Wicker and rattan are two popular types of outdoor furniture that are sold in the UK for both indoor and outdoor use. The terms are used interchangeably but are they the same thing?
When choosing between wicker and rattan for outdoor furniture, it's essential to understand that the two terms are not directly comparable in a material sense:
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Rattan
Refers to a natural material derived from the stems of rattan palms. It is strong, lightweight, and flexible, making it ideal for crafting furniture. -
Wicker
Refers to the weaving technique used to create furniture. It can be made from natural materials (like rattan cane or willow) or synthetic materials (like resin or high-density polyethylene).
For outdoor furniture, synthetic wicker pieces or sets (made with a woven synthetic rattan) is typically the better choice for UK patios, and in this article, the Lazy Susan product development team are exploring why:
Why is natural rattan furniture not suited to the UK climate?
In our opinion, natural rattan furniture is not a good material for UK patios for the following reasons:
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Climate
Our climate sees frequent rain and humidity. Natural rattan, being made from plant fibres, is highly susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to rot, mould, and warping/splitting. -
UV Rays
Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays, even in the UK, can cause natural rattans to fade and dry out, making them brittle and prone to cracking. -
Temperature
We experience significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and often on the same day. Extreme cold in winter can cause natural rattans to become stiff and crack, while extreme heat in the summer can cause them to expand and contract, leading to structural damage. -
Pests
Insects and pests can cause significant damage to natural rattans, especially if the furniture is left outdoors for extended periods in the summer.
Of course, natural rattan wicker furniture can be used on UK patios with proper care and maintenance, such as storing it indoors when not using it and regularly treating it with protective coatings.
However, it is generally less durable than other materials and requires significantly more upkeep compared to synthetic rattan or other weather-resistant materials like our cast aluminium.
That said, it does offer a warm, organic, and timeless appearance. It is lightweight so easy to move around if you want to purchase it for "occasional" outdoor use.
However, for us, the cons just outweigh the pros. We want furniture we can leave outside and not worry if it gets caught in a downpour. We want to use it not spend time cleaning it.
If you're considering outdoor wicker-style furniture, then go for synthetic rattan. It offers the durability and weather resistance needed for outdoor use, especially in our unpredictable and ever-changing climate.
Reserve natural rattan furniture for indoor or well-sheltered areas (such as conservatories and garden summer rooms) to prevent premature wear and damage.
Why is synthetic wicker furniture best for outdoor use?
Synthetic rattan is specifically designed for outdoor use and is much more resistant to the elements. It is made from materials that have been developed to best resist moisture, UV, and temperature fluctuations.
Synthetic rattan is also typically more affordable and easier to maintain than natural rattans, so if you're looking for durable and low-maintenance outdoor furniture, then we think synthetic is the better choice.
The rattan weave is generally made from materials like polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) so it is waterproof and resistant to rot, mould, and mildew.
Most of the plastics used to make all-weather wicker furniture in the UK are often treated with UV stabilisers too, which significantly helps the wicker furniture pieces retain their colour and integrity when left exposed to the elements.
It can withstand rain, temperature fluctuations, UV, pests, and general wear and tear much better than natural rattans.
It is also easier to clean and maintain than the real thing, and all it generally needs is the occasional wipe with soapy water, requiring no special treatments or solutions.
Of course, the real thing looks and feels beautiful, however, we think the artificial certainly does a good job of mimicking the look, and while maybe a little colder to the touch, it is available in a wider range of colours and finishes.
We definitely think it looks and feels better than the synthetic timbers we discussed in our Is polywood a good material for your patio? article.
Some synthetic wicker is made from virgin plastics, so we would be right to ask questions about sustainability, but we are seeing more and more retailers selling furniture constructed from recycled materials. This is something we discussed in our Can different types of plastic garden furniture be recycled? article.
If you're considering wicker furniture for outdoor use, then we would certainly go for synthetic rattan. If you want wicker for indoor use such as garden room or conservatory, then we would prefer to go with natural. And when it comes to synthetic rattan, our choice would be for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
Polyethylene is a type of thermoplastic polymer that's lightweight, flexible, and can be moulded into a host of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for creating the synthetic rattan strands needed to weave into wicker furniture.
We would choose HDPE over the basic PE plastics as they are stronger, more durable, with more UV-resistance, giving you a more premium-quality piece of outdoor furniture, and the following benefits:
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Durability
HDPE rattan is weather-resistant, temperature-tolerant, and designed to be enjoyed on your patio. It is highly resistant to UV rays, rain, and humidity, making it ideal for outdoor use. It doesn’t fade, crack, or peel easily, even in harsh weather. It can withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, without becoming brittle or warped. Known for its strength and longevity, it will outlast many other synthetic materials such as PE plastics. -
Low Maintenance
Like our cast aluminium range, it is easy to clean. Dirt and spills can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid. It doesn’t require any special treatments or regular sealing, and unlike natural fibres, HDPE will resist mould, mildew, and pests, making it hygienic and easy to maintain. -
Eco-Friendly
HDPE is a recyclable material, which makes it an environmentally conscious choice compared to PVC-based synthetic rattans. It is non-toxic and does not release any harmful chemicals or toxins, making it safe for users and the environment. -
Aesthetics
HDPE synthetic rattan better mimics the appearance of natural rattan than PE and PVC-based resins, offering a sophisticated and stylish look. It is also available in various colours, patterns, and finishes to match different design preferences. -
Lightweight
Often wrapped around a cast aluminium frame, HDPE rattan furniture is lightweight, so it is easy to pick up, move, and rearrange, while still being sturdy enough to stay stable in windy conditions. -
Cost
While initially more expensive than some other materials such as PE and PVC, HDPE synthetic rattan's durability and low maintenance costs make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
We think these advantages make HDPE all-weather wicker furniture a practical and stylish choice for homeowners looking for durable, eco-friendly, and attractive outdoor seating and dining options.
Alternatives to wicker and rattan outdoor furniture
If you’re still not sure whether to go with wicker or rattan outdoor furniture, you do have a third option that might trump it - Metal Outdoor Furniture.
Metal outdoor furniture, which includes high-grade cast aluminium (of the type made and sold by Lazy Susan) can make an awesome addition to your garden.
It’s strong enough to stand up to the elements, and like synthetic rattan wicker furniture, it requires little to no maintenance apart from the occasional wipe-down.
You can leave your metal furniture outdoors in the sun, wind, rain, or snow without worrying about short or long-term damage.
A slight issue is that our metal furniture, due to the quality of the casting process, can be a little heavier than wicker - even though the rattan is woven over a cast aluminium frame - but this is often seen as an advantage by many as its less likely to blow over and even our largest table can easily be picked up and moved by two people if want to rearrange your outdoor setting.
Metal furniture looks beautiful and it comes in a host of unique designs, colours, styles, types, and patterns that will suit your personal tastes and outdoor decor.
Our final thoughts on synthetic vs natural materials...
For UK patios, if it is a choice between natural and synthetic, we would advise you to go for HDPE.
We have an unpredictable climate and it is designed to withstand rain, sun, and wind without significant damage or fading.
It is more durable than natural fibres and other types of plastic, making it a better long-term investment.
However, and yes we're a little biased, but we think cast aluminium, especially when it comes to outdoor dining tables and chairs, just look and feel better quality:
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Durability
It is incredibly strong and resistant to damage from harsh weather, making it a great long-lasting investment. -
Weather Resistance
It can withstand rain, snow, and strong winds without rusting or corroding, unlike steel. We finish our collection with a durable powder-coated finish to further protect it. -
Low Maintanece
It requires minimal upkeep, usually just a simple cleaning with soapy water every now and again will suffice. -
Style
Cast aluminum furniture has a timeless look that will never go out of style and fits perfectly with the styles found in most UK homes and gardens.
While synthetic rattan is also highly weather-resistant, it is not as durable as cast aluminum in the long run. It can still fade or become brittle over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you prioritize durability, weather resistance, and a modern aesthetic, cast aluminum is an excellent option for UK gardens.
We would not recommend natural rattans for UK patios due to their sensitivity to moisture and UV rays. That said they can look great in transitional spaces such as garden rooms and summerhouses.
As a final note of caution, when shopping, confirm the material type. If wicker furniture is labeled as rattan then confirm what type of rattan.
Wicker is just the style, the rattan could be a natural wicker such as palm or bamboo or an artificial fibre made from a host of different types of plastic.
You need to ensure it is a suitable material for the spot you want to put it!
