Rattan furniture is actually one of the most popular types of outdoor furniture you can buy. It’s ideal for those lazy summer days or for when you want to host a little garden party.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what sort of things you need to do to make sure your rattan furniture doesn’t get ruined outdoors — and an alternative easier option.
Is it Okay to Leave Rattan Furniture Outside?
We know what it’s like in the UK — the weather changes more times than anyone could care to remember over the course of 24 hours, which means it can be hard to know what to do with your outdoor furniture!
First, let’s take a look at the two different types of rattan furniture: natural and synthetic.
Natural Vs Synthetic Rattan
Natural rattan is made from plant fibres and grows in tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is extremely durable, lightweight, and flexible which makes it easy to weave into wicker-style furniture.
One downside is that natural rattan pieces will not last long as other types of outdoor furniture, like metal, for example — because it is susceptible to weathering and decay over time.
On the other hand, high-quality synthetic rattan furniture can be left outdoors — with proper care.
This is because it has better resistance to UV rays and moisture to ensure it can cope with whatever the Great British weather happens to throw at it — including an unexpected heatwave.
Cons of Rattan Outdoor Furniture
There are a number of drawbacks to wicker outdoor furniture constructed from both natural and synthetic rattan.
One of the primary issues with furniture constructed with natural rattan is that it can be highly susceptible to weather damage if exposed to excessive heat or water. And to be honest, we would only recommend you use this type of furniture in a conservatory or summer room.
With synthetic poly-rattans, you may also find that they fade over time when left in direct sunlight for too long — depending on the quality. It can also be very difficult to repair, so if the plastic rattan splits, you may need to replace the furniture entirely.
Furthermore, if your wicker furniture is constructed from a natural material, it will need to be treated or sealed regularly to protect it from the elements and pests.
How to Care for Your Outdoor Rattan Furniture
If you’re planning to leave your rattan furniture outside, you’ll be happy to hear that you can do this without it getting damaged. Here’s how:
Invest in a Weatherproof Shield Cover
You can buy rattan Direct shield covers that are water-resistant, breathable and guaranteed to prevent the elements from attacking your rattan furniture.
They come in different sizes and, thanks to the carry bag, they don’t take up much space when they’re not in use.
What’s more, you might find that your supplier adds a free shield cover when you buy the furniture.
As an alternative, you could opt for a weatherproof parasol instead.
Secure Your Rattan Furniture to the Ground
Rain, sun, and snow aren’t the only weather conditions that have the potential to harm your outdoor furniture — wind is also an issue.
Wind is doubly an issue when it comes to rattan furniture because of how light the aluminum framed tables and chairs are.
The easiest way to prevent the wind from knocking your chairs over and causing damage is to stack them on top of each other.
Let the Light In
Just like your plants need sunlight to blossom, your rattan furniture needs sunlight in order to breathe. If it doesn’t get adequate sunlight, it can quickly grow mouldy — which is really not a good look!
As such, if you decide to use a shield cover, it’s essential that you take it off now and then. Don’t become overly reliant on your shield cover to the point where you cover your furniture up whenever you’re not using it. If the sun comes out, let your rattan see it!
Clean Your Furniture
It’s a given that we all want clean outdoor furniture. To give your rattan furniture a clean now and then there’s not too much you need to do:
Just put together a mixture of water and washing-up liquid and apply it to your furniture with a washcloth, gently rubbing off any marks and generally just giving it a good spruce.
Put Your Rattan Furniture Indoors
If at all possible, we do suggest taking your rattan furniture indoors when it’s not in use. While rattan furniture can be left outside, there’s no better way to look after it than taking it inside.
An Alternative: Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Cast aluminum furniture is resistant to harsh temperatures and water damage, making it a great choice for any outdoor space. Not only that, cast aluminum won’t fade or corrode over time like rattan can — and it’s also lightweight, making it easy to move around your garden or patio when needed.
With the right care, cast aluminum furniture can provide a classic and stylish look to your garden or patio that’s sure to last.
Final thoughts...
Rattan furniture is a stylish type of outdoor garden furniture — but can face a lot of damage when kept outdoors. If it’s not possible to take your outdoor rattan furniture inside, use the tips in this article to keep it looking ship shape and ready for use. Alternatively, you can purchase aluminum outdoor furniture that’s easier to care for.