Blog | Furniture Maxi
How To Protect Rattan Furniture During The Winter & All Year
Rattan garden furniture can make a real statement when it comes to your outdoor furniture. However, while it's all perfectly fine enjoying your furniture set, knowing how to protect that natural rattan and then weatherproof it is clearly key. After all, you want your rattan garden furniture to continue to look its best for years to come. Why You Need to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture Thanks to the British climate, any furniture left outside is at the mercy of the elements. While the winter months are particularly harsh, caring for your sofa sets or wicker furniture is something to be done throughout the year. Thanks to the natural materials used, along with the various crevices that exist in the furniture, rain and mud can work its way into the entire fabric of the item. If continually left exposed to the elements, that moisture can eat away at the rattan and, over time, weaken it. What then happens is you are left with outdoor furniture that not only looks terrible, but is no longer safe to sit on. The problem is that natural wicker will not cope well with being in poor conditions over and over again. But it's not only furniture made from natural materials that can suffer. If you thought that your synthetic rattan garden furniture would escape, then you are wrong. Instead, even plastic garden furniture will suffer if not correctly cared for. Plastic, especially if made incorrectly, will weaken due to UV rays, and that's when a problem will occur. However, help is at hand. In fact, there are several things that you can do right now that will help protect your furniture set and allow you to continue to use it for years to come. But as needs change throughout the year, we will look at how to protect things from a different perspective. So, we will break it up into seasons to make life easier. How to Protect Your Garden Furniture in Autumn Autumn is one of those tricky seasons when it comes to protecting your rattan garden furniture. You can easily still have a number of occasions where it will be in full use, so it is pointless to put the furniture away in storage. Instead, this is what we recommend. First, do invest in high-quality garden furniture covers. They will be excellent in protecting your furniture from the wetter weather throughout this season. Also, they are quick and easy to remove when you plan on using your furniture. However, do not simply put the covers over your rattan sofa. Instead, we do suggest following several easy steps to make sure that your garden furniture is correctly cared for. Make sure your rattan furniture is dry before placing a cover over it. Not doing this will only increase the chances of mildew developing, and the rattan will start to deteriorate. Also, check for mud or any droppings on the furniture, and remove them before covering. This should be part of your general upkeep of your furniture anyway, so do not skip this step. Consider running over the furniture with your vacuum, but make sure the brush attachment is on there. This can get into all of those crevices and, as we said earlier, this should form part of the general care. But there is something else you may want to do with your rattan furniture at this point to prepare it for the winter ahead, and that is to think about weatherproofing the furniture. Now, as the weather becomes colder, and often wetter, as autumn progresses, trying to weatherproof your natural rattan furniture is something to be done in the first month of autumn. This is to ensure you have the correct weather conditions to allow the weatherproofing to dry. For this, coating your rattan furniture in marine varnish is one option. That will work well at helping to repel moisture, and it is easy to apply. However, just be sure to allow long enough between coats. This will offer maximum protection for the longest period of time. But aside from covering the furniture, you may want to consider starting to store your furniture set in a suitable location. This is where a garage or large shed will work well. The key is to store it in a location where your rattan garden furniture can remain dry and free from moisture. That will reduce the chances of developing mildew along with stopping the natural rattan from potentially rotting. How to Protect Your Garden Furniture in Winter Winter is different. The odds of you using your outdoor furniture during this time will be low, so we do advise you to protect your furniture to ensure it lasts throughout the season. However, there are several methods. First, if possible, put your furniture set into storage over winter. It must be somewhere dry and where damp won't be a problem. Even with this, we recommend placing a cover over the furniture for some added protection. But if you do not have this option, then don't worry. This is where having a high-quality cover will be essential. You must make sure that your furniture is clean and dry before covering. Dampness sitting under the cover is a bad idea. Not only will it increase the chances of the rattan starting to rot, as we mentioned earlier, but that old mildew problem will also rear its head. However, we do not recommend simply covering your furniture set for the whole of winter and leaving it in storage. Instead, you need to air the furniture from time to time, so that means removing the covers and just allowing it to breathe. Of course, you need to do this in the storage location. It will also provide you with the perfect opportunity to check for any problems developing before you perhaps give it a quick wipe over with a dry soft cloth and cover once more. Apart from that, you are not asked to do too much to protect your furniture in winter. Merely checking it's dry and safe from the elements is enough. How to Protect Your Garden Furniture in Spring Spring is the season of hope for warmer and sunnier days ahead, but it also changes the way in which you protect your garden furniture. The occasional frosty night can still occur, but you clearly do not have to worry so much about the same low temperatures as you did in winter. But that's not to say you can go ahead and do less when it comes to protecting things. We do suggest using this time to check your garden furniture to see if it has survived the winter without any structural damage. Also, make sure you look for any mildew that may have developed during the damp winter months. You should look at removing the furniture from its storage location at this point, and then give it a wash with some soapy water before drying thoroughly. This is your time to spruce it up and get it ready for when you fire up that BBQ and arrange those dining sets on your rattan table when entertaining guests. But do not go ahead and leave your corner sofa, table, or any other item outside uncovered over night. Doing so will reduce the lifespan of your outdoor garden furniture, as even something as simple as that spring morning dew can start to cause problems from a structural perspective. Instead, cover and protect while making sure you remove any outdoor cushions when not in use. How to Protect Your Garden Furniture in Summer We view summer as being the time when two key areas come into focus. The first is starting to plan ahead for protecting your rattan garden furniture in the winter, and also making sure those UV rays do not destroy or damage your furniture. Planning ahead is important here. You have the perfect weather for weatherproofing and repairing your existing furniture. Adding some fresh protection before it is required is a great idea. This is your opportunity to get in early, and stop any problems happening down the line. This is also the perfect time to get out the pressure washer and get everything spotless. This can be done even with synthetic rattan garden furniture. But this is the stage where people make mistakes. They feel that as the weather is better that they can leave their furniture outdoors, and it will be fine. Well, while that may be the case at times, it's best to protect your furniture even when the weather is fantastic. Keep in mind that dirt and dust blows around. That dirt is going to land in the weave of the rattan, and it will build up over time. That means you will be required to break out the old toothbrush and get scrubbing if you wish to remove that dirt, and it's not easy. Also, while rattan can be quite hardy when it comes to UV rays, is it worth the risk when covering takes minutes? The same applies to your outdoor cushions. Yes, they are generally constructed from material that is waterproof, and also often resistant to UV rays, but perhaps buy some sort of outdoor storage solution where they can be kept and taken out when required. Overall, the best thing to do when it comes to caring for your outdoor garden furniture during summer is to simply keep it clean. That alone can help prevent problems down the line, and it makes caring for your furniture in the winter that bit easier. And that is how to successfully protect your rattan garden furniture. There is little doubt that it is easy to do, and it will protect your furniture for years to come. This applies to both natural rattan, as well as synthetic furniture. After all, they both deserve to be looked after.
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How to Repair Rattan Garden Furniture | Furniture Maxi
How to Repair Rattan Furniture Whether you are a do-it-your-self fanatic, a home improvement expert or even if you aren’t the biggest fan of DIY, there are a number of ways you can repair rattan furniture. If you invest in good quality rattan furniture you shouldn’t have to spend much time on maintenance and repairs, but there may be the odd occasion where conditions need to be improved due to general wear and tear. Below we go through some of the most common issues faced by owners of rattan furniture, so you always know how to fix the problem. Repairing faded rattan furniture Like any other kind of material, if rattan is exposed to UV rays for too long it can start to lose some of its colour vibrancy. It’s difficult for any material not to experience some colour loss if left exposed to the sun for an extended period, but there are ways to can help repair decolourisation to rattan furniture. Of course, the easiest way to protect rattan furniture is to ensure it isn’t left in the sun for too long. Using an all-weather cover can make a difference, ensuring the material is fully protected whenever the furniture is not in use. However, given the changing nature of the British weather the sun can come out at any time, especially if you are away from home for any extended period of time. Even if your rattan furniture has been discoloured, whether due to UV rays or age, the great news is that rattan can be easily painted to give the material a vibrant new look once more. Use the following steps to repaint your rattan furniture: Firstly, clean the rattan furniture to remove any surface dust and dirt. A soft brush will suffice, which will also allow you to get into the crevices. Then use a vacuum with the brush attachment to hoover up anything remaining. Give the rattan a light sanding down. Before painting any surface you should always sand it down as it allows the paint to adhere to the surface much more easily. Use safety goggles and a mask and ensure the painting is done in a well-ventilated area. If you choose to spray paint do so outside in the garden. Oil-based undercoats and top coats are the best types of paint to use and allow enough time between application of each coat for drying. How to repair sagging seats on rattan furniture All furniture will eventually show signs of wear and tear, and that can also mean seating areas can start to sag over time. There are different types of sagging that can occur which require the application of different techniques in order to remedy them. If the material has only sagged slightly you can sponge down the affected area using warm water before leaving it to dry fully for 24 hours. The fibres should then contract and shrink back into their original shape. You can use a fine plant mister to occasionally spray the seating which will help keep the fibres taut. The use of a cushion will also help as this will distribute the weight being applied to the furniture when in use. If excessive sagging has occurred the best solution is to use more furniture cushions to balance out weight distribution and to take some pressure off the rattan. Repairing a broken leg on rattan garden furniture While it is not a common issue, it has been known for some people to experience a broken leg on their furniture set. If this does happen they can be repaired, although you may not be able to find an exact match with the wood. To apply a fix you will need to find a piece of wood that is of the same diameter as the broken leg. This could be anything from a broom handle to a second hand piece of furniture you can pick up for cheap. Use the following steps to repair a leg on a rattan chair: Drill a 1 inch hole into the centre of the broken leg. Then do the same on the replacement piece of wood, ensuring the hole has a 5/8 inch hole (a standard doweling size). Rather than cutting the leg to the exact size you need, at first make it a little longer. Use epoxy resin (wood glue) in both holes, before placing a 2” piece of 5/8” diameter doweling into the leg before pushing the replacement wood into the opposite end of the doweling. Place some weight onto the chair so there is enough pressure applied to the new joint and it can firmly fix into place to let the glue dry. You can now slowly cut back the new leg to the correct size so it is level with the other legs. If you want to ensure all the legs are the same colour, you could paint or stain all the legs with a new varnish paint. Legs that have snapped can also use this method to insert a full new leg, rather than attaching a piece of wood to an existing leg. Repairing loose strands on natural rattan furniture Another issue owners of wicker furniture sets might occasionally have to deal with is split or loose ends. This can happen on garden chairs, rattan dining tables, sofa sets and any other item featuring a rattan weave. If you notice this on your patio furniture you should attempt to repair it because if left unresolved it could start to unravel and create a much larger problem. When it comes to loose strands all you have to do is use some superglue to fix them back into position. If you notice some pieces of the weave are missing due to wear and tear, you can replace them with new rattan material which can be purchased online from craft suppliers. Cut away any loose old strands so good cane is visible on the weave. Measure a long length of new rattan and then soak it in water for 45-60 minutes. This will soften the material and make it easier to weave. Dry off any excess water and weave it through the damaged area on your outdoor furniture. You can use a pair of fine-nosed pliers to pull it through each time. Once finished, glue the ends into place and let it dry. Similarly, broken strands of synthetic rattan can be repaired using the same kind of resin and a small sculpting tool. The tool is used to mould the material into the shape as the surrounding material before leaving the adhesive to harden for a day or two. How to varnish rattan garden furniture If you own plastic rattan that has been sealed with polyurethane or similar, over time the varnish will start to wear off and the material will need to be resealed. This is one of the downsides of owning synthetic rattan furniture as it requires more upkeep and attention to detail compared to natural rattan products. To varnish plastic wicker furniture use the following steps: Clean the surface of the plastic rattan with warm water and a soft sponge. The main purpose is to let the water soak into the material so it can dry naturally and contract and tighten in the process. Use 260-grit sandpaper to sand down the whole surface of the rattan furniture. Once finished use a hair dryer to blow away the surface dust. Carefully spray the varnish over the surface of the furniture, following the instructions to remain safe, and ensuring it has been evenly distributed. Let the first coat dry for a while before applying the second coat. Make sure the coat is light and even as before. If you need to apply a third coat, as before, allow time for the second coat to dry before adding any more varnish. Once finished let the plastic wicker furniture cure for the next couple of days before using it. Weatherproofing natural rattan garden furniture Natural wicker furniture made from rattan already has a certain level of weatherproof protection thanks to its tropical roots. You can increase the protection it has from the weather by adding some varnish to the material, helping it to last for longer. Use the following steps to varnish and weatherproof your rattan furniture. Brush down the surface of the furniture to remove any dirt or dust that may have settled so you can varnish a completely clean and smooth surface. Lightly sand down the furniture using fine grain sandpaper. This will make it easier for the varnish to adhere to the surface once it has been applied. Use a yacht varnish to coat the furniture, applying up to three coats if needed. Allow for enough drying time in-between each coat and also follow the instructions to remain safe during use. You will probably need to leave the varnish to dry for up to 48 hours before using the furniture again. A good way to help your furniture in the long-term is to invest in an all-weather protection cover that can shield the material against rain, frost and UV rays. Alternatively, if you know a downpour is expected you should place the furniture in a sheltered area so the rattan does not become oversaturated with moisture. Drying out wet rattan wicker furniture Living in the UK means contending with the British weather and planning our activities based on when the sun is out and rain is about to fall. But as well all know, the British weather can turn at the drop of a hat, so there may be times when you can’t avoid getting your outdoor furniture wet. The important thing to remember with regards to wet rattan is to dry it out as quickly as possible to avoid long-term damage being caused. The best place to dry the material is in a warm environment with good airflow that can get into all the crevices and areas needed. The longer rattan is allowed to remain wet, the higher the chances are that mildew and mould can start to spread, while the wooden legs could swell and eventually split. If it can’t be dried naturally outside and you don’t have a warm space inside to dry the material, you could use a hairdryer on a low setting held at a good distance to help the drying process. You can also remove the cushion covers and wash in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the inner foam pads have started to show mould and are generating a smell your best option may be to seek replacements, as removing the damp smell will prove to be difficult. A good tip to use to avoid the cushions being affected by damp is to bring them inside when not in use. This can be at any time of the year (including summer) and it ensures they remain protected if an unexpected downpour arrives out of the blue. Dealing with scratches and marks on rattan furniture Unlike plastic rattan, the natural material does not need to be varnished in order to reseal it from damage. However, like any material it will eventually start to see signs of wear and tear, especially if it is used a lot and you have young children and/or pets in the home. If the furniture picks up any scratches and scuffs you may want to add a little more protection. Especially if you keep the furniture in a warm, humid area (conservatories in particular during the summer) it is a good idea to add some yacht varnish to the material. As always, clean the furniture first to remove any surface dirt or dust. Use a brush and then a vacuum with brush attachment to avoid the material being damaged during the cleaning. Use a fine grain sandpaper to sand down the rattan making it easier for the varnish to adhere during application. Follow the instructions and add as many as 3 varnish coats if needed. The varnish doesn’t have to be added regularly, maybe only once every couple of years, and it should allow you to enjoy the furniture for even longer.
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Garden Furniture Reviews | Furniture Maxi
Garden Furniture Reviews One of the best things about being able to shop online is using the internet to compare and contrast the most suitable companies to spend your money with. When it comes to the best garden furniture there is usually no shortage of options available to choose from, so it’s important to take some time to find the right one who can offer the quality you need. A company making claims about their products is one thing, but being able to stand by them is another. Doing your research on the company, especially if you have never shopped with them before, could make all the difference to how much value you get from your investment. There are a growing number of online companies selling rattan furniture and the variance in quality provided by each one will vary quite widely the more you discover about them. Rattan Garden Furniture Reviews It can be a good idea to look at what other customers have to say about the company. Whether it’s a rattan furniture company or a business selling anything else, you can carry out this sort of search quite easily online. Type in the company name follow by the word “reviews”. This will bring up search results that highlight customer feedback on some of the purchases. Of course, like any online space you have to take the reviews with a pinch of salt, as some are written for all kinds of reasons. A star rating shouldn’t always be the only deciding factor either as a low star rating left by one or a few customers can have quite a dramatic effect on the overall score. Generally, if the score on platforms like Trustpilot is at 3.5 or above you should consider it to be a company with a good reputation online. Depending on the product purchased by the customer they are also likely to have different levels of expectation. For example, buying a parasol for a sun lounger will be a cheaper investment than buying a whole out furniture set. This can be reflected in some of the product reviews you see online, which is why it’s always a good idea to take a closer look at the item yourself on the website. Before placing the order check the description, features and specifications of the item to ensure everything looks in order and that there are no small details you might have missed. A company with a good returns policy is also important, as it will give you the option to change your mind after it has been delivered. In most cases this will available only if the item remains unpackaged so it can be returned without any damages and then added back to the seller’s stock. Whether searching online via IKEA, Wayfair.co.uk, Homebase, B&Q, Argos, Asda, or Furniture Maxi, using the above as a guideline will ensure more often than not that you make the right purchase. Garden sofa sets The type of outdoor furniture you buy for the garden will depend on the amount of space you have available. Larger gardens can use the space to their advantage a little more, as they have the luxury of investing in patio furniture that won’t take up all the floor space or walkways outside. It also depends on how large your family is and how much entertaining you like to do. Take, for example, our Barcelona 9 Seater Dining Set in Grey which is made from premium PE rattan and offers plenty of seating options. It’s an L-shaped sofa with 6 spacious seats, support backrests and three additional footstools that ensure extra comfort and versatility. You’ll also find large seating products available in our Vancouver and Papaver ranges, all of which come in a variety of colours to suit your preferred aesthetic. The great thing about buying a large garden furniture set is that if you own a conservatory or orangery they also look just as at home there. Complemented by some beautiful potted plants you can transform the indoors or outdoors into your own private oasis that friends and family will love to spend hours relaxing in. You can buy our garden sofa sets with options of 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 seats, each product arriving with padded seat cushions and waterproof protection (for smaller 2-seater options a bistro set may be more suitable). Some assembly may be required but an assembly guide will be provided to make construction as straightforward as possible. Our product pages also detail the dimensions of our sofas, so you can plan ahead to see if they will be a suitable fit for you garden. Outdoor dining sets When the sun starts to show itself during the spring and summer accompanied by warmer temperatures few of us can wait to get outside to make the most of it. And who can blame us, with the British weather being so cold and grey, especially during the winter, the re-emergence of the sun instantly transforms not only the world around us but also our hopes for the year ahead. It’s one of the reasons why alfresco dining has become so popular in the UK in the past 5-10 years. We’ve taken a leaf out of the European handbook to turn it into a trend that looks like it is here to stay and become part of British culture. And now that many more people are looking at ways to get the most out of their garden space, an outdoor dining set can transform the way you eat at home without having to foot a heavy restaurant bill for the privilege of eating outside. Furniture Maxi’s range of dining sets spans across the Vancouver, Barcelona and Papaver ranges, bringing comfort and style to your outdoor space. You can use these sets solely for the family at dinner time to catch up on your day, or to be seated at the dining table at start the day before everyone heads off. If you go for the larger seating options (which can be as many as 9), invite friends around for an evening meal and drinks and create your own atmosphere with no worry of dealing with background music or chatter that comes with eating out. The Papaver 9 Seater Dining Set in Grey will easily fit in with your existing décor, the neutral colours blending to strike the right tonal balance. There are two modular 3-seater corner sofas and 3 footstools that enable you to create seating arrangements that best suit your garden space. The cushions also offer water resistance, which is ideal if you are suddenly caught short by unexpected shower (this is the UK after all!). We would also suggest investing in one of our furniture covers, which can protect the rattan when the furniture is not in use to reduce wear and tear and help maintain the condition for far longer. Rattan cube sets – what are the advantages? An increasingly popular option with our customers are rattan cube sofa sets which offer a number of benefits for homeowners with gardens both large and small. The Vancouver range has 7 and 8 seater sofas that provide plenty of style and comfort and a variety of uses. Great for storage The main advantage of buying a rattan cube set is that they are extremely storage-friendly thanks to their compact design. In particular the various pieces of the dining sets are stackable and foldable, or you can push some items underneath the table when not in use, so floor space can be maximised for other purposes. This makes them perfect for compact outdoor spaces so you can enjoy the best of both worlds as and when you please. If you have the storage space, a cube set will also take up less room, which is ideal for homes where storage is at a premium. Contemporary yet classic look Rattan is a classic-looking material which is one of the reasons it remains so popular today. Although not everyone wants a completely traditional style and a cube set combines it with a contemporary design to make it even more adaptable to your preferred aesthetic. The timelessness of its appeal means it won’t go out of style, so if you decide to refresh your garden design in years to come you won’t have to worry about investing in new furniture as a cube set will adapt to the changing environment. Long-lasting protection As is the case with all rattan furniture, when treated well cube sets will stand the test of time and offer good levels of resistance to the changing weather. All our cube sets come with water-resistant cushions (we also recommend these are taken indoors when not in use to reduce wear and tear) and thanks to the high quality PE rattan used in our products they stand up incredibly well to regular, daily usage, which is great news for homes with young children and pets. You can make your rattan cube set last even longer by investing in an outdoor rain cover which shields your furniture from harsh UV rays, rain and much more. How to position your rattan furniture sets If you are buying a stylish rattan bistro set, investing in a sun lounger with parasol, adding a side table to an existing set, or going large with a full sofa complete with coffee table, one of the biggest questions to solve is where to position it in the garden. Once you have the dimensions of your garden you can find the rattan furniture that will enable you to make the most of the space. Now you need to decide if it should be positioned on the patio, grass or decking. Rattan furniture on the lawn When it comes to grass, your decision should be based on the type of lawn you have in place. If you own artificial grass, you are already aware of how wonderfully low maintenance it is, so you never have to worry about wheeling out the lawnmower or breaking your back carrying out all that painstaking care it sometimes needs. Rattan furniture is less likely to cause much damage to artificial grass, so if you want to place your furniture on this type of lawn, you shouldn’t have a nasty shock in store when you move it at the end of summer. This gives you another option of where to put your rattan furniture, especially if you want to move things around mid-season. Natural grass is less likely to react well to any heavy weight being place on it for a long period of time. Placing the furniture on natural grass will create clear lines and marks, and cause it to fade in comparison to other areas that are continually exposed to UV rays. Rattan Furniture on decking Decking is a great way to add a new dimension to your garden and is also a great place to position your rattan furniture. When built correctly, the timber provides a strong and stable platform that can easily hold the weight of the furniture and people using it. The natural wooden tones will suit the neutral brown, grey and black colours of rattan furniture, further enhancing their suitability. The main thing to ensure when using furniture on decking is to add a non-slip varnish to the timber. After rainfall algae can grow on the wood making it quite slippery and potentially dangerous to walk across, so for safety reasons you should invest in ways to minimise this wherever possible. Similar to timber furniture, decking requires a little more work to keep it in good condition, but it can give you a whole new perspective of your garden. Paint and varnish it to create the finishing touches and combined with rattan furniture it will look amazing when the sun comes out so you can fire up the BBQ and relax in style. Rattan furniture on the patio While some gardens do not have decking or even a lawn, the vast majority of outdoor spaces are likely to have a patio. And when it comes to rattan furniture sets it is the easiest of choices to make when it comes to deciding where to position everything. Patios provide a great foundation to place your garden furniture. They are easy to maintain and allow you to fluidly connect the interior to the exterior. Before positioning your patio furniture there give the area a good clean with washing up liquid and warm water using a scrubbing brush. Like your rattan furniture there’s no need to use harsh chemicals as it could damage the colour and potentially even fade some of it away. You should also be wary of how you move your garden furniture around on the patio floor. Always take time to lift it from one position to another, rather than dragging or pushing. This is to help avoid creating scratch or scuff marks on the floor. It can be helpful to invest in some rubber feet to place onto the bottom, which will not only protect the floor, but also reduce wear and tear on the furniture itself. How to make your rattan furniture last for longer Whether you are buying a rattan sun lounger, garden chair, dining set or anything else for your garden, you want to get the most from your investment. No matter how often you use the furniture piece, over time it will experience wear and tear, especially if it is left outside in the ever-changing British weather. But that shouldn’t have to mean working overtime to provide maintenance and care to keep the furniture in good condition, and thankfully there is a solution available that can ensure you don’t have to. Using our weatherproof outdoor garden furniture cover will allow you to protect your furniture and keep away harmful elements that could damage the material, helping it last for longer. The lightweight polyester ensures durability and features a classic style that will blend in with any outdoor space. Use it to keep rain, UV-rays frost, hail, dust, leaves and bird droppings away from the furniture during off-season, or at any time when you are not using it. If you would like to learn more about maintenance and care for rattan furniture, you can read our blog post. This gives you the confidence to go away on holiday without worrying about the furniture being over-exposed to the weather. It's fully weather-resistant and comes complete with drawstrings and stoppers to keep the cover firmly in place and the breathable fabric allows for continuous airflow across the furniture to reduce condensation the formation of mould. Buy now pay later with Furniture Maxi To help you budget and plan for your garden this year we are now able to offer a fantastic and affordable new way of paying for your garden furniture. We have introduced the Klarna payment system for all our customers, giving you more control over the way you spend your money, without any extra cost involved. Klarna gives you the choice to pay the full amount within 30 days, or divide the cost into three equal payments. Simply select the ‘Pay Later’ option at the checkout and choose between 30 days or the instalment option. If using the former, you have 30 days to pay the full amount after the your items have been dispatched. To use the instalment option, make the first part-payment at the checkout and the remaining instalments will be automatically taken from your credit or debit card 30 and 60 days later. Whatever option you choose, there is no delay to your order, so you still get the items you love without any delay, before settling the bill at a later date.
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What is Rattan Furniture Made From? How Is It Different To Wicker?
What Is Rattan Furniture Made From? Rattan is high-end garden furniture material that has a long, storied history in the UK. Today it is more attainable than ever and still viewed as one of the best styles of garden furniture you can own. Despite how long it has been around, there is still some confusion over what rattan furniture is actually made from. In this article we go into more detail to explain what rattan is, where it comes from, unearth some of its history and much more. What is the difference between wicker and rattan furniture? When you shop around you will have no doubt seen wicker furniture sets on sale in a number of different outlets. Wicker furniture has been in the UK for quite some time and largely due to the way it is advertised it is now largely thought of as an actual material, which isn’t actually the case. In fact, when you see wicker furniture the name refers to the weave method used, rather than the material itself. The material used to make this type of furniture is usually bamboo (see how we've compared rattan vs bamboo previously), straw or natural rattan. Wicker and rattan are two terms that are often used interchangeably which is why it can sound a little confusing. The easiest way to separate the two is to remember that rattan is the natural material used in pieces of furniture seen in conservatories or for outdoor use, while wicker is the process used to put it all together. What is rattan? As we mentioned above, rattan is the material used to make a wicker weave. It is a plant sourced from hot tropical regions and can be found growing in African, Asian and Australian regions. There are more than 600 different species and 13 genera of rattan in the world and its texture is closest to bamboo. Rattan is part of the palm family (Arecales or Palmea) and grows in countries at sea level up to 3,000m. The plant usually grows in hot hilly areas where the mean temperature usually sits at around 25° C, while annual rainfall levels are -2,000mm. These conditions mean South and Southeast Asia are the main source of production for rattan. Forests in Indonesia supply the most rattan to the world, with the likes of Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also being major contributors. The different type of rattan palms include single stemmed, clustered and high or low climber species. Others have underground stems that only extend a short distance beneath the surface. Elsewhere there are a number of species that grow to as high as 100m. When you look closely at a rattan plant you’ll see the sheaths have protective spines and ‘whips’ that have their own spines. These allow the plant to continue growing and extending over other plants and trees nearby in the rainforest. Rattan’s growth location is what makes it such a great fit for the UK, featuring in-built weatherproof properties that offer protection against UV rays, rain and other natural elements. It is an extremely durable material that is also lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for weaving and manipulating into garden furniture. Rattan grows with a skin that is peeled off and used for outdoor furniture, with the core of the plant also used in some cases. Local benefits of rattan Villages in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos rely heavily on rattan trade. In some cases sale of the plant can account for as much as 50% of cash income in these small communities, which goes a long way to relieving the threat of poverty in many rural districts. Vietnam in particular is a major exporter of rattan, trading with over 130 countries and contributing to 14% of the national GDPR as a result. The harvesting and processing of rattan offers a good alternative to logging timber, particularly in places where forests are scarce. Rattan tends to grow best when under a cover of some sort, whether it be a fruit orchard, secondary forest, rubber estate or tree plantation. When planted here it indirectly protects tree cover as well as forests. What is rattan furniture made of? Outdoor rattan garden furniture is available to buy in two different variants – either made from synthetic or natural rattan. Synthetic rattan is an engineered resin material that is manufactured to look like real thing. It has become more common place in the modern age due to advancements in manufacturing, although it doesn’t offer the same wide-ranging benefits that natural rattan is able to provide. Natural outdoor furniture is made from rattan material with a wicker weave, and is also ideal for indoor spaces such as conservatories and orangeries. It is one of the most versatile furniture materials around and is generally seen as a high end source for garden sets. Compared to synthetic rattan furniture, the natural material holds a number of distinct advantages, including longevity, durability, style and much more. History of rattan While today we associate rattan with the likes of South America and Africa, it was first discovered in the tombs of pharaohs in Egypt. Wicker was a craft used by ancient civilisations to make practical items such as baskets. This later progressed to the Roman Empire, where the technique was adopted into their culture and weaving became an everyday part of life. The wicker weave we know today started to appear in northern Europe during the 17th century, although it was thanks to Asian traders that it became popular in this part of the world. As Asia began to trade more with their European counterparts, rattan started to become the more dominant material in the western world thanks to its strength and weaving properties. As the British Empire grew so did the use of rattan furniture in the West Indies, India and eventually, the UK itself. It featured prominently during the Victorian period and became something of a luxury item to possess. It was during the 1960s and 70s that rattan became more accessible to ordinary homeowners, thanks to advancements in production technology and lower manufacturing costs. Where wicker-style furnishing was once seen as over-elaborate and only fitting for upper class environments, it underwent a renaissance of sorts and found new appreciation inside British homes. Thanks to the likes of style and design luminaries such as Marella Agnelli and Gabriella Crespi, bamboo and rattan-inspired designs were no longer seen as only being suitable for a certain section of society. The furniture allowed for an attainable sense of aspiration that could fit into everyday homes to create a sense of affordable sophistication – a concept that was becoming the norm as consumerism continued to expand. That brings us to today where rattan furniture is made into a wider variety of pieces than ever before. Whether it’s a coffee table or sofa set, sun lounger or hanging chair, rattan feels like a luxurious piece of garden furniture without the excessive price tag attached to it. As you can see from its origins, it’s a material and style that has never truly gone out of fashion and it’s that timelessness that makes it so appealing to so many people. You may also wonder does rattan furniture fade? and we've written a handy guide. What are the benefits of owning natural rattan? Aesthetic appeal Outdoor rattan furniture is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a timeless aesthetic in their garden or conservatories. The beauty of natural rattan is its ability to adapt to changing times, so it never looks out of date, even when it’s time to renovate or change the surrounding environment. We also have some fantastic rattan furniture decorating ideas. The natural material also adds a sense of warmth to the garden that is not possible with synthetic alternatives. From a distance the two may look similar, but it is on closer inspection that the differences become noticeable, which is important as you will be seated for long periods, and not admiring your rattan dining set or patio furniture from afar. The overall quality of natural rattan is far superior to synthetic furniture, which allows for better weaving and longevity, and ultimately, value for money. Painting rattan garden furniture is an option too. Weather protection Natural rattan furniture hails from hot countries which means it has in-built protection against the elements. It is also important to remember that furniture made using natural rattan uses the skin of the plant, which is there to protect the core. The skin was naturally designed to shield against UV rays, frost and rain, which means it offers the exact same qualities for your outdoor furniture. While rattan furniture is weatherproof, it is not waterproof. The material does have the ability to withstand a shower of rain or two, but will require a little help along the way. Most owners invest in an outdoor cover or bring the furniture inside during off-season, depending on how much storage they have available. The cover keeps off rain, frost and debris, while also allowing the material to breathe so mould and rot cannot develop during autumn and winter. And although the rattan itself needs a little extra protection from the rain, be sure to look for rattan furniture that comes with waterproof cushions. Comfort The level of comfort you will be able to enjoy with your rattan garden furniture depends on a number of different factors. As long as the rattan weave is tightly knit and manufactured to a high standard (PE rattan is generally considered the best), you will have good support in place. Similarly, the design also has to be able to adequately accommodate the right amount of people per seat – if too small you are likely to feel cramped and if too large the material may start to show wear and tear in some places than others. Each rattan chair should also come with a cushion, so when seated you are able to remain there for as long as you want. Maintenance One of the best things about rattan furniture is how low maintenance it is. You work hard all week and want to spend as little time as possible doing cleaning chores so you can spend your time off doing the things you enjoy. Rattan garden furniture doesn’t require extensive cleaning, so you do not have to devote large chunks of cleaning time to keep it in good condition. All a rattan piece needs is a simple wipe down with mild warm soapy water on occasion to remove any light dirt marks that appear over time. Once you have finished cleaning the rattan piece it can be left in an outdoor space to dry naturally. There are some additional treatments that can be applied to the rattan itself for repair purposes, although these are not essential purchases. Durability Natural rattan is an extremely durable material, which is thanks to the way it grows at source before being picked. Growing in an extremely hot environment requires the skin to be resilient against the highly potent nature of UV rays, something it is able to do on a daily basis. Even after it has been handpicked and used to manufacture rattan furniture, it remains a highly durable material that can handle the scraps and knocks that come with everyday usage. The manufacturing process also plays a key role in determining the quality of the finished product, which is why it is important to buy from a company with a good reputation. Synthetic rattan usually does not last as long as the real thing, and can experience more splinters and cracks, which can lead to other long-term issues, something real rattan rarely has to contend with. Cost Of course, the price tag attached to the rattan furniture you buy is just as important as anything else. However, while it can be tempting to go for the lowest available price, when comparing products you should also take the value into account. Not value just in terms of the price you will pay, but the longevity you will enjoy in return for the cost of the item. At Furniture Maxi we only use premium PE rattan to make our furniture, with every item handmade to perfection. We always offer competitive prices so no matter your budget you always have access to high quality garden furniture. Eco-friendly Another great thing about natural rattan is it is completely biodegradable. This means if you wish to replace your existing product at some point in the future it can be fully recycled. On the other hand, synthetic rattan does not offer the same guarantee, which means it will have to be sent to a landfill tip for disposal. Landfills are one of the biggest issues facing environmentalists today, due to a large amount of chemicals they emit into the atmosphere. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be environmentally conscious of the goods and products we buy due to the direct and indirect impact they can have on the world. Natural rattan furniture is one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make when it comes to outdoor furniture, meaning not only do you get to enjoy a wonderful piece of furniture for years to come, but you are also doing your bit to help future generations.
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Popular Garden Furniture Trends | Furniture Maxi
Popular Garden Furniture Trends 2021 Popular styles and designs are always evolving in the outdoor furniture market and now that many of us are making more use of our gardens than ever before, there is a lot to look forward to in 2021. Whether you own a small or large garden, there are plenty of exciting design ideas you can use to transform it into your dream space. We look ahead to the rest of the year to see what the most popular garden furniture trends of 2021 will be to give you some inspiration. Brighter colours The further we go into 2021 and the closer we get to the summer and a return to normality, the more we can try to forget all about 2020. People are spending more time in their outside area than ever before and adding some brighter colours is a great way to change the mood and atmosphere without spending much money. It’s one of the key garden furniture trends for 2021 and the best place to start is to mirror some of the more vibrant colours in your home in the outdoor living space. It can be anything from adding a few beautiful plants, to introducing cushions that pop, or exciting new throws to spruce up your garden furniture. Match them with an outdoor rug to transform the space to make it feel like a part of a home you can’t wait to relax in time and again. Ambient lighting Ambient outdoor lightning was a big outdoor furniture trend in 2020 and it will definitely continue on into 2021. Chimineas and fire pits are great ways to introduce these kinds of lighting solutions into your outdoor space and garden, so you can make the most of those long warm summer nights with family and friends. These items are safe to use and come with a number of tools that make it easy to control the flame and douse it when finished. Fire pits in particular have been rising in popularity for the past few years and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, with many made from rattan or aluminium. They can also be used all-year round, so even when the temperature starts to fall you can keep the chill off in your outdoor space. Hanging swing chairs Nothing beats building your own cosy nook or nest away from the rest of the home, and the arrival of hanging swing chairs as a garden design trend will make it even easier to do in 2021. They effortlessly combine style and are extremely comfy, letting you snuggle into a corner of your home you can call your own. They are also sometimes called egg chairs or solo cocoons, so be on the look out for those names to if you start shopping around. Hanging swing chairs continue to become a popular rattan garden furniture piece that is appearing in an increasing number of homes around the country. Indoors outdoors Merging together the style of furniture used indoors with the external aesthetic was an outdoor trend already on the up before 2020 saw us spend more time than ever at home. It can be anything from the simple addition of potted plants or an outdoor sofa, to rugs and lighting installations. The garden has traditionally been seen as a completely separate space, but the growing popularity and accessibility of outdoor furniture has seen that change in the past few years. The idea is to create a seamless flow from one area into the other, so your entire property feels like home which will encourage you to get the most from every square inch. Compact gardens Outdoor design ideas are not just intended for homes with large gardens. Properties with compact areas need to make the most of what they have, and in 2021 there is an increased focus on helping people achieve that. When it comes to a smaller garden the goal is to make the space look as large and open as possible. This can be done by making the most of the vertical space, establishing clear pathways, creating clear borders and building outdoor rooms or specific zones for certain activities. You will have to be careful with plants, as anything too bushy or overgrown could crowd the area, but some bright climbers or perennials (Geraniums are great for this) would be ideal. Eating out People love to eat out, but don’t always enjoy the large bill that comes with it. It’s why rattan garden furniture has become such a hit, especially the many casual alfresco dining options it provides. 2020 encouraged people to be far more creative in the home entertainment stakes, with the option to visit restaurants not on the menu, so garden dining became even more popular. That will continue into 2021, even when things eventually return to normal. Whether it’s patio furniture or eating in cooler conservatory areas, there’s always something special about eating outdoors. Rattan outdoor furniture provides options to eat on traditional dining sets, bistro sets and sofas – even if you invest in a sun lounger all you need is a small side table for refreshments. Outdoor kitchen areas This goes hand-in-hand with the growth of dining outdoors in the garden and the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Having the option to entertain the family in the comfort of your own garden also means setting up the tools that will allow you to cook outside. It can be particularly useful if you do not have a large indoor kitchen, with the outdoor area acting as an open-air extension of sorts. Cooking up a tasty BBQ or making homemade pizzas in outdoor ovens creates a real rustic and inviting atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. When you add this into a dedicated seating area, nice ambient lighting and great company, it’s easy to see why it’s a trend that will continue into 2021 and beyond. Growing your own food If you are spending more time at home, have blended together internal and external aesthetics and are loving the joys of outdoor cooking, then the next natural step to take is to grow your own ingredients in the garden. Veganism has steadily been on the rise over the past decade as more people have started to turn away from meat to look for healthier options. The UK has clearly defined seasons that are ideal for growing organic produce, and it is also a great way to cut down on shopping bills. Today there is an ever-growing resource of places to visit online to find tasty plant-based recipes, and even if you do not have a large garden, wall planters and patio containers are a good way to cultivate your own vegetables. Grey gardens Pantone’s chosen colours for 2021 are Ultimate Grey and Illuminating – with the former in particular an interesting choice. Grey is a colour that has become increasingly popular with modern garden furniture, with its neutral tone providing a great balance with the naturalism found in outdoor spaces. There is no shortage of grey garden ideas for the year ahead and it’s no surprise that rattan will also prove to be an easy match here. You’ll find a wide variety of grey shades in this type of outdoor furniture, and regardless of the style or shape you currently have in the garden, the subdued tones slot right in without any fuss. Return of crazy paving It has been away from design trends for quite some time but crazy paving makes an unexpected return for 2021. For those not aware of what it is, crazy paving creates a ‘crazed’ appearance to the finish, so there is no recognisable symmetry or layout to the design. Gabion walling (where wire is used to tie together stone-filled gabions) is also back on trend. Stepping stones that use large irregular slabs are proving popular again too, while porcelain paving continues to make a comeback. The reason for porcelain’s popularity is because it looks like real stone and offers practical benefits such as the non-slip surface (the material has a low absorption rate). And with split level gardens starting to appear in more outdoor spaces across the UK, so too is slate-style walling. Forged furniture An ever reliable garden furniture trend is forged metal, which continues to be a hit with many homeowners. It’s a truly classic style that goes back decades and its adaptability to gardens makes it a popular choice for many. When treated correctly (and it is important to note that metal furniture can require a lot of maintenance work), it can remain protected against the elements, while looking very elegant and offers good durability. Like rattan garden furniture, it has remained on trending lists for years and will continue to do so for many more to come. Pergolas Building an entirely new outdoor space with a roof shelter requires quite a bit of planning, time and money, which is not something everyone is able to commit. A popular alternative for 2021 will be outdoor pergolas, which create the illusion of an outdoor room, complete with covering, without anywhere near as much investment required to put it in place. Creating dedicated zones and areas in the garden is a key trend for the year, and this is a cost-effective way of doing that. So if you want to get a bit of shade from the sun or duck underneath the cover during a downpour while the BBQ is fired up it has lots of versatility. Reclining sofas Reclining sofas have become a go-to choice in recent times for indoor spaces, taking up centre stage in living rooms and entertainment rooms. With homeowners now making their garden like a fifth room (in addition to the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom), recliner sofas are now making their way outside of the home. Rattan sofas in particular are ideal for outdoor conditions, with their high levels of protection against UV rays, rain and frost. Rattan recliners also look just as great in conservatories or orangeries if you prefer to kick back in the shade. So if you want to take your relaxation time up a notch or two in 2021, this is well worth looking into.
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The Best Time to Buy Rattan Garden Furniture
When is the best time to buy garden furniture? Knowing when to buy garden furniture can make all the difference to your bank balance. Like most kinds of products, there are peak and off-season periods and if you are aware of the best time to take advantage of a deal you could save quite a bit of money. Buying at the right time can also help with your planning, especially if you are landscaping the garden or intend to make more use of the outdoor space in the months ahead. Below we get into more detail about the best time to buy garden furniture and what to look out for when spending your money. Best time to buy garden furniture One of the best times to start looking at garden furniture deals is in pre-season during spring. This is when nearly all furniture retailers start to organise their stock for the summer season ahead to ensure that items are available and can be delivered on time. You may also find a good number of discounted deals of high quality garden and patio furniture available during this pardon, with companies keen to entice customers with low prices. This will usually be across the board, including everything from dining sets to rattan garden furniture. Searching for rattan garden furniture in the spring also gives you a chance to plan any changes you have in mind for your outdoor space, letting you organise in line with your budget. When it comes to buying rattan garden furniture, you will also find a number of great deals during the spring period. However, not everyone is ready to purchase their items during this period for a number of different reasons, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily miss all the best products, as buying during off-season in autumn and winter also has its advantages. Buying garden furniture out of season When we talk about being out of season, this means the colder months of the year, covering autumn and winter. This is when you are less likely to be spending time outside in the garden using your rattan furniture as the temperature will be lower. Of course, if you have sufficient insulation and heating systems in place, you can use the pieces as indoor furniture inside conservatory or orangery spaces, so you can enjoy them for even longer. Many people also plan to buy their garden furniture during the autumn and winter months, as there can be some good deals available, especially where companies want to sell existing stock left over from the spring and summer period. A common question many people ask is how can they store their rattan garden furniture if they buy it during the winter? It can be tricky if you do not have any storage space for the furniture, but if you invest in weatherproof furniture covers it can offer the ideal solution. Made from polyester, these covers also feature drawstrings that ensure the furniture is fully wrapped and protected even when the weather is really bad. It’s a breathable material that allows the air to still travel over the furniture, stopping it from sweating and lowering the likelihood of mould or mildew setting in. Your rattan furniture will have full protection from harsh UV rays, rain, frost and any debris that may swirl around in the wind, keeping it in great condition. Ultimately, it means you can leave the furniture outdoors all year round without worrying about any damage being caused. The cover can also be used during the summer, for periods when you are not using the furniture and if you want to shield the material from UV rays. Or, if you go away on holiday you can use the cover to keep the furniture in good condition until you return. What is the best way to pay for your garden furniture? Now that you have a better idea of the perfect time to buy rattan garden furniture, the next thing to think about is your finances. When it comes to making the purchase, it can be tempting to go for the lowest price around. While it is true there are some great deals available that will offer good savings, you should always ensure you are getting good value for money (we’ll go into more detail below about what to look for when shopping around). Paying for the furniture may still be a little daunting, especially if you are not able to save the money needed to make the purchase. There are many people who can find themselves in this position, but the good news is there is a solution that will enable you to break down the payments so you can manage your money more effectively, which we explain in more detail below in the buyer’s guide. What to look for when buying garden furniture? Quality Low prices are always enticing, but it pays to invest in quality. While it can be a slightly more expensive route, in the long-term you will see the benefit of spending that little bit more (and don’t forget, Furniture Maxi offer the Klarna finance which enables you to split the cost into three equal payments – with no added interest) or purchase the item now and pay later. A good example of high quality garden furniture are rattan pieces that use PE rattan as part of the manufacturing process. This ensures the rattan material will offer good levels of weather resistance so it can be used for years to come. If the furniture also has a steel frame this means it provides good comfort and support for anyone taking a seat and will not warp or bend out of shape easily. Reputable manufacturers of high-end garden furniture will have strong quality assurance tests in place that ensure the products they sell are worthy of the price tag. While all of the factors we mention in this list are important, quality will also impact other things such as longevity, comfort and maintenance. Maintenance The quality of the garden furniture you buy will also influence the amount of maintenance that has to be carried out over time. Outdoor furniture will often be left to fend off the changing weather conditions, even during the summer, so you should give consideration to how much maintenance may be required. Wooden garden furniture is a good example of beautiful looking pieces that also demand a lot of your care and attention. Aesthetically it looks wonderful, but as a porous material, it can be susceptible to rot and mould, along with chipping and scratch marks that deteriorate the material. Of course, you can buy protective varnishing, but it does not last forever. It means having to recoat the furniture again at a later date, each time taking away a little of the beauty of the original timber. And if you own a whole dining set or range of timber garden chairs, applying treatments and varnishing is quite a long and tiring job. The same is also true of metal garden furniture. It’s one of the reasons why so many people turn to natural rattan furniture. Maintenance requirements for this type of material is extremely low, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning and fixing problems. As a natural material it offers a lot of durability, and also provides high levels of weather protection against UV rays, rain and frost, which makes it ideal for use in the UK. Managing your budget As we mentioned above, you should be wary of buying garden furniture based solely on price and nothing else. That said, very few people have unlimited budgets and most will have a limit to what they are able to spend. So it’s a key consideration to take account of your available budget before making a purchase, especially one that will play such a key role in your outdoor space. It’s one of the main reasons why we offer the Klarna repayment system to all our customers. For those who haven’t heard of it before now, it’s a simple instalment scheme that gives you greater control over your finances. The total cost of the item is split into three equal payments, so you can plan and prepare for the next instalment. Just as importantly, this is a 0% interest repayment scheme, so you only ever pay the full price quoted at the checkout. Storage A common concern many people have regarding outdoor furniture is how to store the items when they are not in use during the autumn and winter periods. If you invest a considerable amount of money in new furniture, you don’t want to see it ruined by the weather after being left outside exposed to the elements. Of course, if you have a garage or internal storage, such as a conservatory or orangery, this is the perfect solution. The items can be easily moved inside and kept out of harm’s way until you are ready to use it again. Likewise, if you own plastic garden furniture it is fully water and weather resistant, so it shouldn’t show any real wear or tear during the off season. But what do people do if they do not have enough storage space for their garden furniture? Not everyone has a garage or conservatory, and bringing a large garden sofa or sun lounger inside doesn’t sound very practical. The simple answer is that outdoor furnishings can be left outside all year round, as long as they have the right level of protection. When it comes to rattan, we always advise that every cushion is taken inside when not in use to avoid being exposed to rain and moisture, even during the summer. However, when spending money on garden furniture sets it’s always a good idea to invest in a weather cover that can be tied around to shield the material from the elements. This solves the problem of having to find a storage room indoors, and for smaller gardens, it means the furniture can stay in the same place under cover until you are ready to use it again. Seating plans Whether being used as patio furniture, inside a conservatory or on the lawn, outdoor furniture transforms the space into something completely different. When shopping around you should also take time to consider how you want to organise and arrange each piece (especially if you investing in a corner sofa, garden bench, bistro set or something of a substantial size). When you are looking at furniture for inside the home experts advise to draw a to-scale map of the area so you can play around with ideas and figure out the furniture configuration. You can also do the same for the garden, taking measurements of the area (including the patio) so you have a clearer idea of the furniture dimensions you can buy. Over time you may want to change the layout of the garden, so try to be flexible and leave a good amount of space around each piece. This enables you to move things around to freshen the perspective so the setting doesn’t become stale. You should also ensure there is enough room for people to walk in and around the furniture, so you have easy access. Not only will it benefit the area spatially, but ensure people are not boxed in and also avoid and potential knocks or accidents occurring in tight spaces. Colour matching A common thread you’ll probably notice when browsing online for garden and patio furniture is that most pieces tend to come in neutral colours. Of course, this may not be to everyone’s tastes as some people do want specific tones and colours to match their individual style, but if you shop around enough you should be able to find the exact match you are looking for. The reason patio furniture manufacturers take the safer route of neutral colours is because it gives you more control over the space outside. White, black, cream, grey and brown furniture sofa pieces and dining sets can blend in with natural surroundings much more easily without causing havoc. White and cream-coloured furniture also has a practical function during the summer, reflecting the heat rather than absorbing it, making it less uncomfortable to sit on. Nature already provides a beautiful palette of colours during spring and summer, so opting for rattan garden furniture with a neutral tone always makes for a good investment. Depending on how many plants, flowers and/or trellises you have in the space, the neutral tones provide the perfect counterbalance to the reds, yellows, greens and pops of colour that bloom and flourish during the warmer months of the year. Comfort Last, and definitely not least, comes comfort. When weighing up your options you should consider how the garden or patio furniture is going to be used, and also how often. Some people have larger families than others and will see more wear and tear – especially those with younger children – while other homes like to entertain and enjoy long evenings with friends outdoors. You may not plan to use the furniture much at all, but just want the option to relax in the garden if it takes your fancy. The comfort you will get from the furniture will be largely created by the quality of the materials used to make it. When manufactured to a high standard, rattan will produce a flat weave, which will make all the difference when you are seated for long periods on a dining chair or sofa. You also want to ensure the cushions are of high quality and will not lose shape after being in use for a short period. Good back support is essential to feeling comfortable when seated and the best type of rattan furniture will provide this for you. How to make good use of your rattan patio furniture Match with plants Rattan is such a beautiful natural material that it easily complements green outdoor spaces. It brings out the best of its surroundings and looks wonderful in the summer. When complemented by plants it further accentuates the shape and high-end feel of the material. This can easily be done both indoors (conservatories etc.) or outdoors, adding a whole new dimension to the space. Using either small or tall plants works just as well, on the side behind or just in close vicinity to make the area feel special and a place to relax. You don’t have to be a plant or flower expert, as there are plenty of low-maintenance plants you can buy that only require minimal watering. It’s also worth mentioning that plants release oxygen, and when positioned inside can help purify the air, making the environment much healthier as a result. Add a new twist Rattan furniture is usually sold in neutral tones such as black, white, grey and brown. It fits in perfectly with all types of surroundings, especially the natural environment of a garden. However, the muted tones also serve as a something of a blank canvas for you to work with. If you want to create a more vibrant appearance, changing the appearance of your furniture is something that can be easily done. The most simple way is to add some brightly colour cushions to bring a pop of colour into the mix. Even a throw can make a big difference, transforming the existing colour into something brand new in an instant. Link the inside to outdoors Even before the arrival of the coronavirus forced people to spend more time at home, there was already a clear trend developing that saw people breaking down traditional boundaries between the garden and their internal spaces. Previously, when thinking about garden furniture people would separate the garden from their home. But this way of thinking has changed considerably in recent years, the idea now being that the garden is now an extension of your home. Whether you buy a coffee table, a rattan sofa set, patio furniture, or a lounger complete with parasol, take into consideration the bigger picture of the layout and how the space will be used. For example, rattan furniture can be used inside and outside of the home, so you can have some consistency in terms of the style you have in both areas. The same also applies to the dining area, with some wonderfully eye-catching rattan sets that can change the way you use the area, whether it’s a full dining arrangement or compact cube furnishings. Having a consistency of style across every part of the home opens it up for more use and ensures you get the most from every part of your property. Match it with timber While wood furniture can be difficult to maintain, it doesn’t mean you should keep the material out of your garden entirely. When paired with rattan furniture one complements the other perfectly, as both are natural materials that feature vibrant, neutral tones. Lighter woods like beech, or darker variants such as mahogany are ideal, whether it’s as furniture or decking. Balance out the tones by choosing light against dark, or vice versa. For example, you have light coloured decking outside, invest in rich, dark brown rattan seating to contrast the tone, ensuring that both materials standout against each other. Now lets get shopping! Browse Rattan Garden Furniture
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Is Rattan Furniture Waterproof? | Furniture Maxi Blog
Is Rattan Furniture Waterproof? “Is rattan waterproof?” is a question we often hear from customers searching for rattan garden furniture. The British weather is always unpredictable. So it's hardly surprising that homeowners want to ensure the garden furniture they buy can deal handle the many days of rain that are usually forecast each year in the UK. It’s important to ensure your rattan furniture is protected against the elements so you get good value for your money. Below we go into more detail about the difference between waterproof and weatherproof rattan, what to look out for to ensure you purchase the right type of furniture and how to protect rattan from the elements. What’s The Difference Between Weatherproof And Waterproof? There can sometimes be confusion about the difference between weatherproof and waterproof materials and it’s helpful to be aware of why they are not the same thing. When you read that rattan furniture is weatherproof this means it is resistance to damage caused by weather conditions. For example, this could stop frost from penetrating the material which could lead splitting, rotting or some other form of damage. On the other hand, waterproof material offers protection against rain and other liquids. This means that moisture will land on the surface of the material but it will not be absorbed and remains on the surface until it dries or falls off. Is Rattan Furniture Weatherproof? While the concept of something being weatherproof is fantastic, there are often limits as to what your rattan furniture is capable of withstanding. Some rattan garden furniture is weatherproof but like most materials there are limits to what it can withstand. Because the material used in our rattan furniture is sourced from hot, tropical countries, this means it has high levels of natural resistance to UV rays and periods of rainfall. However, the materials we use have that natural protection included, so its weatherproofing properties are impressive when dealing with the UK climate. Actually, thanks to our sourcing, our natural rattan furniture has far superior weatherproofing components than synthetic rattan furniture. But then, we are still not suggesting you should simply leave your rattan garden furniture set outside and uncovered simply because you know it is UV resistant. We strongly suggest spending time cleaning with soapy water and covering with rain covers to prevent mildew building, as well as preserving the integrity of the weave. For us, a good quality garden furniture cover is essential if you want to reduce the chances of your rattan furniture, or even wicker furniture, from rotting. What Furniture is Waterproof? We have mentioned weatherproofing, but what about furniture that is waterproof? In this instance, you do not have too many options. Actually, if you are searching for outdoor furniture that can be left there for long periods, then you have only one option, and that is furniture made from polypropylene. However, that is plastic, and it's not as easy on the eye as rattan furniture, so it's understandable if you would prefer outdoor rattan specifically designed for outdoor use. So here is the apparent problem in that no rattan is waterproof. But do keep in mind it is weatherproof, so it can cope with frost, sun, and rain especially when you care for your furniture correctly. What Garden Furniture Can Be Left Outside? So if natural rattan is not the best choice, you probably want to know, can rattan furniture be left outside at all? The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to look out for. This will ensure you buy good quality items that can withstand long-term outdoor usage. When shopping for rattan garden furniture, here are the most important things to look out for: UV stabilised rattan How the rattan itself has been treated is what will determine its weatherproof qualities. You want to ensure the rattan has been ‘UV stabilised’ which means it has gone through treatment that will keep it protected against UV rays (which is vital for use during long hot summers). This will stop the material from fading, or drying out and becoming brittle, where it can split and crack and even rot. It should also be manufactured using Polyethylene resin rattan (PE rattan). This is a man-made alternative, and not a natural wicker (this is the same as the synthetic rattan mentioned above). Rattan framework The rattan should be built on top of steel frames, so it’s important that this is included in the furniture you buy. Steel is strong and robust metal able to comfortably support body weight when people are seated on your rattan garden furniture for long periods. Also, be sure to look out for powder-coated steel. The additional coating ensures the material will last for longer and offer protection against outside conditions such as rain, frost and snow. When used in conjunction with a garden furniture cover this should also extended the lifespan of the furniture. What Outdoor Furniture Is Waterproof? If you want to know what outdoor furniture can be left outside, and in particular, what furniture is waterproof, you may be surprised to learn the list is very short. The only fully waterproof garden furniture set you can buy would be made from polypropylene, although plastic furniture is in no way as aesthetically pleasing as rattan outdoor furniture and is less likely to become a permanent fixture in your garden due to its disposal nature. On the other hand, Rattan furniture is completely weatherproof, is able to withstand long periods in the sun without treatment and offers good resistance to rain and frost. For wooden garden furniture there are some coatings that can be applied to the surface but it requires a lot of hard work to keep them in good condition. So while you aren’t able to buy fully waterproof rattan garden furniture, the set you do own will be more than capable of dealing with the great British outdoors. You should avoid allowing it to get too wet on a consistent basis as this will eventually affect the integrity of the material. But there are ways you can protect rattan furniture in the garden without having to work overtime or spend too much money. Things are a little different when it comes to waterproof cushions. Whilst the rattan itself needs a little more help, our cushions offer high levels of protection against the rain. That said, we still advise that you bring each cushion inside under shelter, particularly during off-season. Does Rattan Furniture Rot? Let's address a key question, can your rattan furniture actually rot? The short answer is yes, it can, and it's all thanks to the furniture being made from a natural material. However, there are ways in which you can prevent this happening, and that is why you need to be aware of how to correctly care for your furniture. You should know that your furniture sets are at risk of being damaged if left outside and unprotected. We use high-quality rattan that has a naturally higher resistance to UV rays and water since it comes from the tropics. That does mean it provides some protection against the British climate, but you should still seek to preserve your rattan furniture in order to prevent degradation over time. How To Protect Rattan Garden Furniture If the question is how to waterproof rattan garden furniture, then using a waterproof cover is the answer. In order to shield the wicker rattan weave from moisture in the air then a cover will keep the material dry and ensure you get to enjoy the furniture for even longer. This is especially helpful during the winter when the set is likely not being used. Rain, frost, hail and snow all arrive at various points of the year, while dust, leaves and bird droppings (which can be acidic) will also test your garden rattan furniture if left uncovered. Using a cover also means you don’t have to worry about finding a storage location for set during late autumn and winter, allowing you to leave it outside. Our water-resistant covers are made from breathable polyester that reduce condensation which helps prevent your natural rattan garden furniture from developing mould. The material also allows moisture vapour to escape, letting the wicker weave breath and receive air. This helps it to maintain an even temperature and stops the material from sweating and deteriorating. Applying a simple cleaning regime to your rattan will also help protect it. Rattan is low maintenance and only requires the use of soapy water to keep the material clean. You won't have to wipe down the set every week, but doing so on a monthly basis will ensure it remains dirt free and no mildew can develop on the material. Finally, Outdoor Cushions The final point is what you should do with those outdoor cushions. Can they survive being left outside? It all depends on the cushions you have purchased and the material they are made from. Our cushions are crafted from the best synthetic materials that can easily cope with a downpour and they are also treated to cope with UV rays. However, we do recommend bringing them indoors, or putting away in storage when not in use. This simply helps to preserve the quality of the material. So, ultimately rattan can rot, but only when you do not take the correct steps to care for it. Provide your rattan furniture with the correct care and protection to eliminate the risk of discovering your furniture has not survive the weather. What should you do next? Now that you’ve got the full lowdown on waterproof rattan furniture, you should take a look at our full range. We stock everything from high quality rattan dining sets to rattan sofa sets and rattan cube sets, so no matter how you want to enjoy your garden we have the perfect product for you. We also offer flexible payment plans by Klarna, helping you manage your budget more effectively. And remember, all our garden furniture is weatherproof, ensuring you get the most from your purchase no matter the time of year.
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Tips for Cleaning Garden Furniture | Furniture Maxi
There are variety of garden furniture styles available for homeowners to use in their outdoor spaces, making it easy to find the right one to match your tastes. Whether it’s rattan, timber, plastic or iron furniture, each one will have individual maintenance requirements. We’ve put together some helpful tips on how to clean each type of garden furniture to help you keep it in the best possible condition. Timber Garden Furniture When it comes to timber garden furniture (and for most kinds of outdoor furniture) the general rule to follow is to avoid using bleach-based products. Bleach works better on surfaces that are resin-based or made from plastic, but when it comes to wood and other natural materials it can end up damaging the furniture. The best type of cleaning agent to use for timber furniture is sugar soap, which despite the name does not contain any form of sugar (sodium silicate, sodium phosphate and sodium carbonate are the main ingredients). When cleaning garden furniture made from wood wipe down the framework to remove any surface dust and dirt so this does not get mixed into the water when applied. It is recommended to mix around 2 litres of warm water and 1/8 cup of liquid soap and to clean the furniture using a cloth or soft sponge, taking care not to use too much water on the timber. Once cleaned, lightly rinse off the furniture with the cloth (without any soap) and leave it to dry naturally. Rattan Garden Furniture While rattan is a natural material that doesn’t require much maintenance or specialist cleaning, care and attention should be paid when maintaining this type of furniture. As with timber, avoid using bleach and any other form of chemical-based cleaning agent, and the simple use of warm water and a light cleaner will be enough to keep it clean. The best cleaning solutions for rattan garden furniture is either dishwashing detergent or washing-up liquid. Again, use a light dampened cloth or sponge filled with either of these two agents and gently wipe down the rattan. To get into the weaves of the rattan you can also use a toothbrush which can help loosen and remove dirt that has become lodged there, but do not apply too much pressure as it could damage the material. An additional item that may make cleaning even easier is an outdoor furniture cover. It’s a polyester cover that can be used to protect the rattan from the rain, frost, UV rays and other elements when not in use. This will prove especially useful during the autumn and winter when the furniture isn’t being used, reducing the amount of dirt it may pick up. Take a look at our rattan furniture cleaning guide to learn more about keeping it in great condition. Plastic and Resin Furniture Plastic and resin furniture tends to be a low-cost option for many households, even though it doesn’t hold the same aesthetic appeal of natural materials such as timber or rattan. Bleach and harsher cleaning materials tend to be used on plastic because the removal of stains is a more difficult task – especially if left on the surface for some time. Plastic is a synthetic material so won’t respond negatively to the use of stronger cleaning agents where used appropriately. Bleach-based cleaning products come with their own instructions which should be followed to avoid any potential damage being caused to the furniture. Generally it involves spraying the detergent onto the plastic and leaving it to settle for a few minutes, before using a wet sponge to scrub away any dirt on the surface. When it comes to coloured plastic furniture try to reduce the amount of bleach used as much as possible, as it can wear away the coating and create discolouring. One final tip for cleaning plastic furniture is to apply car wax to the surface. This forms a water-resistant layer that will make it more difficult to settle into the material, making it easier to clean in the future. Metal Furniture Similar to timber furniture, metal furniture does have its appeal, although you also have to put in a lot more work to maintain its condition. Wrought iron garden furniture in particular often starts to rust after a certain period of time, and while this can be repaired, it’s far from a straightforward task. Cast aluminium is a little better in this respect as it is made with rust-proof properties, although it still requires a fair amount of maintenance work. When it comes to cleaning metal furniture, start in a similar way by wiping away any dirt that is on the surface of the material. The best cleaning solution to use is either a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar, or a polishing spray. If the furniture has any scratch marks, use a soft cloth followed by light sandpaper. Finally, apply rust-proof paint to cover the marks to give it a fresh look. Car wax is also a good way to add a weatherproof layer that may be able to reduce damage caused by rust.
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How To Choose The Best Rattan Furniture For Your Garden
Last Updated 14 April, 2021 Rattan garden furniture has become one of the most popular choices for homeowners right across the UK. These furniture sets bring style, comfort and longevity and fit perfectly into any outside space, large or small. Before you spend your hard-earned cash it’s important to do your research to understand what you need to look out for to make the right purchase. To give you a head start, here’s how to choose the best rattan garden furniture for your garden. Weigh Up The Costs Price doesn’t always dictate quality, which refers to both cheaper rattan garden furniture and furniture sets that are priced at the higher end of the market. Pay close attention to the materials that have been used to make the furniture as this will give you a clearer indication on the value of what you are purchasing. For example, rattan garden furniture made from PE or HDPE are specialised materials that will invariably cost more. While ranges from PU or PVC can also offer reliable quality, although not as much as the premium materials. Going cheaper will usually mean lower levels of weather resistance and durability and possibly higher levels of maintenance, but if the price fits into your budget they will still make a worthwhile investment. Quality matters when it comes to buying rattan furniture and like anything else this will be reflected in the price tag, so it consider it a future investment for your home and weigh up how much use you will get from it. Consider Maintenance Requirements You should give consideration to the amount of work that may be required to keep your rattan garden furniture in good shape. Whether you buy premium or budget pieces, you still need to carry out some level of maintenance as it plays an important role in maximising the value of your purchase. This is especially true during the COVID-19 period if family or friends come to visit your home, as you are likely to spend more time outside to maintain social distancing, which means the furniture pieces need to be cleaned more frequently. Good quality natural rattan is very low maintenance, so whether investing in a garden sofa or rattan dining set you won’t have to work too hard to keep it in good condition. It’s a good idea to avoid synthetic rattan as the quality can often be lower and not as reliable, which will increase the amount of maintenance and care you have to provide. A smart year-round choice is to use waterproof cushions for outdoor furniture to protect against rainfall, especially for rattan patio furniture that is more exposed to the outside elements. Some fabrics such as PVC mesh, polyester or solution dyed acrylic/olefin always stand up well to testing weather conditions throughout the year. Think Of The Colour Scheme Whether you choose grey garden furniture, or furniture sets of any other colour, it’s important to strike the right tonal balance to suit the surrounding environment. Classic colours tend to be the most popular, be it greys, blacks or browns, which are available in a range of different shades. Opting for one of these colours means that even if you move home, or the garden or house aesthetic changes, the rattan garden furniture remains adaptable enough to still fit in. And don’t forget, if you want to change up the look of any of your garden furniture sets you don’t necessarily have to go out to purchase brand new alternatives. Use throws, blankets and cushions to add a fresh new twist to their aesthetic. This is also a great idea during the winter when you might want to make the space feel more cosier as the temperature begins to fall. Rattan garden furniture can also be repainted very easily, which allows you to get creative with your colour palette without having to spend a fortune each and every time. Invest in good quality Whether you invest in a high quality rattan dining set, reclining seats or anything else for outdoor use you should expect it to last for a good period of time. There are some important features to look out for when shopping around that will help determine the overall quality of the product you want to buy. For example, the metal frame (in particular a steel frame) should provide a strong structure of support that will maintain the integrity of the furniture’s shape. This ensures it can bear the weight of everyone using the furniture and you won’t have any concerns about bending or warping occurring over time. The rattan weave should also be closely knit to produce a tight, flat surface that adds to your comfort. This will not only improve its natural weather-resistant properties but also ensure it remains hardwearing and doesn’t become easily damaged. So if you are ordering online, visiting a showroom or comparing at a garden centre, always be sure to check the quality of the rattan. Before you buy also check that there is a warranty provided by the company. For example, Furniture Maxi offer a warranty on the metal frame provided with all our indoor and outdoor rattan pieces. This gives you confidence in the quality of our products and added assurance that should you experience an issue in this period we are there to help. Get the comfort you deserve You will likely be spending a lot of hours relaxing on your multi-seater sofa set, bistro set, day bed or other pieces you have invested in, so comfort is something that cannot be overlooked. It ties in very closely to the quality of the furniture you buy, as the better the materials used to construct it, the more comfort you are likely to enjoy as a result. Natural rattan will serve you better in this regard, as the natural flexibility of the material is more responsive to ongoing usage. It should feature a tight, flat weave that can support the cushion, along with a strong steel frame that can hold the weight of people continually getting up and down. The cushions should also be able to maintain their shape and not look sunken or worn out before their time. Be Flexible and Adaptable While you want to purchase rattan patio furniture that suits the space well and serves the needs of the time spent there, it makes sense to ensure the pieces are adaptable enough to offer more. For example, why not invest in a rattan corner sofa instead of chairs and a coffee table? This means it can also be used for casual relaxing while your refreshments are taken care of, and also gives you the option to welcome a larger group for lunches and dinners. Or instead of going for a coffee or side table that only allows you to place items on-top, consider options that also provide storage. The more use you can get out of your rattan garden furniture, the more value you will receive for your purchase. It should also mean less clutter outside as there will be fewer items performing the same tasks as a larger number of pieces would be able to. Check you have enough storage space Finding enough storage can be an ongoing struggle for many households – especially if you have growing kids. What may first have been a spacious house soon becomes filled with the everyday items that make up our lives and before we know it almost every cupboard, shed and storage space is packed to the brim with stuff. When you are buying rattan furniture you should think about not only where you want to position each piece, but where you can keep it when it’s not in use. Spring and summer are the prime seasons for enjoying the garden, and when the temperature dips into single figures in autumn and winter you are less likely to spend time outside relaxing. Cube sets lend themselves to maximising space as they can be stacked and stored, or the seating kept underneath the table to increase the surrounding space. If you have a garage or shed that can accommodate them you can leave the furniture there during off-season, or even bring them into a conservatory or orangery, should you own one. You may even decide just to leave it outside until you are ready to use the furniture again, but unless they are given the right amount of protection, this isn’t something we would advise you do. If you have no option but to leave the furniture outside, we would recommend you invest in a weatherproof cover that can be secured in place using drawstrings. This will shield against wind, rain, frost and any flying debris, and can even be used during the summer to protect the furniture against UV rays. The cost is low compared to the damage that bad weather could cause to the furniture and it means you won’t have to worry about where to store everything when not in use. Plan the garden layout Just as you would with indoor furniture you have to plan the layout of the garden to maximise the space you have available. Whether you are buying a dining set for al fresco dining, a garden bench for quiet contemplation in your outdoor space, or a sun lounger to relax and take it easy, you need to ensure the garden doesn’t feel overcrowded and provides easy access and walkways. Try to plan this together with how you intend to use the space which will make it easier to map out where each piece of furniture will go. For example, if you are big fan of BBQ cookouts during the summer, then think about where you’d want to use the equipment in conjunction with the seating available for family and guests. The distance should be relatively short for people to grab their food and sit down, but also not too close that the smoke lingers over everyone. As you would with furniture for the inside of your home, measure the dimensions of your garden to create an overhead plan of the space. Add in the patio areas and flower beds that are in place so you have an accurate idea of the amount of space available for the furniture. Whether it’s a 5 or 9-seater sofa set or anything else, all our products feature the measurements, so you can add this into your plan to find the right configuration that suits you best. Popular types of rattan furniture Garden Sofa sets From corner sofas to spacious sofa sets that can accommodate up to 9 people at a time, sofa sets remain one of the most commonly purchased types of rattan furniture. Combined with plump cushions, footstools and stunning coffee tables, they offer the perfect place to get unwind and relax in the garden. Garden Dining sets If you are a big on entertaining and love nothing more than cooking for friends and family, an outdoor dining set is just the ticket. The table top provides plenty of space to eat and enjoy the pleasures of al-fresco dining during the warmer months of the year. Use them on the patio, decking or in conservatories or orangeries when the temperature starts to fall. Garden Bistro sets Bistro sets are great or smaller gardens, patios and balconies, giving you a place to grab a bite to eat with a friend or other half at any time during the day. They bring a real sense of elegance and style to the garden and can easily be moved to new locations during autumn and winter if needed. Rattan Sun loungers The next level of relaxation can be found in a sun lounger, complete with parasol for added protection against UV rays. Add in a side table for refreshments so you can stay cool, and use the easily adjustable settings to find the perfect angle to top up your tan and enjoy spending time in the serene environment of your own garden. Garden Cube sets Known for their great space saving benefits and timeless aesthetic, rattan cube sets remain as popular as ever with UK homeowners. They are stackable and foldable to help you maximise floor space, while offering all the style and comfort you expect from rattan. Ideal for compact gardens, conservatories and more.
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