Rattan vs Aluminium Garden Furniture: Which Lasts Longer?

If you have been shopping for garden furniture recently, you will have noticed that almost everything is either rattan or aluminium. The days of everyone having a plastic patio set are largely behind us, and these two materials have taken over. But which one is actually better? The honest answer is that it depends on what you are looking for, so here is a proper comparison.

What we mean by rattan

When people talk about rattan garden furniture, they almost always mean synthetic or PE rattan, not natural rattan. Natural rattan is not suitable for outdoor use in the UK because it cannot handle sustained moisture. Synthetic rattan is a plastic weave that looks like natural rattan but is weatherproof, UV-resistant, and designed to live outside. This is what all the reputable outdoor furniture brands use.

Durability: how do they actually hold up?

Good quality synthetic rattan on a powder-coated steel or aluminium frame will last many years with reasonable care. The weave can become brittle over time if left in direct sun for years without any protection, and the frame can rust if the powder coating chips and is not touched up. But a decent set, covered in winter, should give you a decade or more of use.

Aluminium furniture is arguably more durable in the long run. It does not rust, full stop. The powder coating can chip, but aluminium underneath does not corrode the way steel does. Cast aluminium in particular is extremely robust and handles the UK climate very well. It is heavier than rattan furniture, which means it is less likely to blow around in wind, but also less easy to move around.

Maintenance: which is easier to look after?

Both are low maintenance compared to wood, but aluminium edges it. A wipe with a damp cloth is genuinely all it needs most of the time. Rattan needs a slightly more careful clean, a soft brush to get into the weave, and benefits from being covered or stored over winter.

Comfort and feel

Rattan furniture tends to feel warmer and more comfortable to sit on, especially with cushions. Aluminium can feel harder and colder, though again cushions make a big difference. If you are buying a dining set where you will be sitting for extended periods, rattan with good cushions is often the more comfortable choice. For a dining set where you are in and out, aluminium is perfectly fine.

Cost

At the same quality level, rattan and aluminium are broadly comparable in price. Where you see big differences is at the budget end, where cheap rattan on a thin steel frame will not last, and at the premium end, where cast aluminium furniture is a genuine long-term investment.

Which should you choose?

If you want something that looks warm and relaxed, is comfortable for lounging, and you are happy to cover it in winter, go for rattan. If you want something that needs almost no maintenance, handles the weather without any fuss, and you want it to last as long as possible, go for aluminium.

Both are good choices for UK gardens. The best one is the one that suits how you actually use your garden.

Browse our Garden Furniture Sets and Garden Dining Sets to compare rattan and aluminium options side by side.