Rattan or wood? Choosing the right garden furniture transforms how you enjoy your outdoor space. Discover the pros, cons, and key differences—read the full blog to find your perfect match!
Table of Contents:
- 1. Rattan Garden Furniture: Lightweight Style with Modern Appeal
- 2. Wooden Garden Furniture: Natural Charm and Timeless Strength
- 3. Rattan vs Wooden Garden Furniture: At a Glance
- 4. Space & Style Considerations for Garden Furniture
- 5. Looking for Sustainable Garden Furniture Options?
- 6. What’s the Best Garden Furniture for the British Weather?
- 7. So, Which Should You Choose?
- 8. Ready to Find the Perfect Fit for Your Garden?
- 9. FAQs
Choosing the right garden furniture can make all the difference in how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. With so many materials to choose from, two favourites stand out — rattan and wood. Each offers a unique look and feel, but which one is right for your garden, lifestyle, and climate?
In this guide, we’ll compare rattan vs wooden garden furniture to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance option, something to suit the British weather, or furniture that fits your garden's style, we’ve got you covered.
Rattan Garden Furniture: Lightweight Style with Modern Appeal
Rattan garden furniture is a top choice for those who want something sleek, durable, and easy to manage. Most modern rattan sets are made from synthetic polyethylene (PE) rattan, a weather-resistant material designed to withstand the elements. It's wrapped over a sturdy aluminium or steel frame to give it shape and strength.
Pros of Rattan Garden Furniture
- Low maintenance – A quick wipe-down is all it needs
- Weather-resistant – Ideal for rainy or damp UK conditions
- Lightweight – Easy to move around the garden or patio
- Contemporary look – Suits modern outdoor spaces
❌ Cons of Rattan
- Less traditional – May not match rustic or natural garden designs
- Cheaper versions can fade or crack over time
If you’re after low-maintenance garden furniture that still feels stylish and relaxed, rattan could be a great fit.
Wooden garden furniture brings a warm, natural feel to any garden. It’s perfect for those who prefer classic style and want a heavier, more permanent outdoor setup. Hardwoods like teak, acacia, and eucalyptus are popular choices due to their durability and natural resistance to weather.
✅ Pros of Wooden Garden Furniture
- Strong and sturdy – Great for long-term use
- Classic look – Blends beautifully with natural surroundings
- Can age beautifully – Develops a silvery patina over time (especially teak)
❌ Cons of Wood
- Requires regular care – Needs oiling or sealing to keep it in good shape
- Heavier – Less flexible if you like to rearrange your space
If you love the feel of nature and don’t mind giving your furniture a little seasonal care, wooden garden furniture has long-lasting appeal.
Rattan vs Wooden Garden Furniture: At a Glance
| Feature | Rattan | Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent (synthetic rattan) | Excellent (especially teak) |
| Maintenance | Very low | Moderate to high |
| Style | Modern, woven look | Natural, traditional |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy and solid |
| Weather resistance | Great for rain & damp | Great with treatment |
| Eco-friendliness | Often recyclable PE | FSC-certified hardwoods available |
What’s Best for the British Weather?
If you live in the UK, your garden furniture needs to deal with unpredictable conditions — rain, wind, sun, sometimes all in one day. Rattan furniture made from synthetic fibres is weather-resistant and usually dries quickly. Many sets come with cushions that are water-resistant too.
Wood, especially teak or eucalyptus, is naturally tough and can last for years if maintained properly. Just be ready to oil or treat the wood annually to help it stay strong and avoid rot.
For an easy-care option that can handle the rain, rattan may suit you better. But if you want furniture that feels more connected to nature and you're happy to care for it, wood is a solid contender.
Space & Style Considerations
Have a smaller garden, balcony, or patio? Rattan’s lightweight frame and compact designs make it ideal for tighter spaces. It's also great if you like to rearrange your seating regularly or bring pieces indoors in winter.
Wood is heavier, often better suited for larger gardens or permanent setups. It can anchor a space and provide a more traditional or rustic feel.
No matter your garden’s size, choosing furniture that fits your space — physically and visually — is key to making it feel inviting.
Looking for Sustainable Options?
If you're shopping with sustainability in mind, both materials offer eco-conscious choices. Look for:
-
FSC-certified wooden furniture, ensuring timber is sourced responsibly
-
PE rattan made from recyclable plastic, often used in high-quality sets
Both materials can be part of a more sustainable lifestyle when sourced responsibly and cared for over time.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose Rattan If You Want:
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight furniture
- A modern, woven look
- Great weather resistance with little upkeep
Choose Wood If You Want:
- A timeless, natural feel
- Solid, long-lasting furniture
- A classic look that fits traditional gardens
- A material that improves with age
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal style, space, and how much time you want to spend looking after your furniture.
Ready to Find the Perfect Fit for Your Garden?
At The Outdoor Supermarket, we stock a wide range of rattan and wooden garden furniture to suit every space and style. Whether you're after a relaxing rattan corner set or a sturdy wooden dining bench, we've got options that are made to last and look great.
Browse our garden furniture collections now and find the piece that fits your garden best.
FAQs
What lasts longer: rattan or wooden garden furniture?
Both can last for many years with proper care. Synthetic rattan is highly durable and weather-resistant, while hardwoods like teak or eucalyptus can last decades if regularly oiled and protected. Longevity depends more on quality and maintenance than the material alone.
Is rattan furniture suitable for British weather?
Yes, synthetic rattan furniture is ideal for the UK climate. It's water-resistant, handles damp conditions well, and dries quickly after rain. Look for sets with powder-coated frames and weather-resistant cushions for the best all-weather performance.
Does wooden garden furniture require a lot of maintenance?
Wooden garden furniture needs seasonal care to stay in top condition. Most hardwoods should be cleaned and oiled once or twice a year to protect against moisture and fading. While it takes more effort than rattan, the results are long-lasting.
Can I leave rattan garden furniture outside all year?
You can leave synthetic rattan outside most of the year, but it’s best to cover or store it during winter to extend its lifespan. Always remove cushions when not in use and consider a breathable cover to protect against frost and heavy rain.
Which is more eco-friendly: wood or rattan?
Both materials can be eco-friendly when sourced responsibly. Choose FSC-certified wood from sustainable forests and PE rattan made from recyclable plastics. Natural rattan is biodegradable, but less durable in outdoor settings.
What’s the best garden furniture for a small space?
Rattan furniture is ideal for smaller gardens, patios, or balconies. It's lightweight, often comes in modular sets, and can be moved or stored easily. Look for compact corner sets or stackable chairs to maximise space.
Is synthetic rattan better than natural rattan?
For outdoor use, synthetic rattan is better. It's designed to withstand rain, UV rays, and temperature changes — unlike natural rattan, which can become brittle or mouldy when exposed to moisture. Synthetic rattan also requires less upkeep.
Which material is better for a modern garden?
Rattan garden furniture suits modern outdoor spaces thanks to its sleek, woven textures and contemporary colours. Wooden furniture is better for traditional or rustic gardens, though minimalist teak sets can also work in modern designs.
How do I clean wooden garden furniture?
Use a soft brush and mild soapy water to remove dirt and debris. Rinse with clean water and let it dry fully. For deeper cleaning, lightly sand the surface and apply an outdoor wood oil to nourish and protect the wood.
Should I oil my wooden garden furniture regularly?
Yes, applying wood oil once or twice a year helps protect against moisture, UV damage, and cracking. It also maintains the wood’s colour and appearance, especially for hardwoods like teak or eucalyptus commonly used in garden furniture.
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