If there’s one thing you can rely on in the UK, it’s the British weather being, well, British.

This means it’s a heatwave one minute and snow the next.

And while that keeps us all on our toes, it’s not helpful when it comes to your outdoor rattan furniture. Rattan furniture is a popular type of outdoor garden furniture — and one of the most expensive you can buy. 

If you’re worried about it being ruined by the elements, though, join Lazy Susan as we take a look at how to weatherproof rattan furniture all year round. 

What is Rattan Furniture?

Rattan furniture is made from rattan, a plant material that’s woven together to create wicker tables and chairs. 

It’s a common sight in British gardens throughout the summer months. And you can purchase either synthetic rattan furniture or natural rattan furniture, depending on your budget and aesthetic needs. 

Is Rattan Furniture Weatherproof?

As we’ve just seen, there are two types of rattan furniture:

1. Synthetic rattan

2. Natural rattan

As it happens, synthetic rattan furniture is known to be weatherproof and can be left outside in rain, snow, and sun.

This means that you can leave it outdoors in all conditions without worrying about elemental damage. However, like all materials, there are limits to what synthetic rattan furniture can withstand, and will need some help in making it last over time.

Natural rattan, on the other hand, costs more than synthetic rattan furniture — but it isn’t weatherproof. This means you’ll also need to take measures to shield it from the elements.

Let’s show you how to do that. 

How to Weatherproof Rattan Furniture 

 If you invest in rattan furniture, you’ll need to be prepared to put in a bit of work to maintain it. Here’s how:

Protect Your Rattan Furniture From the Rain… and the Sun

While synthetic rattan furniture is UV-resistant, after years of being outside, the material will eventually show signs of UV damage. Likewise, natural rattan furniture will likely bleach when it’s exposed to too much sun. This can happen even if the weather is dry. It will also rust from the rain.

Naturally, you’ll want to enjoy your rattan furniture in the sun whenever you’re relaxing in the garden yourself. But when your furniture isn’t in use, it’s always a good idea to either store it indoors or inside your shed (no matter the weather!). 

Clean Your Rattan Furniture Regularly 

The good news is that cleaning rattan furniture isn’t difficult. All you need is a bucket of soapy water and a cloth.

How often should you clean your Rattan furniture?

We advise that you clean it as often as you can. If you spot a stain, wipe it off ASAP with soapy water.

Pro tip: Use a toothbrush to get into the crevices. 

Wash Your Cushions

If your rattan furniture comes with cushions, you might be able to get away with leaving them outdoors now and then. This is the case if they’re made using high-quality synthetic materials that can withstand the likes of rain and sleet, as well as lots of sunshine. 

However, if you have a protective cover or if you take the rest of your furniture indoors when it’s not in use, it’s safest to take your cushions indoors, too.

You should also aim to wash them every few weeks to keep them looking nice and fresh. 

Buy a Cover

If left outdoors unprotected, rattan garden furniture could rust and accumulate stains. 

To safeguard your investment, you can purchase a cover that offers shelter to your furniture when the weather is particularly inclement. 

Moreover, a cover can also protect your furniture against dust and bird droppings.

The best thing to do is to invest in a water-resistant cover that comes with breathable polyester. This will keep condensation to a minimum and it can also go a long way to preventing mould from setting in. 

Final Thoughts: What Outdoor Furniture is the Most Weatherproof? 

As we’ve seen, rattan furniture in particular can develop mould and stains — it can even rot unless you take great care to look after it. 

On the other hand, metal furniture, such as the high-grade aluminium garden furniture sold by Lazy Susan — is one of the most durable types of outdoor furniture you can buy.

It’s heavy enough to withstand strong gusts of wind, it’s rust-resistant and it’s also UV-resistant.

This means you can leave your aluminium furniture outdoors when not in use without any worries. 

That said, it always helps if you buy high-quality metal furniture that comes with a weatherproof finish.