• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
cropped logo planted well

Planted Well

One seedling at a time

  • START HERE
  • LANDSCAPING
    • GARDENS
    • LAWNS
  • GROWING
    • FLOWERS
    • HOUSE PLANTS
    • SUCCULENTS
    • TEAS
    • TREES
    • VEGETABLES
  • RAISING
    • BEES
    • CHICKENS
    • RABBITS
  • DIY
    • HYPDROPONICS
    • OILS
    • TERRARIUMS
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Buyers Guide/Rattan Garden Furniture 101: Buyer’s Guide & Best Ideas

Rattan Garden Furniture 101: Buyer’s Guide & Best Ideas

Contents

  1. Why Rattan Garden Furniture?
  2. What’s the Difference Between Rattan and Wicker Furniture?
  3. Is Rattan the Same As Bamboo?
  4. Rattan Garden Inspiration
  5. How to Choose Rattan Garden Furniture
  6. Rattan Garden Furniture for Sale
  7. How to Assemble Rattan Garden Furniture
  8. How to Protect Rattan Garden Furniture
    1. Weatherproofing
    2. Cleaning
    3. Covering
    4. Drying Out
    5. Wintering
    6. Restoring Faded Rattan
  9. Rattan Garden Furniture Frequently Asked Questions
    1. Can rattan furniture be left outside?
    2. Should rattan furniture be covered?
    3. Can you put garden furniture on grass?
    4. Is rattan furniture waterproof?
    5. What is the best time to buy outdoor furniture?
    6. Which is better wicker or rattan?
    7. Can rattan furniture get wet?
    8. Can rattan furniture be painted?
    9. Is rattan a plastic?
    10. Is rattan furniture durable?
  10. Rattan, Not Ratatatan

Rattan garden furniture is a patio classic that’s helped to create wonderful garden moments for many people around the world. If you choose rattan furniture, you choose a style that’s not going to become outdated anytime soon.

rattan garden furniture

In this article, we’ll cover all the basics about rattan furniture and share with you buying tips and ideas to help you make an inspired choice while staying within your budget. Actually, you may even end up saving money!

Ready when you are!

Why Rattan Garden Furniture?

Wood garden furniture is for many the definite choice when it comes to creating a beautiful and inviting patio or deck. But wood furniture can be costly.

rattan garden furniture on the patio

If you want to give your patio an exquisite look without breaking your budget, then a good alternative is to use rattan garden furniture.

Rattan furniture is durable, has a timeless look, and is easier to move around and store compared to metal furniture of comparative size.

durable rattan garden furniture

And according to us at least, it looks a lot better than garden furniture made from synthetic materials that try to imitate it. Not to mention it’s also environmentally friendly if it’s sourced properly.

stained rattan furniture

Did you know: When you trim rattan into sections, you can use it as wood to produce furniture. Like wood, you can stain and paint rattan so that you can give it various shades and styles.

Actually, though, rattan is a climbing palm that comes from Africa, Australasia, and Asia. It’s a material widely used to make handicrafts and pieces of pieces of furniture.

rattan palm

When it matures, rattan is similar to a pole. Its thickness ranges from 1 to 3 inches. However, rattan is different from a bamboo pole because of its tough core which results in its being strong and resilient.

Fact: Rattan is made from a climbing palm and woven together. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and can be painted different colors.

rattan garden furniture surrounded by plants

Upon harvesting its core and vertical grains, it is then trimmed to small portions and steamed. Its peel, which is the outer skin of the pole, is mainly used in combining the furniture joints.

No wonder then than rattan is a popular choice for many environmentally-conscious gardeners who are designing or upgrading their backyard.

rattan garden chair with plants

Tip: Add to rattan garden furniture the right outside garden lights, mosquito plants, and fire pits, you and your family and friends won’t want to leave your patio anytime soon!

What’s the Difference Between Rattan and Wicker Furniture?

You may hear people, even retailers, use the term rattan and wicker interchangeably. True, these may look similar, but there are notable differences.

wicker rattan products

As mentioned earlier, rattan is a kind of vine that is a close kin of the palm tree.

On the other hand, wicker is not a tangible raw material but the end result of a traditional method used to produce goods out of willow, straw, bamboo, and in some cases rattan core.

weaving wicker

During this process, the specific material is wet so that a person can quickly weave a wicker style furniture.

What further adds to the confusion is that right now, manufacturers also use synthetic materials in producing both wicker and rattan style garden furniture.

Is Rattan the Same As Bamboo?

Just to be clear here, rattan and bamboo are different. They are both sustainable materials, but they come from different plant species.

blue rattan garden furniture on the porch

You can’t bend bamboo while rattan is pliable. Also, while rattan is strong, bamboo is hollow in the middle.

Tip: You can easily check if your furniture is bamboo or rattan by seeing if the canes are bent. If yes, then you have rattan furniture.

Rattan Garden Inspiration

Again, with rattan as your furniture material, you will not run out of gardening design ideas anytime soon.

rattan furniture in the balcony

Whether you choose a simple arrangement for you and your loved one or a large one for the entire family, you can integrate your rattan garden furniture into pretty much any design and arrangement.

Take a look at a few of our gallery of rattan garden furniture ideas and let them inspire you to create a peaceful corner for yourself at home that you’ll love returning to each time.

  • Rattan Garden Furniture Clearance Sale Best Choice
  • 9 Piece Outsunny Rattan Cube Garden Furniture
  • Sale Outsunny Rattan Garden Furniture
  • Outsunny 4 Piece Grey Rattan Garden Furniture
  • Best Choice Rattan Garden Furniture Corner Sofa
  • Outsunny Rattan Dining Garden Furniture
  • Rattan Garden Furniture 6 Seater Outsunny
  • Cheap 2 Piece Outsunny Rattan Garden Furniture
  • Best Choice Corner Rattan Garden Furniture
  • Outsunny Rattan Garden Furniture

How to Choose Rattan Garden Furniture

It’s not just about the color or the number of pieces you get for the price, you know. It’s important to take into account a few more considerations to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

choose rattan garden furniture
  • Color – Dark, brown, being: these are all popular colors for rattan garden furniture. Factor in the other predominant colors on your patio or dock and choose a complementary color.
huge rattan furniture
  • Size – Some sets can be expanded with additional items you buy later on. For others, however, you may not be easily able to find matching items. Usually it’s best to buy sufficient seating even if you don’t use it right away if you think you’ll need it.
stackable lightweight rattan furniture
  • Weight – Some rattan garden furniture is designed to be lightweight and easily moved or stacked. If you want it to fit into a small garden shed or other garden storage solutions, make sure to avoid the heavy variety.
rattan furniture in winter
  • Weather Resistance – Depending on coloring and whether it’s been treated, rattan may not always be good for keeping outdoors in all weathers. Make sure to check the specifications.
rattan furniture with cushion
  • Cushions – Consider both the comfort and weather resistance of the cushions as without them rattan furniture isn’t the most comfortable around. Don’t look only at the color!
rattan table
  • Table – Woode or metal tables can look out of place next to rattan seats, so we recommend choosing a rattan garden furniture set that includes at least a small table, ideally one with storage capacity.

Rattan Garden Furniture for Sale

Compared to wood, rattan garden furniture offers you a myriad of choices, including rattan sofa sets, loungers, corner sofa sets, and dining sets.

rattan garden furniture for sale

If you’ve made up your mind to buy rattan, you can also buy it online. In fact, you may have more options online compared to what local stores offer.

selecting rattan garden furniture

Discover below some of the bestselling rattan garden furniture sets you can get right now. We hope you’ll find among them at least one that catches your eyes.

Bestseller No. 1
CRZDEAL 4 Piece Patio Furniture Sets Clearance, Wicker Patio Furniture Includes 2 Armchairs,1 Double...
CRZDEAL 4 Piece Patio Furniture Sets Clearance, Wicker Patio Furniture Includes 2 Armchairs,1 Double...
  • ✔〖4 Piece Patio for Dimensions〗: Coffee Table: L 71cm x W 41cm x H 39cm; Single Chair: L...
  • ✔〖EASY ASSEMBLY〗: CRZDEAL patio set of 4 Comes With All Hardware & Necessary Tools. Follow The...
  • ✔〖Strong and Sturdy〗: CRZDEAL rattan garden furniture is made with a powder-coated steel frame...
$132.99
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 2
Homall 4 Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets Rattan Chair Wicker Conversation Sofa Set, Outdoor...
Homall 4 Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets Rattan Chair Wicker Conversation Sofa Set, Outdoor...
  • [Excellent Quality] - This rattan furniture is made of high quality steel frames with solid...
  • [Convenient And Cleaning] - Our wicker is strong and durable but also lightweight at the same time;...
  • [Multiple Scenarios] - The glass covering the table is high quality tempered glass, you can put...
$324.99
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 3
Homall 4 Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets Rattan Chair Wicker Conversation Sofa Set, Outdoor...
Homall 4 Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets Rattan Chair Wicker Conversation Sofa Set, Outdoor...
  • [Excellent Quality] - This rattan furniture is made of high quality steel frames with solid...
  • [Convenient And Cleaning] - Our wicker is strong and durable but also lightweight at the same time;...
  • [Multiple Scenarios] - The glass covering the table is high quality tempered glass, you can put...
$299.99
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 4
Aoxun 7 Pieces Outdoor Sectional Sofa All-Weather Patio Furniture Sets Manual Weaving Wicker Rattan...
Aoxun 7 Pieces Outdoor Sectional Sofa All-Weather Patio Furniture Sets Manual Weaving Wicker Rattan...
  • ⛱️- Modern & Comfortable: Our modern design wicker outdoor sofa was full handmade by our workers...
  • ⛱️- Sturdy & Durable: This outdoor sectional sofa sets with solid frame, high quality PE wicker...
  • ⛱️- Sectional & Suitable: Patio furniture Sectional sofa sets freely rearranged into different...
$439.99
CHECK PRICE
SaleBestseller No. 5
Kinbor 4 Piece Outdoor Patio Conversation Set, Garden PE Rattan Furniture Sectional Set for Backyard...
Kinbor 4 Piece Outdoor Patio Conversation Set, Garden PE Rattan Furniture Sectional Set for Backyard...
  • ★Sturdy & Durable Design★: Kinbor patio conversation set is made of black PE rattan and strong...
  • ★Made for Various Occasions★: Great for small spaces or creating a cozy nook. This furniture set...
  • ★Comfortable★: The height of the armrest is suitable to put your hand and arm on. In addition,...
$279.99
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 6
OAKVILLE FURNITURE 61116 6-Piece Made in USA Outdoor Sectional Sofa Rattan Patio Furniture Sets...
OAKVILLE FURNITURE 61116 6-Piece Made in USA Outdoor Sectional Sofa Rattan Patio Furniture Sets...
  • Proudly Made in U. S. A. Cushions and imported body frame with 1-year us based Manufacture .
  • Outdoor furniture set features four patio sofa chairs, ottoman and coffee table with modular design.
  • Easily reconfigurable to various layouts and enough room to seat 4-5 adults comfortably.
$649.98
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 7
Goplus 4-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set with Weather Resistant Cushions and Tempered Glass...
Goplus 4-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set with Weather Resistant Cushions and Tempered Glass...
  • 【Sturdy & Attractive】 Constructed from strong powder coated steel frame and commercial grade...
  • 【Upgraded Comfort】 Comestible lofty sponge padded seat cushions for more comfort and relaxation.
  • 【Tempered Glass】 Table with removable tempered glass adds a sophisticated touch and allows you...
$239.99
CHECK PRICE

How to Assemble Rattan Garden Furniture

While your furniture comes with instructions, sometimes assembling it can be perplexing. Most of us have experienced this at least once in our life.

Follow these simple steps to guide you in installing your rattan furniture. Remember that this is general advice–the set you choose may have specific requirements.

setting up rattan furniture outside
  • Verify that you have a complete set of listed parts in the guide.
  • Read the step by step instructions.
  • Assemble the furniture on a level surface.
  • Pay extra attention to tables that have a glass surface.
  • Use a padded mat when assembling to prevent any scrapes.
  • Only fasten screws when the assembly is thoroughly complete.
  • Avoid overtightening your bolts which can also damage your furniture.

How to Protect Rattan Garden Furniture

An advantage of choosing rattan garden furniture is that it’s low maintenance.

rattan garden furniture in a sunny balcony

You won’t have to put any serious effort in keeping it in good condition or keeping it clean, provided you don’t overexpose it to sunlight or the elements.

Weatherproofing

You can weatherproof your rattan furniture by applying polyurethane or varnish. Before applying the varnish, you can gently sand it with thin grain sandpaper to ensure it has a good surface to stick to.

varnished rattan garden furniture

Tip: One way to protect rattan furniture is to apply to it a coat of polyurethane in a water or oil-based emulsion.

The bottom line is that if you want to leave your rattan furniture outside, use polyurethane intended for outdoor use so that the finish can withstand moisture, sunlight, and weather changes.

SaleBestseller No. 1
Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish, quart, Satin
Minwax 63010444 Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Finish, quart, Satin
  • Provides long-lasting beauty and protection to any interior wood surface
  • Among the most durable coatings for wood protection
  • Ideal for woodworking, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors
$10.96
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 2
Vermont Natural Coatings Poly Whey Furniture Finish, Clear Satin Finish, 1 Quart
71 Reviews
Vermont Natural Coatings Poly Whey Furniture Finish, Clear Satin Finish, 1 Quart
  • Clear Finish seals & protects against scratches
  • Minimal odor, Excellent flow, coverage 500-600 sf/gl
  • Easy cleanup with soap and water
$45.06
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 3
Minwax 630150444 Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane, quart, Gloss
Minwax 630150444 Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane, quart, Gloss
  • Lower in odor than traditional solvent-based polyurethanes.
  • Protects and adds beauty to interior wood surfaces including woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets...
  • Dries quickly.
$27.31
CHECK PRICE

Cleaning

In any case, when cleaning natural rattan, you can use a hard brush or a vacuum cleaner to pry dirt such as moss or mud.

clean rattan table

Tip: Gently scrub the surface to avoid damaging your furniture. If there are hard to reach areas, you can use a toothbrush to clean it.

clean outdoor rattan furniture

After prying off the dirt, dip a cloth or sponge in soapy water. Squeeze the excess water and wipe your rattan furniture. Next, repeat the process with just water then dry your rattan garden furniture with a clean cloth.

On the other hand, with synthetic rattan, you can splash the soapy water directly on your furniture. When rinsing, you can use a garden hose to clean it.

cleaning rattan garden chair

But refrain from using any pressure-washer to avoid destroying the furniture’s finish. Once finished with rinsing, you can leave it outside to dry naturally.

Covering

Covering your rattan furniture with a UV-resistant covering can maintain its appearance from longer and prevent it from having a faded, worn-out look. Not all sets include a covering, so you may have to but it separately.

rattan garden furniture cover

Choose one that securely fits your furniture. The problem with a loose cover is that it will flutter around during a strong wind and can possibly tear when it gets caught in the furniture.

Tip: Make sure to tie the covering to the legs of the furniture if possible to ensure a tight fit.

Bestseller No. 1
JOORY Large Patio Furniture Outdoor sectional Furniture Covers Waterproof Dust Proof Furniture...
JOORY Large Patio Furniture Outdoor sectional Furniture Covers Waterproof Dust Proof Furniture...
  • ★【Large Furniture Cover】:126" L x 63" W x 28" H inch. uses: Patio Set Cover is suitable for...
  • ★【Durability and Heavy Duty Material】 : JOORY lawn patio furniture covers are made of heavy...
  • ★【Waterproof Patio Furniture Cover】 : The inside of this furniture covers is PVC coated that...
$59.99
CHECK PRICE
Bestseller No. 2
Vailge 2-Seater Heavy Duty Patio Bench Loveseat Cover, 100% Waterproof Outdoor Sofa Cover, Lawn...
Vailge 2-Seater Heavy Duty Patio Bench Loveseat Cover, 100% Waterproof Outdoor Sofa Cover, Lawn...
  • MAXIMUM PROTECTION:Heavy duty patio loveseat cover made of 100% 600D Oxford fabric is good to...
  • 100% WATERPROOF:Vailge lawn furniture covers are all added UV-stabilized & Waterproof coating and a...
  • EASY TO USE WITH ADJUSTABLE CORD LOCK: Vailge patio sofa covers are designed with elastic hem cord...
$35.99
CHECK PRICE
SaleBestseller No. 3
ESSORT Patio Furniture Covers, Extra Large Outdoor Furniture Set Covers Waterproof, Rain Snow Dust...
ESSORT Patio Furniture Covers, Extra Large Outdoor Furniture Set Covers Waterproof, Rain Snow Dust...
  • ❤【UPGRADED】According to the customers' demand, we have upgraded our outdoor furniture cover in...
  • ❤【STRONG & DURABLE】The patio table waterproof cover is upgraded to 210D high density oxford...
  • ❤【EXTRA LARGE】Our outdoor furniture cover is designed larger than most in the market. The size...
$41.99
CHECK PRICE

Drying Out

If it becomes too dry, rattan furniture may crack. To prevent that, mist it every three weeks. Avoid drenching your furniture.

Tip: When misting, position the bottle 3 feet away and spray. Allow mist to settle.

dried rattan chair that needs misting

You don’t want any mildew on your furniture, though. To get rid of mildew, use an oil soap.

Wintering

Natural rattan needs protection from freezing temperatures. That’s why we recommend moving your rattan garden furniture indoors before the first snow and storing it properly until mid to late spring.

rattan furniture covered in snow

To prepare for the winter, see to it that your furniture is clean and dry before covering it. In case you use cushions, do not forget to remove them and store them properly.

Restoring Faded Rattan

You can restore natural rattan furniture that is faded.

Apply three coats of tinted varnish or alternatively two fine coats of oil-based undercoat, plus two fine coats of oil-based topcoat.

paint restored rattan furniture

Then apply a new coat of paint or varnish every other year.

Rattan Garden Furniture Frequently Asked Questions

Do you want to know more about this sturdy material? Here we answer for you frequently asked questions about rattan.

Can rattan furniture be left outside?

rattan furniture outdoors but under shade

You can leave high-quality synthetic rattan furniture outside at all times. Otherwise, we recommend avoiding overexposing your natural rattan garden furniture to sunlight and rain. Also, make sure to store it safely in winter.

Should rattan furniture be covered?

covered rattan garden furniture

Yes, it’s a good idea. High-quality rattan garden furniture can be left outside most of the year since its weave can withstand the changing weather and UV rays. However, if you want your furniture looking brand new we advise that you buy a cover to shield it as it will otherwise suffer damage. Check out all our rattan furniture care tips.

Can you put garden furniture on grass?

rattan garden furniture on grass

Rattan garden furniture may cause some damage to natural grass though not to artificial grass. In evenly positioning your rattan garden furniture, you can rest assured that it will not damage your artificial grass.

Is rattan furniture waterproof?

rattan garden furniture with cover

Rattan furniture is durable but not waterproof unless we’re talking about resin rattan, which is built from resin or plastic rather than genuine rattan cane. A resin rattan furniture consists of aluminum frames and a mesh woven to appear like the rattan palm. With this kind of material, you have waterproof furniture that is safe to leave outdoors.

What is the best time to buy outdoor furniture?

buying outdoor rattan furniture

You can usually save money if you buy rattan furniture during the months of August to October. Ordinarily, these are periods that stores conduct clearing out sales to make room for the fall inventory.

Discounts can start at 20% as early as August and reach 70% or more by October. Take note though there is a drawback in waiting for sales: you will find a smaller selection of items available.

Which is better wicker or rattan?

beautiful rattan furniture

Based on robustness and versatility, rattan is better than wicker furniture. Rattan has a resilient core and is available in a variety of earthy colors so that painting is not always necessary. The durability of wicker furniture depends on the material chosen in producing the furniture.

Can rattan furniture get wet?

rattan garden furniture set

If you have weatherproof rattan furniture, then yes, getting it wet is not a problem. Not sure if you have a piece of weatherproof furniture? Check the materials used in your furniture. If the manufacturer indicates the furniture has a UV stabilized synthetic rattan weave then you can leave it outside to get wet.

Also, does your furniture have aluminum frames? If it does, aluminum does not rust and it can get wet without harming it. If you’re thinking of buying rattan furniture, here’s how to choose the right one for you.

Can rattan furniture be painted?

painted rattan chair

Yes. To give life to your rattan furniture you can paint it with earthy colors or even bold ones! To make sure you coat the color evenly try using spray paint. In doing this, you can be sure that the paint will not turn into goo, gather in corners, or run. Read more about protecting rattan furniture.

Is rattan a plastic?

plastic rattan chair

No, it’s a type of palm, but your rattan furniture can be either natural or synthetic. While of course, natural rattan furniture has a certain charm to it, however, you need to protect it from the elements. By contrast, you can leave your synthetic rattan furniture outdoors since it can the weather elements.

Is rattan furniture durable?

durable modern rattan furniture

Rattan garden furniture is dependable and resilient. While synthetic rattan is safe to leave outdoors, protect your natural rattan furniture with a cover to make sure you can enjoy it for a long time.

Rattan, Not Ratatatan

With rattan furniture, you don’t really need a hammer or any maintenance tools for that matter. All you need is a good covering for rainy months and some storage space in winter.

With rattan’s noted durability, you can be sure to have a piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. Just make sure to choose a snug weave, without any strands sticking out and jagged corners. Also, check if the furniture has UV protection.

cozy rattan furniture in the garden

At the end of the day, rattan is a sustainable material that can be easily integrated into many decors, so it’s not going to run out of style anytime soon.

Are you going to try rattan garden furniture? Or do you have some already? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

Updated on December 29, 2020 by Jonna

Reader Interactions


Recommended for you

mini step ladder in the garden
11 Best Step Ladders for Safe and Easy Use at Home (2021)
garden lamp post turned on at night
13 Best Outside Garden Lights to LED Up with Solar [2021]
wheelbarrow waiting to tow away dried leaves
Wheelbarrow Easy Guide & 7 Best Garden Wheelbarrows Reviewed [Updated 2021]
different plants on varied pot designs
41 Best Plant Pots for Houseplants & Potted Gardens [2021]
beautiful gazebo design
41 Best Garden Gazebo Ideas with Top 3 Gazebos Reviewed
green lawn mower
Electric Lawn Mower Guide & 7 Best Mowers Reviewed [Updated 2021]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

READ OUR STORY HERE

planted well growing plants raising animals

My name is Jiri, and I'm one of the co-creators of Planted Well. Our mission is simple, we want to improve the life of at least 1 million …

CONTINUE READING about Hello new friend, welcome!

LET'S GROW TOGETHER

TRENDING GUIDES

blooming geranium

Gorgeous Geranium 101: How to Grow Stunning Geraniums

rain gutter of a house

Rain Gutters Water Harvesting 101: The Easy Guide [2021]

vegetable green house

13 Greenhouse Benefits with Ideas and Plans to Inspire

floral tea pot and cup set

13 Awesome Tea Sets for Tea Lovers & Children in 2021

tea infuser and tea bags

41 Best Tea Infusers you’ll want to get in 2021

beautiful backyard landscaping design

109 Landscaping Ideas for Front and Backyards in 2021

Explore more

Discover our Guides Get Inspired Connect with Us

Footer

COPYRIGHT© 2021 · PLANTED WELL

  • About
  • House Plants
  • Flowers
  • Succulents
  • Vegetables
  • Gardens
  • Lawns
  • Bees
  • Chickens
  • Rabbits
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact