How Durable Is Rattan Garden Furniture? | Furniture Maxi

If you purchase brand new rattan garden furniture, you may want to know how durable it will be, and also how long it should last. After all, you have invested in your outdoor furniture, so you need to know what to do in order to preserve it for as long as possible.

But here is the good news, rattan garden furniture is more durable than you think. Of course, this depends on you purchasing high-quality natural rattan as it makes a significant difference.

However, there is more to understanding durability than just becoming aware of a few facts or figures. So, that is what we will explore.

By gaining a better understanding of rattan and how it performs as a material for furniture, you will then know why it is so popular, and has been for decades.


The Key Features of Rattan Furniture

By examining the key features of rattan garden furniture, we can begin to get a better understanding of the durability side of things. You see, many individuals will state that your average rattan furniture will last for somewhere in the region of 10 years, and while that may sound enough, is it really as good as it could be?

Rattan as a material is extremely lightweight. This applies to both natural and synthetic rattan. It is also easy to manipulate when put on top of an aluminium frame, which adds to the lightweight feel to it. However, don't make the mistake of thinking that just because your rattan sofa is lightweight that it is not strong. That is certainly not the case.

But rattan furniture has a number of other important features.

It can be used to create a wide range of items of furniture that will be ideal for your outdoor space. This ability to shape and weave it into something strong makes it the perfect solution for those dining sets or garden chairs.

However, there are a number of both advantages and disadvantages associated with this material.


The Advantages and Disadvantages of Rattan Furniture

So while the different features of rattan furniture sounds impressive, it's not all plain sailing. Instead, there are a number of both advantages and disadvantages to be aware of. This material has been used for an extended period of time, and when you see the pros and cons associated with it, then it becomes clear as to why this is the case.

The Advantages

First, we have the advantages, and the main thing is that it is both hardy and versatile. When talking about rattan being versatile, it's due to the fact it is used to create a coffee table, daybeds, sun loungers, and a multitude of other items of furniture.

Also, to increase its versatility, it can be suitable for outdoor use as well as indoors. However, outdoor rattan does need to be treated differently if it is to survive.

Another advantage is the fact that the material is eco-friendly. It is far more sustainable a material than most people realise.

This is due to rattan being a vine. There is no need to cut down the entire tree but merely the vines have to be harvested. The vines then grow back quickly, and the process can be repeated. If you are searching for garden furniture sets that are better for the environment, then this is your answer.

Also, the way it is woven together is another advantage. Rattan can also cope with various weather conditions when treated correctly.

Overall, it's easy to see why both natural and synthetic rattan garden furniture is such a popular choice.

The Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages associated with rattan to be aware of before you go ahead and buy those lounge sets.

The first is that it can be uncomfortable, and that is why having cushions on top of the rattan is such a good idea. Natural rattan furniture is a popular choice, but most natural materials are not too comfortable, and this is one of those situations.

In the case of this rattan material, it is the closeness of the flat weave that makes it more uncomfortable. That is because it means there is little to no give on natural rattan furniture. However, this disadvantage can be counteracted with ease.

Also, the problem with rattan or wicker furniture is that the weave can become loose over time. However, this can be counteracted to a certain extent by correctly caring for the furniture in the first place. Also, carrying out repairs as soon as they are required is important.

The final disadvantage is that rattan is not low maintenance. It does require some care to improve its lifespan. It has to be treated and cared for. It must be protected from conditions. This all takes time and involves some work, but it will be worth it in the end.


Can You Leave Rattan Furniture Outside?

As the condition in which your rattan furniture is kept or stored directly affects its durability, what about leaving your furniture outside?

The short answer here is that you can leave rattan garden furniture outside, but only when you carry out a few key steps. Failing to do them will mean the rattan will deteriorate over time, as the natural rattan is not intended to be kept out in the elements.

Natural rattan should never be soaked, and nor should it be left exposed to sunlight too often. All of these conditions will start to negatively affect the rattan as it's not particularly uv resistant.

But that's not to say you cannot have it outdoors. Of course, synthetic rattan is more likely to be capable of withstanding the outdoors, but even that depends on the quality of the material.

To be capable of leaving rattan furniture outside, you need to preserve it. This means making it weatherproof, and it involves coating the natural rattan in marine varnish to ensure the moisture cannot get into the inner core of the rattan.

Also, you must cover the rattan furniture when not in use, and certainly overnight. Natural rattan cannot manage to contend with too much moisture before it potentially starts to rot, and that is where you must start to carry out repairs.


How Long Should Rattan Furniture Last?

Ultimately, how long should rattan furniture last? We said at the outset that it should last around a decade, but this time has so many deciding factors attached to it that it's not an exact figure.

Protecting your furniture from dirt, mildew, uv rays, and weather conditions will mean it should last a number of years. There are some examples of rattan furniture lasting for decades with the correct care. That means carrying out repairs when required. It means making it weather-resistant, cleaning it with soapy water and a toothbrush to get into the weave.

All of these things will improve the durability of the furniture and allow you to enjoy it for years to come.

But we do need to go back to that concept of carrying out repairs and regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of your rattan furniture. Remember that aspects of the weave can loosen over time, and that is where the items start to lose some of their strength and, potentially at least, their structure.

That is where seats begin to sag, and it is no longer as supportive as it once was.

By checking every aspect of your patio furniture on a regular basis, you can spot those tell-tale signs that something may be wrong at an earlier time. That will help push the lifespan of your furniture beyond that decade.

So that answers the question of exactly how durable rattan garden furniture may be, and it may have been a bit of a surprise. The key is to care for your furniture sets correctly, and there's no doubt it will then stand up to the test of time. However, keep in mind that rattan can be relatively fragile if left exposed to the elements. In that case, you will drastically reduce the length of time that your sofa sets will last before they need to be replaced.