Can Rattan Be Used Outdoors? | The Synthetic vs Natural Trap

You spot a beautiful woven chair online and picture it on your patio. The listing just says “rattan,” so you buy it. A few months later the strands are cracking, the color has faded, and the frame feels flimsy. That’s because not all rattan handles outdoor life the same way.

The honest answer is that rattan can be used outdoors, but only if you pick the right type and care for it properly. Natural rattan is vulnerable to moisture and sunlight, while synthetic rattan (resin wicker) shrugs off the elements. This article walks you through the difference and how to make either choice last.

What Makes Natural and Synthetic Rattan Different Outdoors

The core distinction is simple: natural rattan is a plant stalk woven into furniture, and synthetic rattan is a plastic-based material molded to look like it. That single difference determines almost everything about outdoor performance.

Natural rattan absorbs water like a sponge. Leave it in rain and the fibers swell, soften, and eventually rot. Sunlight fades and dries it out until the strands crack. It’s gorgeous indoors, but outdoors it demands covered patios or careful seasonal storage.

Synthetic rattan — often called resin wicker — is made from polyethylene or PVC. It’s UV-stabilized, waterproof, and won’t rot or splinter. Most furniture brands selling “all-weather rattan” are selling this material. It’s the safest bet for uncovered decks and gardens.

Why The “Rattan” Label Confuses Buyers

Furniture listings often use “rattan” and “wicker” interchangeably, even though they describe two different things. Rattan is the raw material; wicker describes the weaving technique. A piece labeled “wicker chair” could use natural rattan, synthetic rattan, bamboo, or even paper cord. You won’t know until you check the product details.

• Check the tag or listing: Look for “synthetic rattan,” “resin wicker,” “all-weather wicker,” or “PE rattan.” Those terms signal outdoor-ready material. Natural rattan is usually labeled simply “rattan” or “natural wicker.”
• Feel the strand: Synthetic rattan feels smooth and slightly plasticky. Natural rattan has a coarse, fibrous texture. Press a fingernail into an inconspicuous spot — plastic gives a little; bamboo-like fiber does not.
• Look at the frame: Outdoor-grade pieces use aluminum or powder-coated steel frames. Natural rattan furniture often has a wood or bamboo frame underneath, which rots quickly when wet.
• Read the care tag: If the label says “indoor use only” or “keep dry,” that natural rattan won’t survive a full season on an exposed deck.

Retailers like Lowes point out that more durable than bamboo when woven correctly, but durability means little against rain if the material is natural. The weave itself isn’t the weak point — the plant fiber is.

What Happens To Natural Rattan In Rain And Sun

Rain is the fastest destroyer of natural rattan. Water seeps into the core of each strand, causing swelling that loosens the weave. Repeated wet-dry cycles lead to warping, mold growth, and structural failure within a few months. Covered patios and umbrellas help, but they don’t eliminate the risk.

Sun exposure is the second problem. Natural rattan contains lignin, which degrades under UV light. Over a season of direct sun, the material turns brittle, loses its honey-brown color to a dull gray, and develops hairline cracks. Furniture manufacturers advise against placing natural rattan in full sun for this reason.

If you already own natural rattan and want to use it outside, keep it on a covered porch or under a roof overhang. Remove cushions during rain, and bring the piece indoors during the off-season. Even then, expect some color shift and gradual drying over two or three years.

How To Maintain Synthetic Rattan For Years Of Outdoor Use

Synthetic rattan asks for less work than natural, but neglect still shortens its life. Dust, pollen, and bird droppings accumulate in the weave and can trap moisture if left too long. A quick monthly rinse keeps the material looking fresh.

1. Rinse with a hose: Spray down the furniture to dislodge loose debris. Use a low-pressure nozzle so you don’t force water into the frame joints.
2. Scrub with mild soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the strands, and a soft brush to clean between woven strands. Avoid bleach or abrasive cleaners — they dull the surface.
3. Tilt to dry: After rinsing, tip the furniture on its side or at an angle so water runs off the weave instead of pooling in crevices. This prevents standing water from staining the resin.
4. Cover when not in use: A breathable furniture cover blocks UV and rain. Avoid non-breathing plastic covers that trap humidity underneath — condensation can lead to mold on cushions and frame joints.
5. Store during extreme weather: If you live in a region with snow or hurricanes, move synthetic rattan into a shed or garage for the season. It’s waterproof but not indestructible under heavy snow loads.

Most synthetic rattan warranties cover 1 to 5 years of normal outdoor use, depending on the brand. The frame often determines longevity — aluminum resists rust, while steel frames can develop rust spots if the coating chips. Check frame material before buying if you expect heavy weather.

Why Some “Indoor” Rattan Survives On Covered Decks

Moving indoor wicker furniture outdoors is possible, but the margin for error is slim. The frame is usually wood or bamboo, the stain is interior-grade, and the weave is natural rattan. A covered deck that stays dry and shaded can extend its life, but sudden rain or wind-blown sun will still cause damage.

One common mistake is assuming a “water-resistant” finish on natural rattan makes it rain-ready. Most spray-on sealers wear off within weeks of sun and rain exposure, leaving the fiber unprotected. Reapplying sealer every spring helps, but it’s a bandage, not a fix.

If you want the look of natural rattan but need something outdoor-tolerant, consider brands that sell “synthetic rattan with natural texture.” These pieces mimic the irregular strand thickness of plant rattan while using UV-stabilized polyethylene. They cost more upfront but skip the maintenance headache.

The Bottom Line

Synthetic rattan is the practical choice for outdoor use — it’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and needs only basic cleaning. Natural rattan works on covered patios if you store it during wet months and reapply sealer regularly, but it will never match the lifespan of synthetic. Check the label, feel the material, and read the frame specs before you buy.

For your specific deck, porch, or garden setup, a local furniture retailer or patio specialist can help you match the right rattan type to your climate and sun exposure without guessing.