounge chairs), decorative basket frames, market baskets with structural requirements.
Character: Warm and artisanal — the texture of the Core weave is what gives handcrafted rattan furniture its distinctive appearance.

CL Rattan

CL Rattan is a thicker, denser form of rattan skin weaving. The name refers to the grade and processing method — the strips are wider and the weave is tighter than standard Kubu production. CL Rattan produces a heavier, more rigid basket structure, making it well-suited to utility applications where weight-bearing and durability matter.

Appearance: Natural honey tone, similar to Kubu but with a denser, tighter weave pattern.
Texture: Firm and dense — noticeably heavier than Kubu Natural at the same basket size.
Applications: Heavy-duty storage baskets, log baskets, laundry hampers, utility containers that need to carry significant weight.
Character: Functional and robust — chosen for performance rather than decoration, though it remains attractive in a natural setting.

Which Material Should You Specify?

Our raw materials page goes deeper into each material's origins and properties. If you're unsure which material is right for your product, get in touch — we'll advise based on your application and target price point.