Rattan vs Aluminium Garden Furniture: Which Should You Buy?

Rattan and aluminium are the two materials you'll find most often on UK garden furniture sites. They both handle outdoor conditions well and fit a wide range of budgets. However, they suit different gardens and require different levels of maintenance. Here's how they compare.

What "rattan" garden furniture actually is

Most rattan garden furniture sold in the UK today is made from synthetic (PE, polyethylene) rattan woven over an aluminium or steel frame, not natural cane. This matters because synthetic rattan is designed to withstand rain, UV exposure, and temperature changes in a way that natural wicker cannot. So asking if rattan is weatherproof really comes down to the resin quality rather than the rattan material itself. Cheaper synthetic rattan can fade, crack, or become brittle within a couple of seasons. In contrast, better-quality woven resin maintains its colour and flexibility for years.

What aluminium garden furniture offers

Aluminium frames, often powder-coated for better weather resistance, are naturally rust-proof unlike steel or wrought iron, and they are significantly lighter. This is a real advantage if you rearrange furniture often or need to move it in and out of storage. Aluminium has a modern look that differs from woven rattan and requires little maintenance beyond an occasional wipe down.

Comfort and cushioning

Neither material is comfortable without cushions. The difference comes down to the cushions you choose for the frame, not the frame itself. Both rattan and aluminium sets usually include (or offer optional) outdoor-rated cushions made with quick-dry foam and water-resistant fabric, which contributes more to comfort than the frame material.

Weight and portability

This is where the two truly differ. Rattan furniture, with its steel or aluminium frame wrapped in woven resin, tends to be heavier and bulkier. This is good if you want furniture that stays put during windy conditions, but less so if you need to move it frequently. Aluminium furniture is noticeably lighter, making it easier for one person to relocate and store over winter if space is tight.

Maintenance over time

Rattan requires occasional cleaning to prevent dirt from building up in the weave. Very cheap rattan can degrade with prolonged sun exposure. Aluminium is close to maintenance-free, it doesn't rust and has no weave to clean, just a simple wipe down. If you want furniture that you can largely ignore between seasons, aluminium is the better choice.

Price and style

Rattan typically offers a mid-range "cosy, textured" look with corner sofas, egg chairs, and dining sets featuring a warm, woven design. Aluminium leans toward a sleeker, modern appearance and comes in a wider price range, from budget bistro sets to high-end designer collections. Neither material is inherently more expensive, pricing depends more on the specific range and brand than the material of the frame.

The short version

Choose rattan if you want a warm, textured appearance and don't mind slightly heavier furniture that stays in place. Choose aluminium if you prefer a lighter, easy-to-maintain option with a clean, modern look, especially if you plan to move or store it often.

Ready to compare? Browse Rattan Garden Furniture or Aluminium Garden Furniture to see what UK retailers have to offer.