How to Choose Between Rattan and Metal Garden Furniture

Two very different materials, both at home in UK gardens

Rattan and metal are two of the more common materials in modern outdoor furniture, and both have devoted fans. Rattan is woven, soft to look at and forgiving in mixed weather. Metal is sleek, often sculptural, and tends to suit minimal gardens. Choosing between them is rarely just a question of taste, because each behaves very differently across the British seasons and within the practical realities of family life. We have set out the main differences below to make the decision easier.

What people usually mean by rattan

When most UK shoppers talk about rattan, they mean synthetic rattan, also known as PE rattan or all weather wicker. It is a plastic strand woven over an aluminium or steel frame, designed to mimic the look of cane while standing up to British weather. Natural rattan is an indoor material and would not survive a winter outside. Good quality synthetic rattan handles rain, frost and UV exposure for many seasons. The texture is soft enough that the seats feel inviting even before cushions are added.

What people usually mean by metal

Metal garden furniture in the UK is usually aluminium or steel, sometimes wrought iron in more traditional settings. Aluminium is light, does not rust and is easy to move around the garden. Steel is heavier and stronger but needs a good powder coat to keep corrosion away. Wrought iron has a classic feel and serious weight, which suits a country garden but is less practical on a small terrace. Modern metal pieces often combine frames with timber, glass or sintered stone tops for a softer overall look.

Comfort and feel

Rattan tends to win on comfort straight out of the box. The woven seat moulds gently, and most sets come with thick cushions that turn a simple chair into something close to indoor seating. Metal benches and bistro chairs are firmer underfoot and usually need a cushion or two for longer sittings. If your idea of a garden afternoon is a couple of hours with a book, rattan is often the more comfortable choice. If you prefer shorter, sociable sessions over a drink, metal is more than adequate.

Style and atmosphere

Rattan reads as warm, casual and Mediterranean. It works particularly well in family gardens, in coastal cottages and in any space styled with natural materials. Metal reads as sharper, more architectural and easier to dress up. Black or anthracite metal looks striking against pale paving, while white wrought iron feels romantic against climbing roses. Some gardens combine the two, using a metal dining set near the back door and a rattan sofa group further down the lawn. Browse our outdoor garden furniture range to see how both materials can sit comfortably together.

How each handles UK weather

Both materials cope well with a typical British year. Synthetic rattan is unaffected by rain, dries quickly and resists frost. Aluminium does not rust under any normal conditions. Steel needs more attention, as a chipped powder coat can let rust set in slowly. Wrought iron in coastal areas needs regular care to keep salt at bay. In practice, the difference between a long lasting set and a tired one is more about quality of construction than the material itself.

Care and cleaning

Rattan is easy to maintain. A soft brush and a bucket of warm soapy water deal with most marks. The weave dries quickly in the sun. Metal frames wipe down with a damp cloth, though you should check regularly for chips in the paintwork and touch them up to prevent rust from spreading. Both materials benefit from a cover during the worst winter weeks, and cushions are best stored indoors when not in use for long stretches.

Weight and movement

Some households like to rearrange the garden through the year. Lighter aluminium and slim line rattan make this easy, since chairs can be carried by one person and dining tables can be shifted across the patio without a fuss. Heavier steel and wrought iron stay put, which can be a benefit on a windy terrace or a downside if you like to change the layout for different occasions. Have a think about how often you move furniture before choosing.

Which suits which type of garden

Rattan tends to suit larger family gardens, conservatories and any space where the brief is comfort and softness. It works well around dining sets and in lounge configurations with sofas and armchairs. Metal suits smaller patios, balconies and minimal modern gardens where lines matter as much as comfort. A pair of outdoor armchairs in powder coated metal can carry a small courtyard on their own, while a corner rattan seating set fills a generous lawn with ease.

Cost and longevity

Both materials sit across a wide range of options. The most important thing is to look at the underlying frame and the quality of the weave or finish, rather than the headline figures alone. We share guidance and product detail across Furniture in Fashion so it is easier to compare specifications between sets. Choosing a properly made aluminium frame or a thicker rattan weave usually pays back in years of use.

How to make the final call

Stand in your garden and picture the way you actually use it. If you see family lunches, long afternoons and grandchildren clambering on the seats, lean toward rattan. If you picture a small espresso, a paper and an hour of quiet, metal will probably suit you better. Many homes end up with both, simply because outdoor spaces serve so many moods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rattan or metal better for British weather?
Both work well when chosen carefully. Synthetic rattan and aluminium need very little maintenance, while steel and wrought iron need occasional touch up of the finish to keep rust at bay.

Does metal furniture get too hot in summer?
Light coloured metal stays cooler in direct sun than dark coloured metal. Cushions also help. Most users find that placing the set partly under shade solves any concerns.

Can I leave rattan furniture outside in winter?
Yes, provided it is synthetic rattan. A cover keeps off the worst of the rain and snow, but the material itself is built to handle UK winters.

Which material is more comfortable without cushions?
Rattan, thanks to its slight give in the weave. Metal usually needs a seat pad for sittings longer than half an hour.

Can I mix rattan and metal in one garden?
Absolutely. Many of our customers pair a metal dining set with a rattan sofa zone, which gives the garden two distinct moods and uses.