What Is PE Rattan and Why Is It Used for Garden Furniture?
Walk through any garden in summer and there's a good chance you'll spot a rattan sofa on the patio. Woven furniture has a relaxed, warm look that suits British gardens beautifully. Most of the rattan furniture you see outdoors today, though, isn't made from the natural material at all. It's made from PE rattan, a synthetic weave designed specifically to live outside.
If you'd like a broader introduction first, our article on what rattan furniture is covers the history and the different styles. Here, we'll focus on PE rattan itself and why it's become the material of choice for garden furniture.
Why Natural Rattan Struggles Outdoors
Natural rattan comes from climbing palms that grow in tropical forests. The stems are strong, flexible and beautiful when woven, which is why rattan has been used in furniture for centuries.
It's a wonderful material indoors, in a conservatory or a covered porch. Left outside in the UK, it struggles. Natural rattan absorbs moisture, which can lead to swelling, mould and rot, and strong sunlight dries it out and fades the colour. That's why natural rattan garden furniture needs to be brought indoors for much of the year.
What PE Rattan Actually Is
PE rattan is made from polyethylene, a durable plastic that's extruded into long strands. These strands can be made flat, round or half round, in almost any colour, and they're woven by hand around a frame in the same way natural rattan would be.
The key detail is the grade of polyethylene used. High density polyethylene, known as HDPE, is the premium choice. It's flexible, strong and resistant to UV light, which is why it holds its colour and doesn't turn brittle in the cold. Our rattan sets are made with durable, high quality HDPE rattan woven over rust-proof, powder coated aluminium frames.
Why It Suits Garden Furniture
- PE rattan brings together the look of natural rattan with the practicality of a modern outdoor material.
- It's weather resistant. The strands don't absorb water, so rain simply runs off and frost has nothing to expand into.
- It holds its colour. UV stabilised HDPE keeps its tone through long summers of direct sun.
- It's easy to care for. A wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush is all it needs.
- It's comfortable. The woven surface has a slight give, and it pairs beautifully with deep cushions.
- It's lightweight. Combined with an aluminium frame, it makes sets easy to rearrange for different occasions.
Flat Weave And Round Weave
PE rattan comes in different profiles, and each gives furniture a distinct character. Flat weave uses flat strands that sit neatly against each other, creating a clean, contemporary finish. Our Chimes Stone Grey range uses a flat weave.
Round weave uses rounded strands that give a fuller, more textured look, closer to traditional wicker. Our Chimes Prestige Grey & Sandstone range uses a round weave for a set with real presence on the patio.
Mixed tones, where strands of slightly different shades are woven together, add depth and help hide everyday marks. You'll find flat, round and mixed tone designs across our range of stylish woven furniture for gardens, in dining sets, corner sofas, cube sets, daybeds and sun loungers.
Choosing A Colour
Because the strands are manufactured, PE rattan comes in a very wide choice of colours. Greys suit contemporary gardens and modern paving, browns and natural tones sit beautifully against planting and brickwork, and paler shades keep a small courtyard feeling light and open.
It's worth holding a sample against your paving and your house before deciding, since outdoor light changes colours more than you'd expect. Darker weaves hide everyday marks well, while lighter weaves show off cushions and accessories.
How To Recognise Good PE Rattan
When you're choosing a set, a few quick checks will tell you a lot about the quality of the weave.
Look for even colour and thickness across the strands. Check that the weave is tight, with no gaps, loose ends or sharp edges. Press the weave gently. It should feel firm but slightly flexible, never stiff or brittle. Then look underneath to confirm the frame is aluminium, since the frame is what gives the set its strength and longevity.
Caring For PE Rattan
PE rattan needs very little from you. Brush off leaves and dust as needed, and give it a wash with warm soapy water a couple of times a year. Rinse with clean water and let it dry in the air.
Cushions are best stored somewhere dry when they're not in use, and a fitted cover over winter keeps the set clean and ready for spring. With that simple routine, a well made PE rattan set will look good in your garden for many summers.
Is PE Rattan Comfortable All Year?
PE rattan is comfortable in every season. It doesn't hold heat the way a solid metal surface can, so it's pleasant to sit against on a warm afternoon, and it doesn't feel cold and damp in spring the way untreated timber sometimes does. Add cushions for everyday use and throws for cooler evenings, and a rattan set becomes somewhere you'll happily sit from April right through to October.
PE Rattan And Sustainability
Longevity is one of the most sustainable qualities a piece of furniture can have. A well made PE rattan set that lasts for many summers keeps replacement furniture out of circulation, and the aluminium frames beneath our sets are fully recyclable at the end of their lives.
Bringing PE Rattan Home
If you're ready to bring a rattan set into your garden, we deliver nationwide. Our team is always happy to help you choose the weave, colour and layout that suit your outdoor space - just give us a call on 01268 219969 or visit us in-store for a chat.
