Can Rattan Furniture Be Left Outside All Year in the UK? What the Weather, Materials & Experts Say

Yes, synthetic rattan furniture sets can be left outside. However, there are a few things to consider before leaving the furniture outside.

Rattan has been a popular choice for garden furniture for many years. It’s stylish, lightweight and incredibly durable. Rattan garden furniture is designed to handle the ever-changing British weather.

Outdoor rattan is a man-made material that is designed to look and feel like natural rattan. Synthetic rattan, or PE rattan, has increased durability and is made with the elements in mind. 

What is my rattan furniture made from?

Garden rattan furniture is a man-made material known as polyethylene rattan or PE rattan. It is made from high-density polyethylene, which is a strong and flexible plastic. The colour pigments and UV inhibitors are usually mixed into the material before the rattan is made into long strands. These long and flexible strands are then handwoven onto a powder-coated aluminium frame. For a more in-depth look into PE rattan, check out our Ultimate Guide to Rattan Garden Furniture.

What ‘rattan’ means in the UK

When you say the word ‘rattan’ in the UK, it can be in reference to either natural or synthetic rattan. However, when it comes to garden furniture, the term ‘rattan furniture’ is usually used when talking about synthetic rattan.

Natural Rattan

Natural rattan, also known as cane, is a vine-like material used in furniture making and basket weaving. The material is strong and flexible but is predominantly used in indoor furniture. The UK climate, particularly the cold and rainy conditions, would cause natural rattan to rot and weaken if left outdoors.

Synthetic Rattan

Synthetic rattan is made from weatherproof resin fibres that are designed to mimic the aesthetic qualities of natural rattan. However, unlike natural rattan, it is UV stable and weather resistant. It’s the perfect material for year-round use in UK gardens.

This is why the UK market for outdoor furniture is almost entirely synthetic. PE rattan allows our customers to achieve the look of natural rattan without any of the drawbacks.

At JB Furniture, we have been supplying our customers with PE rattan garden furniture for over 15 years. Our customers love the durability that comes with synthetic rattan furniture.

Why is rattan suitable for the UK weather?

Rattan is perfect for the unpredictable UK weather, whether it is rain, sun or snow PE rattan is an excellent choice. Within the span of one day we can experience glorious sunshine and miserable downpours, so it’s crucial that your furniture can withstand this. 

One reason why rattan is suitable for the UK weather is that it requires very little maintenance. Other materials often require more upkeep; for example, wooden furniture might need to be treated with oils or stains. Whereas rattan furniture requires an occasional wipe down. 

Secondly, PE rattan is both water-resistant and frost-proof. This means that the weave won’t absorb water and warp during damp weather. Equally, when the weather turns icy, the rattan won’t become brittle or snap.

Rattan combines weather resistance and low maintenance to make it one of the most durable and reliable options for garden furniture.

The importance of frames

It’s easy to overlook the frame underneath the rattan weave. However, it is a crucial factor in determining whether your furniture can stay outdoors. In other words, the frame is the backbone of your furniture. Even the best rattan weave won’t last if the frame holding it together is weak.

The best choice of frame is aluminium. This is because aluminium is lightweight, strong and rust-resistant. These characteristics make it perfect for garden furniture as it means you can leave it outside all year round. Some of our customers live in a coastal area and worry about how aluminium will cope with salty air. Powder-coated aluminium is perfectly fine outside, even in a coastal area.

Another frame material you might see is stainless steel. Steel is heavier than aluminium and can give your furniture a more ‘solid’ feel. However, this comes at a cost. Steel frames are more vulnerable to rust than aluminium frames.

What about my cushions?

Although we are discussing rattan, it is important to touch on the cushions as they do make up an important part of your furniture set. The majority of outdoor furniture cushions are showerproof, not waterproof. This means that the cushions can handle light rain but should not be left outdoors all year round. To find out more about outdoor cushions, check out our blog on How To Store Outdoor Cushions.

Many of our customers say that during the warmer spring and summer months, they leave their cushions outside underneath their furniture cover. One customer said, “During spring and summer, I just leave them outside under a cover, and they stay clean. When winter comes, I store them away safely, and they always look and feel like new year after year.” We would always advise customers to bring cushions indoors or into storage for the winter months.

Should I cover my rattan furniture all year round?

We would always advise you to cover garden furniture when you are not using it because it helps protect the furniture as well as keep it clean. Whilst rattan furniture is fine outside uncovered, it is a good idea to invest in a protective cover as it reduces the need for regular maintenance.

Choosing to cover your furniture is optional. The furniture can stay outside all year, uncovered. However, it is worth noting that this does not include the cushions. Cushions should always be stored away or brought inside when not in use.

Caring for rattan furniture

Rattan garden furniture is low maintenance and easy to care for. For a quick clean, you can use warm, soapy water and a clean cloth. We recommend that you avoid using any harsh chemicals, hard-bristle brushes and scourers as they could damage the furniture. To find out more about cleaning rattan furniture, check out our blog on How To Clean Different Types Of Outdoor Furniture.

Can rattan furniture stay outside in winter?

Yes, rattan furniture can stay outside in winter. Garden furniture is designed with the elements in mind and can withstand all weather conditions - even snow and ice. PE rattan weave is designed to withstand freezing temperatures without becoming brittle and snapping. Natural rattan is made from organic fibres that quickly rot or split when exposed to frost and moisture. Whereas synthetic rattan is a polyethylene weave that is both frost-proof and water-resistant.

At JB Furniture we would always tell our customers that they can leave their rattan garden furniture outside in winter. Simply put, that is what it is designed to do. Speaking to one of our customers, they said, "The durability of my rattan garden furniture is amazing! Even left outside through winter, it stays strong and looks good."

What you should do before winter

Getting your garden furniture winter-ready doesnt take long, but it makes a big difference in the long run. A few simple steps in winter will protect your rattan from damp and icy conditions, when spring comes your furniture will be ready to use again. Check out our simple step-by-step winter-ready checklist below.

Should you leave it outside?

Yes, rattan furniture can be left outside all year in the UK, even in winter. PE rattan is made to withstand the unpredictable UK weather. Combined with a rust-free aluminium frame, rattan furniture is built to last and remain stylish year after year. 

Leaving your garden furniture outside is convenient, but as we have discussed, it depends on several factors. Here’s a quick summary below of what to consider. 

Budget/Furniture Quality:

High Quality - Can withstand all weather conditions and can be left outside with minimal protection.

Low Quality - More prone to damage, must be stored and/or covered.

Exposure:

Sheltered - Low risk of weather damage, cushions can stay outdoors with a cover. Frame coverage is optional.

Fully Exposed - Frame and cushions must be covered or stored away.

--------------------

Other Helpful Guides

Understanding Rattan Garden Sofa Set Configurations: Corner, U-Shaped, and More

The Ultimate Guide to Rattan Garden Furniture