The Benefits of Synthetic Rattan Furniture & What it’s Made From

Understanding the benefits of synthetic rattan furniture and knowing what it’s made from will make choosing the right garden furniture a lot easier.

It's no secret that rattan furniture is a step up from your average garden furniture set. We often think of rattan as the ultimate addition to any outdoor space. However, the real product can be expensive and pretty hard to maintain, especially when you live in a country where summertime often means rain and wind.

That's why synthetic rattan furniture is a great option. It gives you that classic rattan look but with less maintenance and less disappointment when you go outside after a downpour.

That’s why we decided to put this post together on the benefits synthetic rattan offers as well as an overview of what it’s made of!

 

What is it made from?

Synthetic rattan furniture is made from a man-made fibre that’s much sturdier and more durable than natural rattan, while still offering the same look and feel. The fibres are woven in the same way as real rattan but are often coated with UV additives and polyethene resin (PE) that can prevent fading and wear.

You may have also heard the term 'resin wicker' or ‘plastic rattan’ used to describe artificial rattan. Bear in mind that real rattan is made from natural abaca strands (palm). There is no doubt that it is absolutely beautiful but because it is such a delicate material it is unpractical for outdoor use.

Therefore, man-made fibres are a much more sensible alternative. Manufacturers generally use polyethene to produce artificial rattan, so it can be made to be more long-lasting. Remember that wicker is also a method of weaving - not a material! So, when you hear wicker furniture, that will not necessarily mean real rattan chairs or tables.

The rattan dining sets we offer are made using this superior, synthetic material, ensuring they look great for a long time to come.

 

 

 

The benefits that synthetic rattan offers

Synthetic rattan comes with a whole host of advantages over both natural rattan as well as other furniture materials. They're not in any particular order, so make sure to read through them all!

1. Longevity

We did say these advantages aren’t in order, but it's hard not to see this as one of the most important reasons to invest in synthetic rattan. Artificially produced rattan furniture has a much longer lifespan than its authentic counterpart, ensuring it maintains its look and feel. In our more in-depth blog post on , we mentioned that synthetic garden furniture could last anywhere between 10 and 20 years.

In England, real rattan may only last a few years, depending on how well it is cared for and how much it is exposed to the elements.

2. Weatherproof/weather resistant

Even though this is one of the main reasons it lasts longer, it should also be seen as a separate benefit. It's crafted to be UV resistant and waterproof which real rattan doesn't tend to be. Its weatherproof properties mean that it's going to be much more hardy when left outside during the spring and summer months. (That doesn't mean you shouldn't look after it, however!)

This means that you don’t have to worry as much about it getting damaged in a rainstorm or if there are large temperature swings throughout the spring or summer months.

3. Strength

Now, this next point may come as a surprise to some of you but synthetic rattan is a lot stronger than the real version. This is due to the fact that it is man-made and so doesn't contain those natural fibres that can sometimes be the downfall of authentic rattan.

Also, since it’s more resistant to wear and tear it is less likely to get weakened during use. Even though the natural fibres aren’t a lot less strong when they’re new, as they sit outside they quickly deteriorate which can lead to reduced strength. This isn’t something that happens (as quickly) with synthetic rattan.

 

4. Lightweight

Even though it’s stronger, synthetic rattan furniture is a lot more lightweight than real rattan. You will find it very easy to move it around if you fancy rearranging your garden, or you just want to reposition it on the patio.

Since furniture sets are often separate chairs, benches and/or table(s), their light weight is even more beneficial as it makes it easier for you to create a seating or dining area you love.

5. Cheaper to buy

It may be a bit of an obvious benefit, but synthetic rattan can be a lot cheaper to buy. Given the added strength and durability advantages, this means they’re significantly better value for money than the real thing. If you’re on a budget, synthetic rattan can help you create a magnificent outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Low Maintenance

Real rattan can be an absolute pain to maintain. It not only requires you to move it indoors every time it rains or the temperature changes dramatically, but it also requires regular cleaning and even waxing if you want to keep it in top condition.

Synthetic rattan doesn’t require any of this, and although you still need to take care not to damage it, it requires far less upkeep than traditional rattan does.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know what synthetic rattan is made from and what some of the most important benefits are, you should hopefully have a better idea of which type of outdoor furniture is right for you. Feel free to check out the rattan furniture we have on offer, or to reach out to our customer service if you have any more questions about this post or the furniture we offer.