As a rule of thumb, Rattan furniture should be weatherproofed to withstand the elements, but there are a few things you can do to make sure it stays in great condition year-round.
One of the easiest methods to weatherproof rattan furniture is to use tung oil.
Simply clean the furniture with soap and water, then apply tung oil to the surface with a soft cloth. Do this every year before you put it out for the season.
Although tung oil will protect rattan furniture from rain, it will not offer protection against prolonged periods of heavy rain. In those cases, you may want to consider covering your furniture with a waterproof cover.
Synthetic rattan
Synthetic rattan is a material that looks like real wicker, bamboo, and twigs, but is made from plastic instead of rattan.
The result is weatherproof, durable, and flexible furniture that will withstand years of exposure to the elements.
Because it’s made from polyethylene, synthetic rattan is more flexible and weatherproof than real rattan, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Weatherproofing of rattan furniture depends on the quality of the material used. Different colors and textures mean different levels of weather protection. Some are thin tubes and others are thick, twisted threads.
A key feature to look for is whether the rattan is UV stabilized or not. If the product is not UV stabilized, the material is not waterproof. It should be covered in the winter or stored in a garden shed.
While the rattan itself is weatherproof, the cushions are not. You should wash them when the weather turns nasty.
Then, you can replace them for the final few weeks of summer. A good rule of thumb is to store rattan furniture indoors when the weather turns bad. If you don’t use the furniture during the colder months, it’ll remain intact and look great for many years.
While natural rattan is more durable, it can be damaged if exposed to rain or snow. If you want your furniture to last for years, you should buy synthetic rattan.
Not only does synthetic rattan look like real rattan, but it also resists rust and fades in the sun. In addition, it is a versatile material that will work well indoors and outdoors.
Because natural rattan doesn’t resist the elements, it’s not recommended for outdoor use. Those living in coastal areas are more susceptible to rain and snow.
Moreover, outdoor furniture needs to be weatherproof and UV-resistant to stay in good condition.
That’s why synthetic rattan is a great option if you’re planning to place your furniture outdoors. You’ll have the added bonus of a longer-lasting product.
While the UK has a long way to go until summer, the rainy season is still a viable option. It will still see plenty of rain and snow this year, so it’s a good idea to purchase outdoor furniture now while prices are low. Synthetic rattan is a cheaper option than wood and will keep your furniture looking beautiful year-round. It’s also more eco-friendly, which is always a plus.
If you want to put your patio furniture outside during rainy weather, synthetic rattan garden furniture is the way to go. Not only are synthetic rattan sets more environmentally friendly, but they’re also weatherproof.
In fact, synthetic rattan is far easier to maintain than natural rattan. A synthetic rattan garden set is also easier to clean than natural rattan.
Natural rattan
As its name suggests, natural rattan is weatherproof. However, it’s not weatherproof in all conditions. Exposure to sun and rain can bleach its color, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. Rainwater can also get trapped in rattan, which can lead to mildew and mold.
To avoid these problems, you should keep your outdoor furniture indoors during the rainy season. Here are some tips to keep your outdoor furniture looking newer for longer.
Rattan is a plant that grows naturally in Asia. Because it’s so resilient, it can be woven into furniture. Natural rattan is more flexible than wicker, which is subject to mold and water damage.
However, synthetic rattan is more durable and resistant to weather. If you’re not sure which to purchase, consider polyrattan. This material is weatherproof but doesn’t protect against UV rays.
While synthetic wicker and teak are weatherproof, natural rattan may not be. Wicker, which is made of reeds, will eventually turn silver from exposure to the elements.
You can try to preserve the natural color of the rattan by coating it with marine varnish. However, tung oil may not be as effective. Nonetheless, these protective treatments will keep out moisture and maintain the rigid bond between the fibers.
One of the easiest ways to weatherproof rattan furniture is to apply tung oil to it. To apply the oil, you must wipe it down with a damp cloth.
You should repeat this process every year before leaving your outdoor furniture for the season. However, this method will not provide long-term protection from heavy rain, so you may need to use a protective cover to protect your furniture.
In the case of prolonged rain, you can also consider using a cover to keep it safe from fading.
When choosing rattan furniture for your garden, make sure to choose something with good weatherproofing. Natural rattan can be soaked up with water, but synthetic rattan is more resistant to rain and snow. You should always choose a better quality rattan than a cheaper product as synthetic rattan will not rot or rust under rain or exposure to cold temperatures.
The best way to protect your rattan furniture from the elements is to use the cover. Keep the cover on your furniture when it’s not in use to avoid dirt buildup or stains on the cushions.
While natural rattan is weatherproof, it is not waterproof and will start to degrade when exposed to direct sunlight. If you want to use rattan outdoors, you should consider purchasing a top quality synthetic rattan.
Synthetic rattan furniture is a great choice if you live in a climate with harsh weather conditions. This type of furniture is also cheaper and low maintenance and will last longer than natural rattan.
Synthetic rattan is made of plastic resin. The plastic resin used to make synthetic rattan is highly water-resistant and is a great choice for outdoor furniture. As long as you cover your furniture properly, you’ll be happy with it.
PVC rattan
PVC rattan is a synthetic polymer that mimics the look of a natural wicker basket. PVC is widely used in the construction of pipes and doors.
Because it is so weatherproof, it is a popular material for rattan furniture. In addition to being weatherproof, PVC is also more affordable than other materials. Here are some pros and cons of PVC rattan.
Unlike wooden garden furniture, PVC rattan is completely weatherproof. Because the material is waterproof, it can be left outdoors for long periods of time without the risk of fading.
It is also resistant to frost and rain. However, it is not recommended to leave PVC rattan outside for extended periods of time. Otherwise, it will dry out and crack. Therefore, it is important to keep it in good condition.
Another advantage of PE rattan is its durability. Typically, PE rattan comes with a warranty for 6 years. The furniture can last for over a decade if cared for properly. PE rattan is made with an aluminum frame, so it is less likely to rust than other materials. A higher-grade PE rattan is more likely to last longer than its cheaper counterparts.
Another advantage of PVC rattan is that it is very low maintenance. Clean rattan with soapy water at least twice a month, or as needed. Using a cover for your rattan furniture will protect your investment from the weather.
This will prevent mildew from forming on it. It is also possible to use outdoor cushions and protect them as well. It is best to consider all of these benefits when buying rattan furniture.
If you’re concerned about the sustainability of rattan wicker furniture, consider buying PVC rattan instead.
This synthetic material is weatherproof and resistant to UV light. It will stay intact when exposed to sunlight for up to 12 hours a day and 365 days a year. Because PVC rattan is made of recycled post-consumer plastics, it is recyclable after its lifespan.
You may also want to check the quality of your rattan furniture. If you don’t pay extra for good quality rattan, it may show the true color underneath, which is unattractive.
Good quality rattan will be solid color throughout the weave, and if the fibers break, you can just apply heat from a hairdryer to repair them.
That way, you can enjoy the natural beauty of rattan without worrying about the effects of weather.
Conclusion
Synthetic rattan is weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. You can even leave it outdoors during the winter months without worrying about the weather.
During bad weather, you can just cover the synthetic rattan garden furniture or store it in a garden shed.
This will not only provide extra protection against the elements but will also prevent dust from accumulating.
The covers also save you time and effort in cleaning it up when it is brought out again.