The Ultimate Guide to Rattan Garden Furniture

Guide updated: 07/05/24

High-quality rattan garden furniture is flexible and durable and adds a certain elegance and style to your outdoor space. Rattan has been a popular choice for garden furniture for many years, and it’s clear to see why. The material itself is inherently durable as it is made to stay outdoors. Not only that, but it is extremely low maintenance. In this blog, we will take a closer look at why rattan is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture.

However, choosing the right rattan set for you can feel overwhelming. There's quite a range of styles, shapes and sizes available, so we've put together this guide to help you work through your options. Thinking about your needs first will ensure you get the best for your particular setting this spring and summer.

This guide is brought to you by JB Furniture we draw on years of experience helping customers choose the right outdoor furniture set for their space.

What Is Rattan Garden Furniture?

First, some quick definitions: 'cane', 'rattan' and 'wicker' are all terms used to describe the same natural product grown in South East Asia. We use the term rattan for the furniture we stock - natural rattan for inside (eg conservatories) and synthetic rattan for outside.

The term ‘rattan garden furniture’ is used to describe patio furniture made from a synthetic material known as PE rattan. All rattan garden furniture should be made with a synthetic man-made material so that it can withstand the elements. Rattan furniture comes in many different forms, including corner sofa sets, reclining chairs, bistro sets and more.

When speaking to our customers they often get confused with the term rattan as they think it means natural rattan. Let’s take a look at the two materials in a bit more detail.

Natural vs Synthetic

When it comes to rattan garden furniture, the material is a crucial factor. There are two primary types of rattan: natural and synthetic.

Natural rattan is a beautiful material grown in South East Asia, it is made from a cane plant which grows in rainforest environments. Natural cane is unsuitable for use outdoors because it can not withstand harsh weather conditions. Exposure to sunlight will cause the product to crack. Similarly, when exposed to rain or frost the product will decay. This is why natural cane is only suitable for indoor use.

Synthetic rattan, typically made from polyethylene (PE), is engineered to withstand the elements. It’s highly durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean - making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture. High-quality synthetic rattan can closely mimic the appearance of natural rattan, providing both style and durability. Man-made rattan can stay outdoors all year regardless of the weather.

Natural rattan should not be left outside, it will rot over time. This is why synthetic rattan is used in garden furniture - it has the aesthetic appeal of natural rattan but is designed for the elements.

We recommend high-quality UV-resistant synthetic rattan for the outside because you can rely on its durability. Together with lightweight powder-coated aluminium frames, you're all set to 'weather' the seasons with little maintenance required.

Garden rattan has weather resistant properties, as previously mentioned it is UV resistant. Not only that but it is resistant to frost, rain and snow. This means that no amount of rain will damage your rattan - to find out more about leaving garden furniture in the rain check out our blog.

To make this easier for you, let's break this down into pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Rattan Garden Furniture

Pros of Synthetic Rattan

• Weather Resistant - Resistant to rain, sun, and frost

• Durable - PE rattan has a long lifespan

• Low Maintenance - Easy to clean with a damp cloth, no need for treatments

• Eco Friendly - Made from recycled and recyclable materials

Cons of Synthetic Rattan

• Quality Varies - Cheaper rattan sets might easily crack and fade

• Aesthetics - Some may not like the less ‘natural’ look

Check out our infographic below on the pros and cons of synthetic rattan furniture.

Pros and Cons of Natural Rattan Garden Furniture

Pros of Natural Rattan

• Eco-Friendly - Made from a renewable, biodegradable material

• Aesthetics - Timeless appeal

Cons of Natural Rattan

• Not Weatherproof - Will quickly rot and crack when left outside

• High Maintenance - Regular cleaning and maintenance (moving indoors too)

• Fading - When exposed to the sun, it will lose colour and turn brittle

• Lifespan - When used outside, natural cane has a very short lifespan

Check out our infographic on the pros and cons of natural rattan below.

What are the different types of rattan?

When looking at rattan patio furniture there are a few different types of rattan weave. The different style weave can alter the aesthetic of a set completely.

Flat Weave

When rattan furniture first became popular, one of the more common types was flat weave. Flat weave is often more affordable than other types of weave. As the name suggests, the weave is flat pieces of synthetic rattan woven together.

Half Round Weave

Half round weave is more rounded than flat weave, giving it a more elevated look. As it is a thicker weave, it is stronger than a flat weave. Half round weave can be seen as a combination of the flat and full round weave. This creates a distinctive texture that combines a flat weave's sleekness with a round weave's depth.

Full Round Weave

Full round weave or rod weave is made using thicker more substantial pieces of rattan. Round weave can be seen to have a more traditional feel to it as the weave is tightly packed. However in recent years, we have seen this type of weave combined with bold aluminium frames to give a more contemporary look.

Whether you prefer the sleek look of flat weave, the traditional charm of half round weave or the versatile round weave there’s sure to be a rattan style to suit your requirements.

Frame Material

When shopping for rattan garden furniture it is always important to look at what the frame is made from. This material contributes to the overall strength and durability of your garden furniture set. 

The most common frame material is aluminium, aluminium is a great choice as it is lightweight and durable. Look out for powder-coated aluminium as this means that it is resistant to rust.

You may also see furniture with stainless steel frames, many people are wary of stainless steel as they think it will rust. Stainless steel is stronger than aluminium but it is likely to rust over time. 

We would recommend going for powder-coated aluminium as it is lightweight which means you can easily move the furniture around your garden but it is also hardwearing.

Don’t forget about comfort

You mustn’t forget about comfort, after all, garden furniture is about lounging and relaxing. Comfort is key when it comes to outdoor furniture.

Cushions can make all the difference to your garden set, most outdoor furniture sets come with showerproof cushions. This means that they can withstand a light shower but they are not waterproof. It is important to look after your cushions, read our cleaning your garden cushions guide to find out more.

We believe that it is important to sit in a set before purchasing it, garden furniture is an investment so it’s got to be right for you!

Just 3 Things To Consider When Buying Rattan Garden Furniture

How will you use your furniture? What kind of space do you have? What style will suit you best? These are key considerations when buying rattan garden furniture so let's consider them in turn:

1. How Will You Use Your Rattan Garden Furniture?

Well purely for enjoyment and to lift your spirits - naturally! But thinking ahead, are you planning some formal dining or will your outdoor activities revolve around relaxed meals with the family? (Basically, will the inset ice bucket or firepit table win the day?!)

Of course, modular sets with additional chairs and stools, as well as sofas, will help you cater for everyone. Choosing sets with adjustable garden tables means you can switch from proper meals to simple coffee or tea breaks.

If it's sprawling on a grand scale you're after, then go for a large corner garden sofa set and add a table as and when.

2. Rattan Garden Furniture To Suit Your Space

Having thought about how you want to use your rattan garden furniture, your next consideration is the kind of space it needs to fit. Do you have a large deck or patio area, or more of a secluded garden corner? Perhaps you're seeking furniture to fit a small courtyard.

The great thing about a lot of outdoor furniture sets is the different configurations you can achieve with the various stools, garden benches, chairs and sofas; from intimate corner combinations to adhoc groupings. The lightweight nature of rattan garden furniture means it's all easy to move around according to who you're entertaining and how.

Don’t forget to consider the overall footprint you have available, you want to leave enough room for you to comfortably pull any chairs or sofas away from the table. If not you risk your space feeling cramped.

We advise you to take measurements of your space before beginning your search for garden furniture. Take exact measurements and also try and get an idea of a footprint, do you have 3m x 3m or do you want a little less so you can add accessories later on? Many customers also sketch out their space as it helps them visualise it better when browsing furniture.

3. Style Considerations When Buying Rattan Garden Furniture

Your final consideration is one of style, and though there isn't anywhere near the choice for inside your house, you can still create your own look. You can find boxy modern shapes, full or half rattan structures, in greys or neutral colours to contrast with or match your surroundings.  

Tables come in ceramic or glass topped (with tempered safety glass to avoid accidents). Finally, cushions, throws and, of course, your own tableware will ultimately turn your rattan garden furniture into the stylish and inviting environment you are seeking.

Think about your garden do you want your furniture to complement this or do you want to create a striking contrast? Maybe you have a traditional home but love the modern aluminium and rattan garden sets. Whatever you love rattan garden furniture is great for any style. 

If you’re not sure we can give you some tips. From speaking to customers some choose to match their furniture to their tiles, decking and even the brickwork on their house! When customers have existing furniture more often than not they aim to choose complementary colours.

How To Look After Rattan Garden Furniture

Looking after your rattan garden furniture could not be easier. As we pointed out earlier, our furniture range is very low maintenance:

1. Wash Rattan Garden Furniture With Soap And Water

To help keep that as-new appearance, we recommend washing the frames with soapy water. A pressure washer (be gentle!) will remove mildew or basic food and drink stains. If you do not have a pressure washer or are wary of using it, a garden hose will work just fine.

Rattan furniture that's UV tested will help protect it from direct sunlight, though inevitably, some fading will eventually occur. Powder-coated cast aluminium garden furniture is rust-free, easy to clean and can be left outside throughout the season. Any chips or scratches are easily touched-up with matching paint.

2. Shower-Proof Cushions

Outdoor cushions are hardly ever waterproof; they are either water-resistant or showerproof. What this means is that they can withstand a light shower, but should never be left outside when you are not using your furniture.

Caring for your cushions is easy; just use a clean cloth and warm, soapy water. If you miss a stain or mark, then a soft-bristle brush should be used before cleaning the spot. We advise against machine washing your cushion covers because this will damage the water repellent coating. Instead, simply spot clean as and when needed.

We’ll cover this topic more below, but if you purchase a furniture cover, you can leave your cushions outside underneath the cover during spring and summer. Just make sure to bring them indoors around September. If we have a week or so of rain, we advise you to periodically check on your cushions under the cover.

3. Custom-Made Garden Furniture Covers

Finally, custom-made garden furniture covers will help preserve the appearance of your furniture, particularly during the winter months.

Garden furniture covers are a must-have accessory if you want to prolong the life of your rattan furniture. Looking after your garden furniture couldn't be easier with the use of a protective cover. Covers not only protect against the weather but also against other factors such as rotting leaves, garden debris and pesky bird droppings.

4. Different Storage Solutions

The rattan frames themselves do not need to be stored at any point, they can stay outside all year round. However, you might be wondering about your cushions and how to store them. We always advise our customers to store their garden cushions somewhere dry and ideally off the ground (sometimes the ground gets damp). Some popular storage choices include sheds, summer houses and lofts.

Alternatively, you could look at cushion boxes and cushion bags. With a cushion box, you should always make sure it has a liner. Without this, it will not protect your cushions. Cushion bags are perfect for adding that extra layer of protection when you store your cushions. When you tidy your cushions away, the chances are you won't look at them again until Spring, so a cushion bag protects the cushions from dust and dirt whilst in storage.

Sustainable Choices

PE rattan garden furniture, made from polyethylene, is a popular and more sustainable alternative to other synthetic materials like PVC. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that can be recycled, and high-quality PE rattan is designed to be long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering overall environmental impact. 

While it's still a plastic-based product, which can be off-putting to many people, most manufacturers now use recycled polyethylene or produce it through more energy-efficient processes. For eco-conscious buyers, choosing PE rattan furniture from brands that emphasise recyclable materials and sustainable production methods can help balance durability with environmental responsibility.

One brand that places a large emphasis on sustainability is Bramblecrest. Bramblecrest have partnered with Ecologi, and for every set sold, they plant a tree. Alongside this, they are working with Ecologi and supporting carbon offset projects and contributing towards a more sustainable environment.

Most of their garden cushion covers are made from yarn spun from recycled plastic bottles, helping reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles that end up in landfills each year. Their rattan is made from premium quality, recyclable polyethylene that has a very long lifespan. The frame that the rattan is woven around is made from aluminium. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and loses none of its quality and durability during the process. Much of the aluminium ever produced is still in use!

FAQs for Rattan Garden Furniture

Take a look at some of the most common FAQS we get about rattan outdoor furniture.

1. What is polyethylene rattan?

Polyethylene rattan is more commonly known as synthetic rattan. It is known for looking like natural rattan but with better durability for use outdoors. PE rattan is made from HDPE or high-density polyethylene, its characteristics mean that it is very good at withstanding weather conditions. 

2. Will my rattan furniture be ok outside during winter?

Yes, PE rattan is suitable for staying outdoors all year round, even during winter. This does not include the cushions; only the frames can stay outside.

3. Are cushions included with my set?

Yes, all of our garden furniture sets include cushions as standard.

4. How do I protect my furniture in winter?

To protect your furniture during winter, we would recommend that you use a protective furniture cover and bring your cushions indoors.

5. How do I choose the right size set for my space?

It’s important to measure your outdoor space and get footprint measurements for where you would like to place your furniture. We recommend taking detailed measurements of your space and then getting a rough footprint. Drawing a sketch can always be handy when shopping.

Where To Buy Rattan Garden Furniture

Here at JB Furniture, we stock a very impressive range of rattan garden furniture from the leading brands. The following links will take you to examples of styles mentioned in the guide above. Visit online and in-store but you'll need to hurry because spring is here and everyone seems to have the same idea about investing in rattan garden furniture.

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