We’ve previously spoken about all the benefits of buying rattan furniture: it’s stylish, durable and comfortable. It’s no surprise, therefore, that more and more people are buying outdoor wicker furniture, and rattan in particular.
So if you’re looking to add to your furniture collection with some great quality rattan furniture (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?), read on for some tips on how to choose the best rattan garden furniture.
Natural or Synthetic?
As we’ve covered before, while many people would choose natural rattan furniture, a generally better choice, especially for a purchase of outdoor wicker furniture, is to go for synthetic rattan. The simple reason for this is that synthetic rattan furniture is extremely durable and strong, far more so than natural rattan. It is highly resistant to UV rays, and withstands almost anything the elements can throw at it. The durability of rattan furniture is something that you should always consider when looking to buy. For tips on how to keep your rattan garden furniture protected, or repair it if it gets damaged, check out some of our other blog posts.
Remember, comfort is paramount
A lot of people carefully inspect every inch of the weave on their new rattan furniture, but pay no attention to the upholstery! Remember, you’re going to be sitting on this furniture, so the cushions have to be comfortable. Obviously, you can buy different cushions later, but most rattan chairs come with cushions already, so it makes sense to just buy the furniture with the best cushions. You should watch out for cushions that are too thin, as they are more likely to be made of more shoddy material. The best cushions are those which can be removed, as they’re extremely easy to just pop off and clean if you accidentally spill something (for example). Ideally, they would also be UV resistant, especially if you’re leaving them out in sunlight for long periods of time.
Don’t forget those frames!
Another very important thing to consider when buying rattan furniture is the frame. A solid, sturdy frame is key. The best frames (and the ones you should always seek out) are made of a non-corroding metal like aluminium. The reason this is so important is because a corroding metal like steel will rust if it gets too wet (ie, if it rains) whereas aluminium will remain tough and strong regardless of the weather.
A fine example of a sturdy, aluminium frame.
We hope these tips for things to look out for when purchasing rattan furniture help you out in the future. If you have any questions about rattan furniture, then feel free to ask us via our website or on social media. If you’re looking to buy rattan furniture online, then pay a visit to us here at London Rattan.