Rattan garden furniture is one of the most bought outdoor categories in the UK, driven by its all-year suitability, low maintenance, and the range of set configurations available. Prices vary a lot between retailers for comparable quality, which makes checking current codes and timing purchases around sale events worth doing before committing to a larger order.
We bought a five-piece rattan corner sofa set during a Black Friday sale and paid around 35% less than the same set was listed for in July. The set has been outside year-round for two winters without noticeable deterioration, the synthetic rattan and powder-coated aluminium frame have held up well.
Natural vs Synthetic Rattan: What to Know Before Buying
Most rattan garden furniture sold in the UK uses synthetic PE rattan rather than natural rattan. The difference matters for outdoor use:
- Natural rattan: Looks similar but absorbs moisture. Best suited to conservatories or covered pergolas rather than open gardens. Exposure to rain shortens its lifespan considerably
- Synthetic PE rattan: Woven from polyethylene fibres over a metal frame. Weather-resistant, UV-stable, and designed for year-round outdoor use in the UK. This is what most garden furniture retailers stock
When a product listing says “rattan garden furniture” without specifying, it is almost always synthetic PE rattan, which is what most buyers want for outdoor use.
Frame Materials: Aluminium vs Steel
The frame under the weave affects both the weight and longevity of the set.
- Aluminium: Lightweight, rustproof, and easier to move around. The most common frame in mid-to-upper price ranges. Powder-coated aluminium holds up well in wet UK winters
- Steel: Heavier and often cheaper. Can rust if the coating scratches and is left untreated. Worth checking the coating quality and covering or storing steel-framed sets in winter
For garden furniture left outside year-round, powder-coated aluminium frames are the more low-maintenance option of the two.
Rattan Furniture Types and Layouts
Dining Sets
A table and matching chairs, often with a glass or rattan-weave tabletop. Compact four-seat sets work for smaller patios and balconies. Six and eight-seat sets suit larger garden spaces and family dining. Many sets include a parasol hole in the table, it’s worth checking if shade is important to you.
Corner and Modular Sofa Sets
L-shaped or U-shaped configurations with a central coffee table. These are the most popular rattan set type for social garden spaces. Modular versions allow individual sections to be rearranged or added to. Most include cushions as standard, checking cushion quality before buying is worth doing, as cheaper sets use thin foam that compresses quickly.
Bistro and Two-Seat Sets
Two chairs and a small table. Well-suited to balconies, small patios, or a quiet corner of a larger garden. More affordable than full sets and often included in seasonal promotions separately.
Sun Loungers and Recliners
Reclining loungers sold individually or in pairs. Typically priced separately from sofa sets, checking discount codes on individual pieces can bring the cost down on loungers without needing a code for a full set.
Where to Find Rattan Garden Furniture Deals
These retailers and pages carry rattan furniture and run promotions at different points in the year:
- Homebase discount codes. Seasonal promotions on rattan sets and garden accessories
- Robert Dyas voucher codes. Rattan furniture, garden accessories, and outdoor essentials
- Cherry Lane discount codes. Garden furniture sets and accessories with seasonal events
- Garden Chic offers. Rattan-specialist retailer with modular sets and accessories
- Rattan Furniture Fairy discount codes. Online rattan specialist with delivery included on most sets
Broader garden furniture deals are listed on our garden furniture discount codes page, updated as new promotions go live. Home and garden discount codes cover related categories alongside furniture.
When Rattan Furniture Prices Fall
We’ve found three periods where rattan garden furniture usually drops in price:
End-of-season (August–September) brings clearance pricing on current-year stock. Black Friday brings sitewide reductions from most major retailers. Early-season (February–March) carries last-year designs at lower prices with less choice but better value on sets.
Buying out-of-season always produces lower prices than buying when demand is highest in May and June.
What to Compare Before Buying
Price alone doesn’t indicate value on rattan sets. A few things worth checking:
- Cushion inclusion and thickness: Sets that include thick cushions (5cm+) are better value than bare sets where cushions are sold separately
- Cover inclusion: Protective covers extend the furniture’s lifespan. Some bundles include them; others charge separately
- Delivery terms: Rattan sets are bulky. Free delivery thresholds and delivery timing are worth confirming before ordering, especially for larger sets
- Returns policy: Checking whether returns are collected or self-arranged matters more on a large garden set than on smaller purchases
Accessories Worth Adding
A few accessories make rattan furniture more usable across the full season:
- Waterproof covers protect the set during winter and wet spells
- Additional outdoor cushions in different colours can refresh the look without replacing the frame
- Storage boxes (often rattan-weave) keep cushions dry and accessible without bringing them inside
- Side tables and footstools extend the set’s functionality
Home accessories discount codes cover outdoor lighting, planters, and garden décor alongside furniture accessories.
Care and Maintenance
Synthetic rattan is low-maintenance compared to most other garden furniture materials. The main tasks:
- Brush or rinse off dirt and leaves, a garden hose works well for most sets
- Wipe with mild soapy water for marks and stains
- Store or cover cushions during heavy rain or extended periods of non-use
- Cover or store steel-framed sets over winter, aluminium frames can stay outside year-round
Common Questions
Is synthetic rattan suitable for UK weather?
Yes, PE synthetic rattan is designed for outdoor use and holds up well through rain, frost, and UV exposure. Natural rattan is not suited to open gardens and is better kept under cover.
What is the difference between aluminium and steel rattan frames?
Aluminium is lighter, rustproof, and better suited to year-round outdoor exposure. Steel is heavier and cheaper, but needs covering or storing in winter to prevent rust if the coating is damaged.
When is the best time to buy rattan garden furniture?
End-of-season clearance (August–September) and Black Friday bring the lowest prices. Early-season (February–March) carries discounted previous-year designs with less choice.
Do rattan dining sets include cushions and covers?
This varies by retailer and set. Some bundles include cushions, a cover, and a parasol. Others price these separately. Checking what is included before comparing prices gives a more accurate picture of the true total cost.
Can modular rattan sets be extended later?
Most modular corner sofa sets allow individual sections to be added. Checking that the same configuration is still available before buying the base set avoids mismatched additions later.
