How to Choose a Rattan Garden Set
Why Rattan Garden Furniture?
Rattan garden sets have become one of the most popular choices for UK outdoor spaces - and it's easy to see why. They combine a relaxed, natural aesthetic with surprising durability, and modern synthetic rattan is designed to withstand British weather year-round. Whether you have a compact patio or a sprawling garden, there's a rattan set to suit.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy.
1. Measure Your Space First
Before you fall in love with a set, measure your outdoor area carefully. As a rule of thumb:
- Allow at least 60–90 cm of clearance around the table and chairs for comfortable movement.
- Consider how the set will look when chairs are pulled out — many buyers underestimate the footprint of a dining set in use.
- For corner sofa sets, measure the full L-shape or U-shape footprint, not just the longest side.
Sketch your space on paper and mark where doors, gates, or steps are — these affect how you'll position the furniture.
2. Choose the Right Set Type
Rattan garden furniture comes in several configurations:
- Corner sofa sets — ideal for socialising; they maximise seating in a corner and create a lounge feel. Great for larger patios.
- Dining sets — a table with chairs, perfect if you eat outdoors regularly. Look for sets with a parasol hole in the table if shade matters to you.
- Bistro sets — compact two-seater options for balconies or small patios.
- Rattan sun loungers — for sunbathing and relaxing rather than dining or socialising.
3. Synthetic vs Natural Rattan
For outdoor use, always choose synthetic (PE) rattan over natural rattan. Here's why:
- Natural rattan absorbs moisture and can crack, warp, or go mouldy when left outside.
- Synthetic PE rattan is UV-resistant, weatherproof, and easy to wipe clean.
- High-quality PE rattan mimics the look of natural rattan closely — you won't sacrifice aesthetics.
Our Kingfisher and Puffin rattan sets use premium PE rattan weave for exactly this reason.
4. Check the Frame Material
The rattan weave sits over a frame — and the frame material matters just as much:
- Powder-coated steel — strong and affordable, but check it's rust-treated for outdoor use.
- Aluminium — lightweight, rust-proof, and ideal for the UK climate. Worth paying a little more for.
Look for frames with a powder-coat finish to protect against chips and corrosion.
5. Cushion Quality and Storage
Cushions make a huge difference to comfort, but they need care:
- Look for cushions with removable, washable covers.
- Water-resistant or quick-dry foam is a bonus for unpredictable British summers.
- Consider where you'll store cushions when not in use — a garden storage box or shed is ideal.
6. Consider a Cover
Even the most weatherproof rattan benefits from a fitted cover during winter or extended periods of non-use. A good cover extends the life of your set significantly and keeps it looking its best season after season.
7. Think About Assembly
Most rattan sets arrive flat-packed and require some assembly. Check the product listing for estimated assembly time and whether tools are included. Corner sofa sets in particular can take 30–60 minutes to put together.
Ready to Shop?
Browse our full range of rattan garden sets — including the popular Kingfisher and Puffin collections — to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space. All sets come with free delivery and are built to last through the British seasons.
