When choosing garden furniture, you’ll often see terms like rattan, wicker and rattan‑effect furniture used interchangeably. They’re often used interchangeably, but they don’t all mean the same thing.
Here’s an explanation of the difference between natural rattan, wicker furniture and rattan‑effect furniture, helping you choose the right option for your garden, patio or conservatory.
Quick overview: rattan, wicker and rattan‑effect furniture
- Rattan is a natural material made from climbing palms
- Wicker is a weaving technique, not a material
- Rattan‑effect furniture is made from a man‑made weave designed specifically for outdoor use
Understanding this distinction makes it much easier to choose furniture that suits the British climate.
What is natural rattan?
Natural rattan comes from fast-growing palm plants found mainly in Southeast Asia. The long, flexible stems are harvested, dried and woven into furniture frames and panels.
Key characteristics of natural rattan:
- Made from real plant fibres
- Lightweight yet strong
- Warm, natural appearance
- Traditionally woven by hand
Is natural rattan suitable for outdoor use?
Natural rattan is not weatherproof. It doesn’t cope well with rain, frost or prolonged UV exposure, which can cause the fibres to weaken, crack or fade.
For this reason, natural rattan furniture is best suited to:
- Conservatories
- Orangeries
- Covered verandas
- Indoor living spaces
Alexander Rose primarily focuses on outdoor-ready materials that perform reliably in the UK climate.
What does “wicker furniture” mean?
Wicker is often misunderstood. It does not refer to a material at all.
Wicker simply describes the method of weaving fibres together to create furniture. These fibres can be natural or synthetic.
Common wicker materials include:
- Natural rattan
- Willow
- Bamboo
- Synthetic rattan (PE or resin weave)
So, when you see “wicker garden furniture”, it’s important to check what it’s made from.
What is rattan‑effect furniture?
Rattan‑effect furniture is made from a high‑quality, man‑made weave designed to replicate the look of natural rattan while offering far greater durability outdoors.
Alexander Rose uses premium rattan‑effect weave across many of its collections, combining classic woven style with materials chosen for real outdoor living.
Benefits of rattan‑effect garden furniture:
- Designed to withstand the UK climate
- UV‑resistant and colourfast
- Weatherproof and frost-resistant
- Easy to clean and low maintenance
- Will not crack, peel or unravel
- Ideal for year-round outdoor use
The weave is hand‑woven around lightweight, rust‑resistant aluminium frames, creating furniture that looks elegant while performing exceptionally well outdoors.
Rattan vs rattan‑effect furniture: which is better for English gardens?
For most outdoor spaces, rattan‑effect furniture is the better choice.
|
Feature |
Natural Rattan |
Synthetic Rattan |
|
Outdoor use |
Not suitable |
Designed for outdoors |
|
Weather resistance |
Poor |
Excellent |
|
Maintenance |
Medium–High |
Low |
|
Appearance |
Natural, traditional |
Natural look, consistent finish |
|
Lifespan outdoors |
Short |
Long |
If you want furniture that can stay outside throughout the season — and often all year round with covers — synthetic rattan is the practical option.
Why Alexander Rose uses rattan‑effect weave
Alexander Rose garden furniture is designed with longevity, comfort and style in mind, with materials carefully selected to perform in the UK climate.
Our rattan‑effect collections are:
- Handwoven for a premium finish
- Built on lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium frames
- Tested for UV stability and long‑term durability
- Designed to complement both modern and traditional gardens
Alexander Rose rattan‑effect furniture is backed by a 5‑year guarantee, offering added reassurance that your furniture is built to last outdoors.
Across the range, Alexander Rose offers a variety of rattan‑effect collections, each with its own distinct character:
-
Palermo – a new collection combining modern proportions with refined woven detail
- San Marino – contemporary lines with deep, inviting seating, ideal for relaxed outdoor living
- Monte Carlo – elegant curves and a laid‑back, resort‑inspired feel
- Ocean Pearl – lighter, coastal‑inspired tones that suit brighter garden settings
- Hazelmere – classic woven styling with a more traditional appearance
You get the timeless woven look of rattan, without the weather‑related drawbacks of natural fibres that can’t withstand the UK climate.
Frequently asked questions
Is rattan furniture waterproof?
Natural rattan is not waterproof. Rattan‑effect furniture is water‑resistant and designed for outdoor use.
Can rattan‑effect furniture be left outside all year?
Yes. Alexander Rose rattan‑effect furniture is designed for year‑round outdoor use and to cope with changing UK weather conditions. Using protective covers during winter can help keep it looking its best for longer.
Does rattan‑effect furniture look natural?
High‑quality rattan‑effect weave closely replicates the look and texture of natural rattan, while offering greater consistency and durability outdoors.
Is wicker furniture good for outdoors?
Wicker furniture can be good for outdoors if it’s made from synthetic rattan. Always check the material, not just the weaving style.
Choosing the right woven garden furniture
When comparing rattan, wicker and synthetic rattan, the key question is where and how you’ll use your furniture.
For outdoor gardens, patios and terraces, rattan‑effect garden furniture offers the best balance of style, strength and weather resistance.
Explore Alexander Rose’s woven furniture collections – including San Marino, Monte Carlo, Ocean Pearl, Hazelmere, and Palermo – to find beautifully designed pieces built to last in the British climate.
Alexander Rose has been designing high-quality garden furniture for over 30 years, combining craftsmanship with materials chosen for real outdoor living.
If you would like to speak to our customer services team to explore any of our collections, please call 01444 258928