Rattan furniture is becoming increasingly popular in the furniture market thanks to its natural texture and unique woven patterns. Whether used indoors or outdoors, many people wonder just how durable it really is and how long it can last. Today, rattan furniture on the market mainly comes in two materials: natural rattan and synthetic rattan, and different materials directly determine their service life. 

In this article, I will explain in detail the differences in durability between them and help you choose the right rattan furniture based on your own needs.

What is Rattan Furniture Made of?

Natural Rattan‌

Natural rattan is a spiny climbing palm plant that grows in tropical forests, mainly distributed in Southeast Asia regions such as Indonesia. It features tough texture, good elasticity, renewability, and other advantages, and is widely used for:

• Indoor Furniture
• Decorative Panels
• Woven Handicrafts
• Cane Webbing

Sintetiese rottang 

Synthetic rattan is mainly produced from polyethylene granules through high-temperature extrusion, designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural rattan, and is widely used for:

• Buitelugmeubels
• Rottangweefvelle
• Swing Chairs
• Storage Baskets

How Durable is Natural Rattan Furniture?

When used indoors or in non-extreme environments, natural rattan furniture can last 5 to 10 years. With proper regular care, its service life can be even longer.

 

Key Features:

• Flexible and tough, easy to weave
• Excellent air permeability
• Beautiful natural texture
• Eco-friendly material

However, natural rattan furniture has relatively strict requirements for weather and climate. It is prone to mold in humid environments and may crack in extremely dry conditions. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term outdoor use.

How Durable is Synthetic Rattan Furniture?

Synthetic rattan furniture can last for 8 to 15 years, making it highly suitable for long-term outdoor and patio use. It solves the pain point that natural rattan furniture cannot be used outdoors for a long time.

Key Features:

• UV Resistant
• Aging Resistant
• Waterdig
• Wide Range of Colors and Styles

However, it is less breathable than natural rattan. Its texture and touch are not as natural and soft as real rattan. In addition, prolonged exposure to strong outdoor sunlight may cause fading and cracking of the rattan strips.

Key Factors That Affect Rattan Furniture Durability

Materiaalkeuse

Material selection is the fundamental premise determining the durability of rattan furniture. There are significant differences in performance between different rattan materials and auxiliary materials, which directly affect the service life and applicable scenarios of the furniture. The specific selection points are as follows:

Types of Rattan Materials

Priority should be given to rattan materials with strong toughness, wear resistance and anti-aging properties. Among them, synthetic rattan is suitable for outdoor use due to its advantages of sun resistance, water resistance and not easy to deform; natural rattan has a warm and natural texture, but its moisture resistance and UV resistance are weak, making it more suitable for dry indoor environments; materials such as PVC rattan have high cost performance and are easy to clean, but they are prone to aging under long-term strong light, so it is necessary to choose styles with added UV-resistant components.

Auxiliary Materials

In addition to rattan materials, attention should also be paid to the quality of auxiliary materials, such as connectors and fillers of the furniture. High-quality hardware connectors (such as stainless steel screws and buckles) can enhance the stability of the frame and are not easy to rust or loosen; environmentally friendly and durable fillers (such as high-resilience sponge) not only improve the comfort of use, but also reduce the loss caused by uneven force on the rattan strips, extending the overall service life.

Material Thickness

The thickness of rattan materials and frame materials directly affects the load-bearing capacity and durability. Furniture with moderate rattan thickness and sufficient wall thickness of frame pipes has a stronger load-bearing capacity and is not easy to deform or break; excessively thin rattan materials and frames are prone to bending and damage after long-term use, which greatly shortens the service life.

Raammateriaal

The frame is the core support of rattan furniture, which directly determines the overall stability and service life of the furniture. There are significant differences in performance among different materials, which are detailed as follows:

Aluminiumlegering

The best choice. Light in weight yet high in strength, it boasts excellent corrosion resistance and rust resistance. It can remain stable and not easily deform, whether used indoors or outdoors, making it the preferred material for current rattan furniture frames.

Steel

Prone to rust. It has sufficient strength but poor corrosion resistance. When exposed to outdoor humid environments or rainwater washing for a long time, it is likely to rust and oxidize, which in turn affects the firmness of the frame and shortens the service life of the furniture. Additional rust-proof treatment is required.

Wood

Average performance. It has a natural texture that can enhance the appearance of the furniture, but its moisture resistance and corrosion resistance are moderate. When in a humid environment for a long time, it is prone to mold, deformation, and cracking, so it is more suitable for use in dry indoor environments and requires regular anti-corrosion maintenance.

Weaving Quality

The quality of weaving directly affects the wear resistance, firmness, and aesthetics of rattan furniture. The core influencing factors include weaving method and weaving density:

Weaving Method

Currently, there are mainly two weaving forms: hand weaving and machine weaving. Hand weaving features exquisite craftsmanship, with rattan strips closely fitted and well-handled details, resulting in a better overall texture, but the output is relatively low. Machine weaving is highly efficient, with neat and uniform weaving and stable firmness, offering higher cost performance. Both methods have their own advantages, and the key lies in the fineness of the weaving.

Weaving Density

The higher the density, the stronger the durability. Rattan furniture with high weaving density has small gaps between rattan strips, which ensures more uniform force bearing, prevents rattan strips from loosening or falling off easily, and better resists daily wear and tear, thus extending the service life. On the contrary, furniture with too low density is prone to rattan deformation and breakage, which greatly reduces its durability.

UV Weerstand

UV resistance is a core indicator of the durability of synthetic rattan furniture, directly determining its service life under strong outdoor sunlight.

For PE rattan furniture, whether professional UV-resistant materials are added is particularly crucial. PE rottang with UV resistance can effectively resist UV radiation from sunlight, reducing the risk of fading, brittleness, and cracking of the rattan strips. It can maintain its original appearance and performance even with long-term outdoor use. In contrast, rattan without UV resistance is prone to aging, yellowing, and breakage after prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, significantly shortening its service life.

Usage Environment

The usage environment is an important external factor affecting the durability of rattan furniture. Different environments have different requirements for the material and craftsmanship of the furniture, which are mainly divided into the following two types of scenarios:

Indoor vs. Outdoor

The indoor environment is relatively stable, with small changes in temperature and humidity, and avoids direct sunlight and rain washing, resulting in less wear and tear on rattan furniture and a longer service life. The outdoor environment is complex, requiring simultaneous response to various factors such as sunlight, rain, and humidity, which impose higher requirements on the corrosion resistance, UV resistance, and rust resistance of the furniture. If the material and craftsmanship do not meet the standards, aging will be accelerated easily.

Humid vs. Dry

A humid environment is likely to cause mold and deformation of rattan furniture, especially wooden frames and natural rattan, with more obvious wear and tear. A dry environment has less impact on the furniture, but prolonged excessive dryness may cause the rattan strips to become brittle, requiring appropriate moisturizing and maintenance.

Usage Frequency

Usage frequency is an important factor affecting the wear rate of rattan furniture, directly related to the actual service life of the furniture. The wear condition and maintenance requirements corresponding to different usage frequencies are different:

High-Frequency Usage Scenarios

Such as public reception areas, daily sitting areas at home, etc. Rattan furniture bears pressure and friction for a long time, which will accelerate the wear and loosening of rattan strips, and even cause slight deformation of the frame. In such scenarios, more attention should be paid to daily maintenance and regular inspection, and loose rattan strips should be fastened in time to avoid aggravated wear.

Low-Frequency Usage Scenarios

Such as home spare areas, decorative rattan furniture, etc. The usage frequency is low, and the overall wear is small, but long-term idleness is prone to dust accumulation, moisture, and mold, or rattan strips becoming brittle due to long-term lack of force. It is recommended to do a good job in dust and moisture prevention regularly, and occasional use can reduce rattan aging and extend the service life of the furniture.

How to Make Rattan Furniture Last Longer

The service life of rattan furniture depends not only on the material and craftsmanship, but scientific daily maintenance is also crucial to extending its lifespan. Below are 4 practical and easy-to-follow care tips to help prolong the service life of your rattan furniture:

Gereelde skoonmaak

Regular cleaning effectively prevents wear and corrosion of rattan caused by accumulated dust and stains, making it the most basic yet essential maintenance step. It is recommended to gently wipe the surface of rattan furniture with a soft dry cloth weekly to remove loose dust. For dust trapped in crevices, use a soft-bristled brush (such as a toothbrush) to clean gently, avoiding excessive force that may scratch the rattan.

If there are stains on the surface, dilute a neutral detergent with warm water, dip a soft cloth in the solution, and wipe gently, then dry immediately with a dry cloth. Prolonged moisture retention can cause mold and deformation of the rattan. Avoid cleaners containing irritating ingredients such as alcohol or bleach, as they may accelerate aging and fading of the rattan.

Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

Natural rattan has low UV resistance. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight accelerates aging, fading, brittleness, and even cracking of rattan strips, severely shortening their service life. It is advisable to place natural rattan furniture in a cool, well-ventilated indoor area away from direct sunlight. If placed near a window, install curtains to block sunlight and reduce UV damage.

Although synthetic rattan furniture for outdoor use offers certain UV resistance, prolonged sun exposure still speeds up deterioration, so proper sun protection is also recommended.

Use a Waterproof Cover

Outdoor rattan furniture exposed to rain and damp conditions for a long time is prone to rusted frames, mold, and deformed rattan. When not in use, cover the furniture with a dedicated waterproof cover to effectively block rainwater, prevent dust buildup, and reduce corrosion from humid air.

When choosing a waterproof cover, prioritize durable, highly waterproof, and breathable designs to avoid mold growth inside the furniture due to poor ventilation.

Storage Recommendations

Rattan furniture deteriorates faster during the rainy season and winter due to high humidity and low temperatures; proper storage can effectively extend its service life.

During the rainy season, move outdoor rattan furniture indoors or under a sheltered shed to avoid direct soaking by rainwater. For indoor rattan furniture, maintain good ventilation by opening windows and doors appropriately to lower indoor humidity and prevent mold.

In winter, natural rattan becomes brittle in low temperatures, so avoid impacts and heavy pressure. Store outdoor furniture indoors in a dry place; if relocation is not possible, cover it with a waterproof and frost-resistant cover to prevent damage from low temperatures, rain, and snow.

Natural Rattan vs PE Rattan: Which is More Durable?

Kenmerk	Natural Rattan	PE Rotan
Duursaamheid	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor Use	❌	✅
Eko-vriendelik	✅	❌
Onderhoud	High	Low

Is Rattan Furniture Good for Outdoor Use?

Whether rattan furniture is suitable for outdoor use depends primarily on the type of rattan material: Natural rattan is not suitable for outdoor use due to its poor weather resistance. When exposed to outdoor environments with sunlight and rain for a long time, it is prone to mold, deformation, cracking, and other problems, and cannot resist UV radiation and moisture erosion. In contrast, PE rottang is fully suitable for outdoor use. It has excellent UV resistance, water resistance, and wear resistance, can effectively withstand complex outdoor environments, and is not easy to age or fade during long-term use, making it an ideal choice for outdoor rattan furniture.

Gevolgtrekking

As a professional rattan material supplier under the brand Honeywell Rottang, we are committed to providing high-quality rattan products, including two major types: natural rattan and plastic rattan. Natural rattan is suitable for indoor use, featuring a warm and natural texture; plastic rattan is more suitable for outdoor use with strong weather resistance. All products undergo strict quality control by the Honeywell Rattan brand to ensure reliable quality, which can meet the needs of different usage scenarios. We also provide customized services according to order requirements, dedicated to bringing high-quality rattan materials to our customers.

Gereelde vrae

After using rattan furniture for a period of time, if cracking occurs on the rattan strips, how should we deal with it?

There are mainly two types of rattan cracking: Natural rattan furniture is prone to small cracks due to long-term dryness, exposure to sunlight, or collisions; for example, if PE rattan is not added with anti-UV components, it may also crack when exposed to sunlight for a long time. For minor cracks on natural rattan, a small amount of wood wax oil can be applied; for plastic rattan, a special repair glue is required to fill the gaps and provide protection. If the cracks are large and affect use, the damaged rattan strips need to be replaced to avoid further expansion of the cracks. In daily maintenance, avoiding direct sunlight, heavy pressure from heavy objects, and maintaining moderate environmental humidity can effectively reduce the problem of cracking.

How to prevent and improve fading that occurs after the use of rattan furniture, especially for styles placed outdoors?

The core causes of fading are UV radiation, rain erosion, or cleaner irritation. Natural rattan furniture itself has poor sun resistance; long-term exposure to direct sunlight will cause rapid fading. It is recommended to place it in a cool and well-ventilated area, or match it with sunshades and waterproof covers. For synthetic rattan furniture used outdoors, it is necessary to choose styles added with anti-UV components, which can effectively delay fading. If fading has occurred, slight fading can be improved by applying special maintenance oil to restore the color; for severe fading, you can contact the merchant for rattan renovation or replacement. During daily cleaning, avoid using cleaners containing alcohol or bleach to prevent accelerated fading.

If mold appears in the gaps of rattan furniture, how should it be cleaned and prevented?

Mold growth is mainly caused by humid environments and poor ventilation. Especially in rainy seasons or humid areas, natural rattan and wooden frames are more prone to mold growth. For cleaning, dip a soft-bristled brush in a neutral detergent to gently wipe the moldy areas, then dry them with a dry cloth and place them in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. If the mold growth is severe, you can wipe the area with a small amount of white vinegar for a better sterilization effect. For prevention, keep the indoor/outdoor use environment well-ventilated and dry; when outdoor furniture is not in use, cover it with a waterproof cover to avoid rain soaking, and clean the gaps regularly, which can effectively reduce mold growth.

How to solve the problem of loose weaving after using rattan furniture for a period of time?

Loose weaving is mainly caused by long-term uneven force, daily friction, or poor weaving craftsmanship, which is manifested by loose rattan strips and enlarged gaps. For slight looseness, you can use fine iron wire or cotton thread to re-fix and tighten the loose rattan strips by yourself, fitting the original weaving texture; if the looseness is severe or the rattan strips fall off, it is recommended to contact professional personnel for repair, replace the loose rattan strips, and re-weave them. In daily use, avoid excessive force on a single point and do not place heavy items on the furniture, which can reduce the probability of loose weaving.