What is PE Rattan Garden Furniture?

Updated: 22/08/25

PE rattan or synthetic polyethylene rattan maintains natural rattan’s aesthetic appeal but is a man-made material. PE rattan furniture is more durable and requires less maintenance than traditional wicker, making it perfect for the outdoors. 

If you have seen rattan garden furniture, chances are it is made from PE rattan and not wicker. This is because natural cane, or wicker, cannot survive outdoors and would deteriorate when left exposed.

Synthetic rattan is perfect for patio furniture as it can withstand the elements, whereas natural wicker would quickly degrade when subjected to extreme weather conditions. PE is a thermoplastic resin, this means it can be melted down and reformed, making it 100% recyclable, too.

Explore our rattan garden furniture collection here to find the perfect set for your outdoor space.

PE and Synthetic Rattans

PE Rattan is made for the outdoors and is able to withstand the elements. Unlike natural cane rattan, it can withstand humid conditions and frost. It’s perfect for every season. PE rattan is UV stabilised which helps prevent fading from the sun. This type of rattan is made to survive the miserable British weather. 

Synthetic rattan is durable yet lightweight, making it perfect for furniture such as large outdoor dining sets and large garden corner sofas, which can be quite heavy when made from other materials. The weave is hand-woven around an aluminium frame and is easy to move around your garden. Top-quality synthetic rattan maintains the desired aesthetic qualities of natural rattan yet will last for years to come.

What is the difference between PE Rattan and Wicker?

Natural wicker is not made for the outdoors; any inclement weather or sunlight will cause it to quickly rot and decay. Natural wicker also requires a lot of care and maintenance. You want your garden furniture to be all about relaxation and minimal fuss. That’s what makes PE rattan great; it requires next to no maintenance. It can be left outside all year round. We would recommend a cover as this prolongs your furniture's life even more and prevents those annoying birds from dirtying your garden furniture. Whereas a natural cane set would have to be left indoors.

JB Furniture's director Dave Sadler says "We know that our customers want to buy good quality garden furniture that lasts and looks great. That's why PE rattan is one of our top choices. It's tough enough for the British weather yet very stylish and comfortable."

Check out our handy table below on the differences between natural cane and synthetic rattan.

Synthetic weaves are made with the outdoors in mind; this type of furniture can manage whatever nature has to throw at it. When you think about relaxing in your garden, you want something stylish, durable and with no fuss. Synthetic rattan does that. All you need to do is pop your cushions on, then just sit back and relax.

Benefits of PE Rattan Garden Furniture

There are many benefits of PE rattan. As mentioned before it is weather resistant and needs little maintenance. Another benefit of synthetic rattan is that it can be easily cleaned with water. Most garden furniture sets can be cleaned with a pressure washer, so it’s easy to keep your set looking brand new.

To make this easier we have created a table below which shows the pros and cons of PE rattan garden furniture.

PE rattan is recyclable for example, the Bramblecrest Monterey range is made using high-quality recyclable polyethylene that will withstand the test of time. The aluminium frame itself is 100% recyclable yet still durable. Maze also use PE rattan which can be fully recycled. 

This material is all-around more economical than natural cane. This is because it’s far more durable so will be a part of your home for years to come. It is made to put up with both hot and cold weather. All of these things combined mean that you won’t need to keep replacing it every year, which keeps costs down. It can do all this whilst looking stylish and elegant in your garden. 

Cons of PE Rattan Garden Furniture

PE rattan garden furniture is an excellent choice for your garden however it is important to consider every aspect of this material before going ahead. There are a few factors to be aware of when browsing rattan garden furniture.

One thing to be wary of is cheap imitations; not all rattan is PE. Some manufacturers will try to make a copy of premium PE rattan furniture by using cheaper materials such as PVC. PVC can be seen as more affordable compared to PE rattan. However, it will quickly crack and break, leading you to buy furniture multiple times.

This goes hand in hand with the frame quality. Some rattan sets are made on a low-quality steel frame that will rust and cause the set to fall apart! Make sure that your rattan furniture set is woven on a powder-coated aluminium frame. If the rattan is not UV stabilised, this could lead to the rattan weave fading over time due to prolonged sun exposure. 

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Other Helpful Guides

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

The Ultimate Guide to Rattan Garden Furniture