Natural Rattan vs Man-Made Rattan & Wicker: Which Is Best for Your Garden Furniture?

When you start shopping for garden furniture, “rattan” is everywhere – natural, PE rattan, synthetic wicker. They can look similar at a glance, but they behave quite differently in real life.

This guide breaks down the differences between natural rattan and man‑made rattan/wicker, so you can decide what suits your home, lifestyle and outdoor space – with some examples of how our man‑made rattan collections are used in UK gardens.

What Is Natural Rattan?

Natural rattan is a climbing palm from tropical regions, harvested, dried and woven into furniture.

Pros of natural rattan

• Beautiful, organic look with natural grain and variation
• Lightweight yet strong, easy to move around
• A renewable material when responsibly sourced
• Looks wonderful in indoor spaces like conservatories and garden rooms

Things to consider outdoors

• Prolonged rain and strong sun can cause drying, cracking, fading or mould
• Prefers to be sheltered, rather than fully exposed year-round
• Needs a bit more care and protection to stay looking its best

Often chosen for: Interiors, covered verandas, or very sheltered outdoor areas.

What Is Man-Made / Synthetic Rattan?

Man‑made rattan (PE rattan, resin rattan, synthetic wicker) is a durable, woven material created to capture the look of rattan with added practicality, especially in outdoor settings.

Most modern “rattan” garden furniture – including many pieces in our Summer 2026 Rattan Garden Furniture Collection – use a high‑quality synthetic rattan weave over a sturdy frame.

Pros of man-made rattan

• Designed to cope with outdoor conditions more easily
• Generally low maintenance – usually a quick wipe-down is enough
• Available in a range of colours and weave styles, from natural tones to contemporary greys
• Offers a consistent look, making it easy to coordinate sofas, chairs and tables

Things to consider

• It’s not a natural fibre, though many people choose it for its longevity and easy care
• Quality can vary – better weaves tend to look more natural and feel more substantial

Often chosen for: Patios, gardens and balconies that see regular use and changing weather.

Many of our customers look to man‑made rattan when they want the appearance of natural rattan, but with a material they can leave outdoors with fewer worries.

Where Does “Wicker” Fit In?

“Wicker” refers to a style of weave, not the material itself.

You’ll see:

• Natural rattan in a wicker weave
• Synthetic rattan in a wicker weave
• Other materials (like rope or plastic) woven in a wicker style

So when you see “wicker” garden furniture, it’s usually synthetic rattan woven in a traditional wicker pattern – like several sets in our garden furniture range.

How Do They Behave Outdoors?

Durability & Exposure

• Natural rattan

  • More at home in indoor or very sheltered spaces
  • Benefits from being kept out of prolonged rain and harsh sun

• Man‑made rattan / synthetic wicker

  • Created with outdoor use in mind
  • Frequently used by homeowners who want furniture to stay outside for most of the season

Many people who like to set up a “living room” style garden space find synthetic rattan gives them more freedom to use and enjoy it without worrying too much about the next rain shower.

Maintenance & Everyday Use

• Natural rattan

  • Prefers gentle cleaning, not soaking
  • Can benefit from occasional conditioning and protection

• Man‑made rattan

  • Typically just needs mild soapy water and a cloth or soft brush
  • Works well for those who want a styled garden they can use often with minimal upkeep

For busy households and regular outdoor entertaining, many people gravitate towards synthetic rattan lounge and dining sets because they fit easily into everyday routines.

Look & Feel

• Natural rattan

  • Has a distinctive, handcrafted feel with organic variation
  • Ideal for a boho, coastal or vintage-inspired look indoors

• Man‑made rattan / wicker

  • Can be crafted to look very similar to natural rattan, especially in natural or mixed tones
  • Works beautifully with deep cushions and modular designs for true outdoor “sofa” comfort
  • Often chosen for coordinated garden sets where you want the same weave and colour across multiple pieces

In our collections, we focus on soft, natural‑looking weaves so you still get that relaxed rattan aesthetic.

Price, Value & Where Each Shines

• Natural rattan tends to be a considered purchase that really shines when used in the right environment – indoors or very well protected spaces where it won’t be battling the elements.

• Man‑made rattan is often seen as a practical long‑term option for outdoor seating and dining, as it’s designed to be used in gardens, patios and terraces throughout the season.

Many homeowners who want to furnish an outdoor lounge or dining area for regular use lean towards man‑made rattan and wicker for that reason.

So Which Is Right for You?

You might lean towards natural rattan if:

• You’re mainly furnishing a conservatory, sunroom or indoor space
• You love a very organic, artisan look and don’t mind a little extra care
• Your furniture will be protected from most rain and direct sun

You might lean towards man‑made rattan / synthetic wicker if:

• You’re setting up a garden, patio or balcony that you’ll use a lot
• You’d prefer easy-clean, low-fuss furniture
• You still want the relaxed, woven look associated with rattan

That’s why our Summer 2026 garden furniture focuses on carefully chosen man‑made rattan and wicker pieces – they suit how many people now use their outdoor spaces: as everyday extensions of their living rooms.

Getting the Best from Man-Made Rattan

If you do choose synthetic rattan:

• Clean occasionally with mild soapy water
• Store cushions somewhere dry when not in use
• Consider a protective cover over winter to keep everything fresher for longer

Paired with deep cushions and thoughtful styling, these sets can create a comfortable, lived‑in garden lounge you’ll return to all season.

Final Thoughts

Both natural rattan and man‑made rattan/wicker have their place:

• Natural rattan brings warmth and character indoors and in sheltered spaces.
• Man‑made rattan and wicker are widely used in modern outdoor living areas, where people want the rattan look with more flexibility and less upkeep.

If you’re planning your outdoor setup for the coming seasons, you can explore our Summer 2026 Rattan Garden Furniture Collection to see how man‑made rattan is being used in corner sofas, dining sets and compact lounges designed for real‑world UK gardens.