The best rattan garden furniture is a powder-coated aluminium frame wrapped in all-weather PE (polyethylene) rattan, because it will not rust, rot or soak up water the way steel frames and natural rattan do. For most gardens, a conversation or dining set from a brand such as Hartman or Keter, or a value range from Outsunny or Christopher Knight Home, gives the best balance of durability and price.
Natural rattan is a vine that cracks and fades outdoors, so almost all “rattan” garden furniture sold today is synthetic PE or PVC resin woven over a metal frame. Quality varies widely, so this guide explains what to look for and which makers cover each budget. Prices are general market ranges that change with season and size; check current listings before buying.
Our top picks
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Quick comparison of rattan garden furniture types
| Pick | Best for | Frame / weave | Typical seating | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartman rattan sets | Best premium dining and lounge sets | Powder-coated aluminium, PE rattan | 4-8 seats | Check price |
| Bridgman rattan collections | Best handcrafted luxury | Aluminium or steel frame, hand-woven resin | 6-8 seats / modular | Check price |
| Keter rattan-effect sets | Best low-maintenance value | Resin with steel reinforcement | 2-5 seats | Check price |
| Christopher Knight Home sets | Best mid-range style | Aluminium or iron, wicker weave | 3-7 seats | Check price |
| Outsunny rattan sets | Best budget and small spaces | Steel frame, PE rattan | 2-6 seats | Check price |
Best premium: Hartman rattan sets
Hartman is a British garden furniture maker known for powder-coated aluminium frames, hand-finished rattan weave and sets built around a dining table with a glass top. Its higher ranges typically come with multi-year frame guarantees, and the aluminium resists rust. The trade-off is price and weight: a large set may be hard to move without help. Look for UV-stabilised rattan and thick cushions that include removable covers.
Best luxury: Bridgman rattan collections
Bridgman’s collections, such as modular sofas and round dining sets, are sold as premium, hand-woven pieces for owners who want furniture to last many seasons and look designed. They sit at the top of the price scale and often come in custom sizes. If your budget allows only one large purchase and you plan to keep it for ten years, this is the tier to consider. If not, the mid-range brands below deliver most of the benefit.
Best low-maintenance value: Keter rattan-effect sets
Keter makes resin furniture in a rattan-effect finish, including storage benches and bistro sets. The material does not rot, needs no oil or paint, and is easy to wipe clean, so it suits families and rental properties. These sets are lighter and less rigid than aluminium-framed rattan, and the weave pattern is moulded rather than hand-woven. Choose Keter if you want something practical that is cheap to own.
Best mid-range style: Christopher Knight Home sets
Christopher Knight Home sells wicker-style conversation sets, dining sets and daybeds in a wide range of finishes. The frames are often aluminium or iron with a woven resin cover. The company sits in the middle of the market, offering more design variety than budget ranges at a lower cost than premium makers. Check the frame material in each listing, as it varies by set.
Best budget and small spaces: Outsunny rattan sets
Outsunny covers the budget end with compact bistro pairs, corner sofas and four-seat sets that fit balconies and small patios. Frames are generally powder-coated steel, which is cheaper but can rust at chips and joints if the coating is damaged. Treat scratches with touch-up paint and use a cover in winter, and these sets can last several seasons.
How to choose rattan garden furniture
Frame material
Aluminium is light and does not rust, which makes it the best choice for most gardens. Powder-coated steel is stronger and cheaper but can corrode if chipped. Check that the listing names the frame material; “metal frame” alone is a warning sign.
Weave quality
Look for flat or half-round PE rattan with a thickness of around 1.5mm to 2mm or higher, and a tight, even weave. Thin, round strands fray sooner. UV stabilisation should be stated, and a dark colour usually hides fading better.
Cushions and covers
The cushions are the part that wears out first. Look for foam of at least 80mm for loungers (about 3 inches), water-resistant fabric such as solution-dyed polyester, and removable covers. Store cushions indoors in winter to double their life.
Size and layout
Measure your space and leave 90cm (about 3 feet) of walking room around a dining table. A 6-seat rectangular table typically needs a footprint of around 3m x 2.2m (about 10ft x 7ft) once chairs are pulled out. For small patios, a corner sofa uses space better than separate chairs.
Weight and weather
Heavier sets handle wind better, but light aluminium sets can blow around. In windy areas, choose a set with a table that can be weighted or with sofas that have heavier bases.
Rattan versus other outdoor materials
| Material | Weather resistance | Upkeep | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE rattan on aluminium | Excellent | Wipe clean | High with cushions | Most gardens |
| PE rattan on steel | Good until the coating chips | Touch up scratches | High with cushions | Budget buyers |
| Resin (Keter style) | Excellent | Very low | Medium | Storage and family use |
| Teak or hardwood | Excellent, ages to silver | Oil yearly if you keep the colour | Medium | Long-term, natural look |
| Natural rattan | Poor outdoors | High | High | Covered porches only |
Care and maintenance
- Wipe the weave with warm water and mild soap every month in season to remove pollen and dust; this prevents staining.
- Use a soft brush for dirt in the weave and avoid pressure washers, which can pry strands loose.
- Cover or store cushions in winter and use a breathable cover on the furniture, not plastic, which traps moisture.
- Check bolts and feet each spring and tighten any that have worked loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rattan garden furniture waterproof?
Synthetic PE rattan is water-resistant, and aluminium frames do not rust. Cushions usually are not waterproof, so store them or cover them during heavy rain.
How long does rattan garden furniture last?
Budget steel-framed sets often last three to five years. Aluminium-framed sets from better makers can last ten years or more with sensible care.
Does rattan furniture fade in the sun?
Cheap resin can fade and become brittle over time. UV-stabilised PE rattan resists fading much better. Choose neutral or dark shades and use covers when not in use.
Can rattan garden furniture stay outside in winter?
Aluminium and PE rattan can, but a breathable cover extends its life. Remove cushions in cold or wet months.
Is rattan better than wicker?
Wicker is a weaving technique, not a material. Garden furniture sold as wicker or rattan is nearly always synthetic woven resin, so the frame and weave quality matter more than the name.
