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How long does rattan furniture last outside


How Long Does Rattan Garden Furniture Last? (Updated)

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Longevity, paired with sustainability, are a few of the important qualities when shopping for furniture. And if you’re eyeing up rattan garden furniture, wouldn’t you like to know how long it can last?

Outdoor pieces that are built to last always make a good impression  – both on your garden and your wallet, and rattan pieces never disappoint. The material itself guarantees lasting quality.

But we’re not talking about natural rattan furniture here. In case you haven’t heard, PE rattan is the highest-quality rattan and is incredibly long-lasting.

But how long does it last?

Key takeaways:BillyOh Milan 6 Seater Rattan Corner Sofa Set

Why Does Synthetic Rattan Garden Furniture Last Longer?

Natural rattan has its own unique and perfectly good qualities, but being weatherproof is definitely not one of them. It is, however, fairly lightweight and sturdy and a perfect choice for adding natural elements to any space.

Yet, without the weather-resistant factor, it doesn’t make an ideal outdoor choice. Synthetic rattan furniture, in contrast, is constructed from sustainable materials which make it:

The PE used in garden furniture sets is specially designed and treated to ensure it doesn’t pose any harm to the environment. This makes synthetic outdoor furniture eco-friendly and environmentally safe.

You’re fortunate if you’ve found high-quality synthetic rattan sets like those at BillyOh because that means they’re:

  1. More lightweight than traditional rattan
  2. Stronger and more durable than natural rattan
  3. Weatherproof 
  4. UV-resistant and won’t fade in the sun or crack
  5. Resistant to swelling, rot or mould
  6. Low maintenance garden furniture
Marbella 2-Seater Rattan Armchair Furniture Set with Coffee Table

Synthetic rattan vs other materials

The natural woven material or rattan pieces is one of their biggest selling points. But at the same time, it’s also a weak point.

By that, we mean the loosening strands over time. Meanwhile, the weaves on top-grade synthetic rattan furniture mean it won’t break easily.

You don’t have to worry about the aesthetic of synthetic rattan, either. For one, it mimics the look of its natural counterparts but it also adds a decidedly modern aesthetic.

This means it can give off the same look as natural rattan, but in a modern way that highlights what a top-notch material it is. Another selling point is that PE rattan can withstand outdoor elements.

It has the benefit of being able to handle all types of weather, including humid or damp conditions – unlike natural rattan.

Wooden and metal furniture can rot or rust if left out in the rain for long periods. This means they aren’t always long-lasting if not treated or stored away in bad weather.

But, it isn’t just the rain that can affect the longevity of garden furniture. It’s also the sun and high temperatures which can cause furniture to fade and crack.

Modern, synthetic rattan garden furniture is made from durable plastic polyethene (PE). Other types include polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but PE is the most popular.

This type of synthetic material is also not affected by sun, rain or high temperatures. It’s UV-resistant and weatherproof, making it low maintenance and ideal for use as garden furniture.

BillyOh Minerva 7 Seater Rattan Sofa Set

Low maintenance rattan garden furniture

Another factor contributing to it being long-lasting is the low amount of maintenance required to keep your garden furniture looking as good as new.

To clean synthetic rattan garden furniture, you simply wipe any spillages or stains with soapy water and a cloth. If you’re unsure about leaving furniture set outdoors, you can cover them with a PVC or waterproof cover.

This will provide you with the ultimate protection for your rattan furniture even during harsh weather. With its tough durability, if you give your synthetic rattan furniture special care, it will last you a long time.

It’s a great alternative to natural rattan for its low maintenance and durability.

How long does and should it last?

PE rattan is known for its weatherproof qualities, resistance to rain, snow, frost, and even UV rays. Hence, most garden sets made using this material often last between 5-7 years. 

This just proves how durable and robust synthetic rattan furniture can be. What’s more, if you look after your furniture, its lifespan can even last longer than this.

But if you want to make sure your rattan furniture will have a longer lifecycle, there are a few things you can apply to make it happen.

Keep an eye on the frames

This can determine how long your furniture lasts.

Opting for steel frames is attractive aesthetically, but they do rust in due course. This will affect your furniture in the long run.

So you’ll want to make sure the frame of your furniture is made with powder-coated aluminium frames. This type of framework guarantees to be resistant to rust, creating a huge impact on the lifespan of your set.

In short, your outdoor pieces are likely to last longer. That’s why pieces like our Salerno corner sofa come powder-coated.

On top of that, the set is also made from a weather-resistant flat weave rattan for year-round use.

BillyOh Salerno 4 Seater Corner Rattan Sofa Set With Storage

Keep it covered when not in use

This primarily goes for when they’re not in use. In return, this will assure that your patio furniture will look pristine and be in satisfactory condition for years.

One way to do this is by purchasing a protective cover. Garden furniture covers are the easiest yet effective way to do it.

Luckily for you, there’s no need to search for high-quality covers online. Here at BillyOh, we provide outdoor furniture covers designed with our products in mind. 

Our protective covers are available in polyethene (PE), which is waterproof and UV-resistant. With a cover your can protect your garden patio furniture against eve the harshest weather conditions (and the odd bird or two!).

Image Credit: Pixabay

Have a cleaning routine for your furniture

Like any garden furniture set, rattan pieces are also susceptible to dirt, spills, and stains.

Not to mention the daily use of your set, resulting in wear and tear. But don’t panic; a cleaning routine can bring it to life, focusing on:

For cleaning materials or solutions, you’ll need the following:

As for cleaning equipment and tools, here’s what you’ll need:

You can start by dusting and brushing to remove dust and dirt that has settled on the surface. Make sure to do this once you remove the cushions.

A fine toothbrush will do the trick for reaching the crevices. Or you can use a vacuum (even an air compressor, if possible) to loosen residual dust.

Then apply cleaning solutions and allow it to drip between the weaves. A garden hose can help you do the rinsing part a lot easier and faster.

To dry the furniture, use a clean towel to absorb the excess water, then let it drip and air dry. Leave it for at least 24 hours in a dry area with excellent air circulation.

Once completely dry, put the cushions back on the seat. Then your rattan garden furniture set is ready for use!

Shop Rattan Garden Furniture

FAQs

How Long Does Rattan Garden Furniture Last?

Image Credit: Tolleya / Wikimedia Commons

Rattan garden furniture had been around for hundreds of years, but its timeless style and durable nature makes it a popular outdoor furniture choice to this day. Rattan furniture originally comes from South East Asia and is traditionally made from weaving together species of palm. Today, rattan effect garden furniture is made in a variety of designs from a range of materials, making it ideal for all weathers.

Rattan or Wicker?

Both rattan and wicker are common words in conversations about outdoor furniture, but they’re often confused for one another. The key difference to bear in mind is that rattan is the palm material while wicker is a method that involves the weaving of material to form furniture. That means that all rattan furniture is wicker, but not all wicker is rattan.

Rattan Effect Garden Funiture

While this traditional style has stood the test of time, the material itself doesn’t always. Natural palm rattan can suffer if left outside for long periods of time, especially in wet and rainy conditions. Thankfully, there are synthetic alternatives that maintain the lightweight and sturdy benefits of rattan patio furniture but withstand all weather conditions at the same time (but we still recommend using furniture covers when not in use!).

Plastic Rattan Garden Furniture

Synthetic or plastic rattan garden furniture is constructed from modern materials which make it strong, lightweight and weatherproof. It’s also very easy to clean and maintain, which in turn improves the lifespan of the piece. Some of the benefits of synthetic rattan are that it’s:

1) Flexible and easily woven into garden furniture

2) More lightweight than traditional rattan

3) Stronger and more durable than natural rattan

4) Makes for weatherproof rattan garden furniture

5) UV resistant, so won’t crack or fade in the sun

6) Resistant to swelling, rot or mould

Weatherproof rattan garden furniture

Wooden or metal garden furniture can rot or rust if left out in the rain for long periods of time, meaning they aren’t always long-lasting and often have to be regularly treated or stored away in bad weather. This also applies to periods of bright sunshine – just when you want to be out enjoying your patio furniture! Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause wooden garden furniture to crack, warp or fade.

How to weatherproof rattan garden furniture

Natural palm rattan furniture can be affected by the weather in the same way wooden furniture is, and so must be treated or stored in a shed to ensure longevity.

You also may have to consider treating or coating the wood in varnishes or paint. The most long-lasting method is to coat your rattan furniture with exterior paint or polyurethane varnish; this method will preserve your furniture for a few years, and will likely need recoating after three. You can also oil your rattan furniture with tung or linseed oil, which will protect against the rain but might not withstand regular showers or heavy downpour.

Rattan effect garden furniture, on the other hand, isn’t affected by the weather in the same way. Sun, rain or high temperatures have little to no effect on the synthetic materials used to make plastic rattan garden furniture. These pieces UV resistant, rust-resistant and weatherproof, resulting in furniture that looks good and stands the test of time.

Low-maintenance outdoor rattan furniture

Another benefit of plastic rattan furniture is how little maintenance it requires. Synthetic rattan effect furniture is designed to be more durable than its natural palm inspirations, saving you the worry of repairs and maintenance.

Natural rattan furniture maintenance

While palm rattan has a more natural and vintage appeal, it will require more upkeep to keep it sturdy and weatherproof. Bear in mind these maintenance requirements when considering natural rattan garden furniture.

When dealing with natural rattan, it’s important to regularly clean your furniture. Dust or food particles can get stuck in the weave and grind away at the material, or attract vermin who might scratch or bite at the fibres, resulting in weaker furniture over time. Make sure to clean your rattan furniture thoroughly with water and oil soap, then leave to dry fully before storing.

You can also invest in covers for your furniture. Plastic or PVC covers, either large enough to cover the whole set or fitted to each individual piece, can protect your rattan outdoor furniture against the worst of the elements.

Plastic rattan furniture maintenance

Rattan effect garden furniture comes to you already coated, treated, and designed to last.

With synthetic rattan patio furniture, you can simply wipe any spillages or stains with soapy water and a cloth. If you are still unsure about leaving out your rattan furniture, covering them with a PVC or waterproof cover will give any extra protection from severe weather. This extra step will help your rattan garden furniture stay as fresh and stylish as the day you bought it.

So, how long does it last?

If you take care of natural rattan furniture, treating it with appropriate protective materials and covering it or moving it indoors in particularly bad weather, some say it will last ten years or more. Plastic rattan furniture could easily last longer than ten years, due to its durable construction and maintenance ease.

And if you’re wondering how other customers got on with some of our BillyOh products, why not head over to the customer stories section of our blog to find out?

How to store rattan furniture in winter

Home Articles How to store rattan furniture in winter? Wicker tables, chairs, armchairs and sofas look harmonious on terraces, in gazebos on the banks of water bodies and next to pools. Artificial rattan furniture items are distinguished not only by their attractive appearance, but also by their practicality. They endure temperature fluctuations, changes in humidity levels and are quite unpretentious in maintenance. You can buy a sofa made of artificial rattan or other furniture on the website of the Kornera furniture factory.

Proper care of rattan products can extend their lifespan. In the summer season, it is enough to periodically wet cleaning to clean dust from furniture and protect them from drying out. And in winter, wicker furniture on the street is hardly useful, so in the cold season, it should be properly stored.

Rattan furniture must be brought indoors for the winter. If you leave it in the garden or on an open terrace, then by spring, it may begin to crack. Paint can come off artificial rattan items, and natural fibers will get wet, the process of decay and subsequent deformation of the furniture will begin.

To prepare furniture for winter storage, wash and dry it well. All pillows, mattresses and any fabric parts should be removed from chairs and sofas. Textiles must be washed and sealed in bags.

Storage of wicker furniture in unheated rooms

The storage room can be unheated, as rattan products are not afraid of frost. The key is to keep it dry and well ventilated. A glazed balcony, covered terrace or attic is suitable. With a shortage of space, you can compactly stack the same chairs on top of each other, the same can be done with chairs. To protect furniture from dust, it is covered with a light cloth or plastic wrap.

Moving wicker furniture to the living quarters for the winter

It is quite acceptable to use wicker furniture in living quarters if the interior of a country house is made in a classic, ethnic or rustic style. When storing and using rattan items in a warm room, they should be installed away from any heating devices (radiators, fireplaces, heaters) to prevent the material from drying out.

Outdoor storage of wicker furniture

When it is not possible to bring garden furniture indoors for the winter, you can choose special flannel-insulated vinyl covers for it. All items must be pre-washed and dried, and only then packed in cases.

With proper care, furniture made of artificial or natural rattan will serve its owners for 10-15 years, while maintaining strength and presentable appearance.

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About the RAMMUS factory and our production of eco rattan furniture

The history of the RAMMUS factory dates back to 1999. It was then, thanks to the founder of the factory, that the first artificial rattan appeared in Russia. German manufacturers received it by the extrusion method. Such material and furniture from it was something outlandish, but in Europe this furniture was in incredible demand.

Have you thought about furnishing a place where you can have a good time? A place you don't want to leave? Where could you sit leisurely, think and enjoy your favorite drink? In such cases, furniture is one of the important points. It should be not only comfortable, but also pleasing to the eye. And what could be more pleasing to the eye than natural colors and textures? But natural materials have one significant disadvantage - it is not as durable as modern composite materials. The RAMMUS factory (Russia) offers an excellent alternative - wicker furniture made of eco-tang. Such furniture is made from the patented RAMMUS-fiber (ekotanga). This polymeric material allows you to produce stylish furniture that will look like natural wicker, but it will not have the disadvantages of natural material.

RAMMUS-fiber (ekorotang) is a 100% environmentally friendly new generation polymer material, which is produced according to a unique formula developed by RAMMUS. We use primary raw materials - granular high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and linear polyethylene (LLDPE - low-density linear high-pressure polyethylene) from Sabic and dyes from the Masterbatch brand. Also, a raw mixture of special additives is added to the raw materials for the eco-tank - this makes the final material become as resistant to external influences as possible. Outwardly, the RAMMUS eco-tank is identical to natural rattan due to natural shades and colors and texture that repeats the vine. That is why you will not notice cardinal differences. But once you start using RAMMUS furniture, you will appreciate the practicality and quality of each product.

The main differences between RAMMUS eco-tank and other types of artificial rattan

To the naked eye, it seems to the ordinary consumer that all artificial rattans are the same. But European manufacturers, and many artificial rattan furniture factories in Russia, use synthetic rattan - polyrattan or technorattan. These materials use recycled materials. It significantly degrades the quality characteristics of the material. As a result, furniture made from such synthetic rattan is not very suitable for use in our climate. Sharp changes in temperature spoil not only the appearance of the furniture, but also destroy the very structure of the rattan - the tension of the fibers weakens, the service life decreases to only 5 years.

Rattan furniture factory RAMMUS did not copy the technology of European production. We have developed our own formula for polymer rattan, which is called eco-tan or "RAMMUS-fiber". Environmentally friendly primary polymer raw materials make our wicker furniture of unique quality and environmental friendliness.

5 main reasons to buy artificial rattan furniture (RAMMUS ecotan)

Technological innovations make the RAMMUS eco-tank unique:

Our eco-tank has characteristics that make it meet all international standards. It is moisture resistant and fireproof, resistant to chemically aggressive environments and UV radiation, prevents the reproduction of pathogenic flora and does not require special care.

RAMMUS eco-tank is identical in appearance to natural rattan. It has the texture and color of natural material - twigs and branches of a real vine. Milky, beige, brown, light gray and anthracite gray are a color palette that allows our furniture to blend seamlessly into any interior or blend into a garden setting.

A wide range of wicker furniture from the artificial rattan wicker furniture factory RAMMUS

RAMMUS fiber furniture is suitable for equipping not only private houses and estates. This material makes it possible to use such furniture everywhere. Hotels and catering establishments, offices and medical centers, as well as outdoor areas in gardens, summer cafes, terraces and patios - you will not find furniture more suitable than the products of the RAMMUS

9 factory0004 Artificial rattan furniture produced by the Russian factory RAMMUS is not only products for recreation. We have a variety of wicker products for various functional purposes:

  1. Leisure furniture . Sofas (including modular ones), armchairs (including hanging ones), banquettes, ottomans, swings.
  2. Dining groups . Dining and coffee tables, chairs, bar counters.
  3. Storage furniture . Cabinets, chests of drawers, TV stands, baskets, chests.
  4. Beach furniture . Sun loungers, sun loungers, tables for sun loungers.
  5. Furniture for bars and restaurants . Bar sets and counters, furniture for storage, trolleys for waiters.

All about the design of rammus wicker furniture RAMMUS

Our ecotang wicker furniture production

The production processes started in 1999. We have used the time interval of more than 20 years with maximum benefit. Now the RAMMUS factory occupies a place in the top three domestic manufacturers of wicker furniture.

We started with polyrattan, raw materials for which were purchased in Germany. But in 2013, we developed a unique technology for the production of eco-tank and began to produce products from it.

Qualified personnel, machine tools and equipment from the best manufacturers from the USA, Russia and Europe allow us to produce more than 10 tons of RAMMUS fiber (eco-tank) and more than 600 pieces of furniture products per month. We sell not only furniture of our own production, but also sell the RAMMUS eco-tang itself in large and small wholesale.

Benefits of cooperation with eco-tang furniture factory RAMMUS

RAMMUS factory has been engaged in wicker furniture since 1999, and at the moment is one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Russia. The main direction of the factory's work is the production of wicker furniture for summer cottages and gardens, terraces, verandas and balconies - private and public. The prices of RAMMUS rattan furniture are affordable for Russians, and the quality and durability will please any buyer. Ecorotang RAMMUS is the best alternative to European brands. It is not inferior in quality, and the prices are pleasantly different from competitors. Our well-established production allows us to produce about 10 tons of RAMMUS fiber and more than 600 units of serial furniture. With us you can not only buy rattan furniture on the Internet, but also buy RAMMUS artificial rattan (ecorotang) in small and large wholesale.

6 stages of the production cycle for the manufacture of rattan furniture:

  1. Designing the finished model and frame of wicker furniture.
  2. Manufacture of own eco-tank.
  3. Assembly and painting of the metal frame.
  4. Weave product.
  5. Tailoring of upholstered furniture elements.
  6. Quality control.

Designing the finished model and frame of wicker furniture

No modern production can do without computer 3d modeling. A sketch of a model developed by designers with a well-thought-out style, color scheme and shape is turned into a three-dimensional model. It allows you to verify the ergonomics and proportions of future furniture, its aesthetic appearance. The 3d model is approved and transferred to the company's production workshop so that the first serial sample is born. This is where the differences between the RAMMUS factory and other industries begin. In addition to mass production, we are ready to offer you individual exclusive products made according to your ideas, sizes and sketches.

Manufacture of our own eco-tank RAMMUS

Sustainability and sustainability are our main principles in the production of our artificial vine. Environmentally friendly raw materials do not help in this: granulated primary high-density polyethylene (LLDPE) from the Sabic brand, as well as Masterbatch dye. On a modern extrusion line, we get a non-toxic, harmless, hypoallergenic eco-tank that looks like natural rattan. But the main difference from natural rattan is durability up to 30 years! And all thanks to special additives. They make RAMMUS fibers resistant to any temperature surprises.

Assembling and painting a metal frame for wicker furniture RAMMUS

An unmissable stage is the production of a supporting frame from aluminum. Our furniture is unlike competitors' products that have a heavy steel frame or metal alloy frame. Such furniture is inconvenient due to the large mass, difficulty in moving and susceptibility to corrosion. In our production, we use a strong and light profile aluminum pipe, resistant to corrosion, mechanical damage and aggressive environments. And argon welding, subsequent grinding of welding seams and painting with polymer paints, by spraying, give a full guarantee that the furniture will be easy and durable to use.

Artificial Eco-Tang Furniture Weaving

Advanced technology and high-quality raw materials help us produce innovative RAMMUS fiber material.

But in order to make unsurpassed furniture from eco-tank, our specialists manually perform all stages of braiding the aluminum frame with rattan fiber. At the final stage of weaving, heat shrinking of the fiber is carried out so that the rattan is stretched.

Sewing upholstered elements for wicker furniture

We also pay special attention to cases. Materials for sewing soft elements are used only certified - high quality and from trusted suppliers. The service life of products from such fabrics is higher, they are wear-resistant, do not fade in the sun. For RAMMUS furniture that will be used inside buildings, we produce covers with a moisture and dirt-repellent coating. They remain bright for a long time, and completely retain their original appearance, even if washed frequently.

Control at the RAMMUS wicker furniture factory

All manufactured artificial rattan furniture RAMMUS (Russia) undergoes a multi-stage close control.

Our technical control department conducts visual inspection, dimensional control and compliance with GOST 16371-2014. Fiber and weaving are also tested. If the control passes, the product receives a company nameplate - a quality mark, a warranty card, it is packed in a shipping box, and then sent to the warehouse.

Choose artificial rattan furniture from the RAMMUS factory, which is produced in Russia. We are well aware of the climatic features of our country, which is why we have developed a unique polymer fiber.

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