Skyline Design UK Premium Quality All Weather Outdoor Furniture

Is rattan furniture weatherproof?

Article by skyline

Rattan furniture isn’t just popular because it’s pretty. It’s also sturdy and easy to maintain, and durable enough to weather the storm. Outdoor furniture that you need to constantly bring in and out and fuss over seems like an unnecessary amount of work in order to make your garden livable whilst protecting the investment you made when buying your furniture. This is why rattan is such a great choice for outdoor furniture. Style, comfort, and practicality are something rattan garden furniture has in buckets! But should you really leave it outdoors all year round?

 

What is rattan furniture?

To understand if furniture can be left outside, you need to know whether your furniture is made of natural or synthetic rattan. Natural rattan is made of a plant from the palm family, and weaved to create a wicker effect. Compared to synthetic rattan furniture, the natural material is more long lasting and durable, but isn’t weather – proof. 

Synthetic rattan is an engineered resin material that is manufactured to look like the real thing. Synthetic rattan has become more common now than natural rattan. It will last longer outside, especially if treated well. It won’t fade in the sun and won’t be damaged by rain.

So, can I leave rattan furniture outside? 

Natural rattan furniture is a great option for furniture that will be moved in and out every evening. Synthetic rattan is the perfect alternative to natural rattan as high-grade polyethylene is much more durable and equipped for the outdoors.

As a general rule of thumb synthetic rattan garden furniture requires minimal maintenance which makes it such a popular choice for consumers and businesses alike. This low maintenance material can be left outside all year round without suffering from weather damage. If you have high-quality rattan garden furniture, you can leave it outside all year round without weathering, but your furniture may be exposed to other external elements that may require your attention. However, there is plenty you can do to add extra protection to your furniture during the winter.

You can leave synthetic rattan furniture outdoors all year round. But, for ultimate protection, cover it with a PVC cover or keep it stored in your garden shed. Garden furniture covers are ideal for additional protection from the elements. Even if you’re storing your garden furniture in your shed or garage, a cover will keep it free from dust and it won’t need to be cleaned when brought out again. 

How can I protect my furniture? 

Even if you do own synthetic rattan garden furniture, when the weather takes a turn for the worst, you should consider storing or covering it to keep it looking it’s best and this will also make it last longer. Natural rattan furniture is not suited to the outdoors, so should always be stored away during winter months.

If you’re leaving your garden furniture outside all year, it’s gonna get dirty. It could collect dirt, leaves and bird droppings. If this is the case, you’ll need to regularly clean your furniture.  Garden furniture covers are particularly handy during the winter months. They will keep your furniture clean from falling leaves as well as snow and frost which can leave dirt stains on your furniture. However, if you don’t want to buy covers then read our blog post on cleaning rattan furniture for more information.

It’s also important to remember that whilst synthetic rattan furniture may be weatherproof, the furniture cushions aren’t! Storing the cushions inside when they’re not in use will stop them from getting dirty and damp. 

If your furniture is damaged from long summers outside and you need to invest in more garden furniture for the last dregs of this summer, take a look through our collections today.