Rattan garden furniture is a popular choice for outdoor living, thanks to its woven texture and relaxed, inviting look. But with the UK’s changeable weather, it’s important to understand whether rattan furniture is truly suitable for year-round outdoor use.
In this guide, we explain how different types of rattan furniture perform in the British climate, and why rattan-effect furniture is the preferred option for gardens, patios and terraces across the UK.
The challenges of the UK climate
Garden furniture in the UK must cope with a wide range of conditions, often within the same season. These include:
- Frequent rainfall and high moisture levels
- Fluctuating temperatures
- Occasional frost during winter months
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays in spring and summer
Materials that perform well in consistently hot or dry climates don’t always suit British weather, which is why material choice is so important.
Is natural rattan suitable for outdoor use in the UK?
Natural rattan is made from plant fibres and is valued for its warm, organic appearance. However, it is not well suited to outdoor use in the UK.
In damp or cold conditions, natural rattan can:
- Absorb moisture and swell
- Become brittle over time
- Crack or weaken when exposed to frost
- Fade or dry out with prolonged sun exposure
For this reason, natural rattan furniture is best reserved for:
- Conservatories
- Orangeries
- Covered outdoor spaces with limited exposure to the elements
Why rattan-effect furniture works better outdoors
Rattan-effect furniture is specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions, making it far more suitable for the UK climate.
Rather than using natural fibres, rattan-effect furniture is made from a durable, man-made weave that replicates the look of rattan while offering improved weather resistance.
Key benefits for UK gardens include:
- Resistance to rain and moisture
- UV stability to help prevent fading
- Flexibility in changing temperatures
- A consistent finish that won’t crack or peel
This makes rattan-effect furniture ideal for gardens that are exposed to the elements for much of the year.
How Alexander Rose designs rattan furniture for the UK
Alexander Rose rattan-effect furniture is designed with the British climate firmly in mind.
Key design features include:
- Premium, hand-woven rattan-effect weave
- Lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium frames
- Materials selected for durability and low maintenance
- Testing for long-term outdoor performance
All Alexander Rose rattan-effect furniture is backed by a 5-year guarantee, offering reassurance that it is built to perform in real outdoor conditions.
Can rattan furniture be left outside all year?
Rattan-effect furniture can be left outside throughout the year, particularly during the main outdoor season.
To help maintain its appearance over time, Alexander Rose recommends:
- Using protective covers during winter months
- Storing cushions indoors when not in use
- Cleaning the weave periodically to remove dirt and debris
These simple steps help keep your furniture looking its best year after year.
Choosing the right rattan-effect collection
Alexander Rose offers a range of rattan-effect furniture collections designed to suit different garden styles and layouts, all engineered for UK conditions.
Popular collections include:
- San Marino – contemporary styling with generous, comfortable seating
- Monte Carlo – elegant curves and a relaxed, resort-inspired feel
- Ocean Pearl – lighter tones with a fresh, coastal character
- Hazelmere – classic woven design with traditional appeal
- Palermo – modern proportions with refined woven detail
- Arlington – timeless design that works across a variety of outdoor spaces
Each collection combines comfort, durability and style, making it easy to create an inviting outdoor living area.
Rattan furniture and the UK climate: The verdict
While natural rattan is best kept indoors or in sheltered spaces, rattan-effect furniture is well suited to the UK climate.
Designed to withstand rain, sun and temperature changes, Alexander Rose rattan-effect furniture offers the woven look people love, with the practical performance required for outdoor living in Britain.
For more guidance, explore the Alexander Rose Rattan Furniture Buying Guide to compare materials, styles and collections in more detail.
Alexander Rose has over 30 years’ experience designing garden furniture that balances comfort, craftsmanship and materials chosen for outdoor performance.