How Long Does Synthetic Rattan Furniture Last Outdoors?

Introduction

As more and more people look for outdoor furniture options, the popularity of synthetic rattan has grown exponentially. It is no longer just a cheaper alternative to natural rattan; it has become a fashionable and durable material for outdoor furniture. But how long can synthetic rattan furniture last outdoors?

The blog post will explore the different types of synthetic rattan, compare it to natural rattan, examine its performance in various weather conditions, and discuss the impact of the furniture frame, weaving methods, and craftsmanship. We will also provide some tips on maintaining your outdoor rattan furniture.

What is synthetic rattan?

Synthetic rattan is an artificial material designed to look like natural rattan. It is made from a variety of materials, including PE (polythene), PU (polyurethane), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Each material has its unique characteristics.

PE rattan furniture is the most durable, with a 5-7 years lifespan, while PU and PVC counterparts have a shorter one of 1-3 years.

PE rattan is the most common material used in synthetic rattan furniture. It is durable, weather-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures.
PU rattan is a bit more expensive than PE rattan but has a leather-like texture.
PVC rattan is the cheapest option but is also the least durable.

Natural Rattan vs Synthetic Rattan

Natural rattan is made from the stem of a tropical climbing plant and is known for its flexibility and lightweight. However, it is less durable than synthetic rattan and can easily crack or split in extreme weather conditions.

On the other hand, synthetic rattan is designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments. It is resistant to UV rays, high temperatures, and rain, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.

How is PE rattan produced?

Here is an overview of the production process for PE rattan:

Raw materials: PE rattan is made from high-density polythene (HDPE) and low-density polythene (LDPE). These materials are derived from petrochemicals and are combined with other auxiliary materials, such as colourants and stabilizers, to achieve the desired properties and characteristics.

Production steps:

Extrusion: The HDPE and LDPE are mixed with the auxiliary materials and melted in an extruder machine to form a long, continuous plastic tube.

Drawing: The extruded tube is pulled through a series of dies to form the desired shape and size of the rattan.
Cooling and cutting: The newly-formed rattan is cooled and cut to the appropriate length.

Treatment: The rattan is treated with UV stabilizers and other chemicals to improve its weather resistance and durability.
Packing: The finished rattan is packed and shipped to furniture manufacturers to be used in the production of synthetic rattan furniture.

Price range:

The price range for PE rattan can vary depending on factors such as the materials’ quality, the production process, and the country of origin. China is known for producing some of the most competitively-priced PE rattan on the market.

Leading PE rattan maker:

Leisure Touch Rattan is a Chinese company specializing in producing high-quality PE rattan. According to industry reports, they hold a 45% market share for domestic sales in China. They use advanced production techniques and high-quality materials to produce PE rattan that is durable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing.

How good is the synthetic rattan furniture?

Synthetic rattan furniture is an excellent choice for outdoor use because of its durability and weather resistance. It can withstand high temperatures, UV rays, rain, strong wind, and snow. However, the performance of synthetic rattan furniture varies depending on the material quality and craftsmanship.

High temperature: A test report conducted by SGS, a global testing and certification company, evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to high temperatures. The test involved exposing the table to a temperature of 60°C for 24 hours. The report found that the furniture showed no signs of melting or deformation.
UV: Another test report conducted by SGS evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to UV radiation. The test involved exposing the table to UV light for 200 hours. The report found that the furniture showed no signs of colour fading or surface degradation.
Rain: A test report conducted by TUV Rheinland, a global testing and certification company, evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to rain. The test involved exposing the furniture to a simulated rainstorm for 24 hours. The report found that the furniture remained dry and showed no signs of water damage.
Strong wind: A test report conducted by Intertek, a global testing and certification company, evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to strong wind. The test involved subjecting the furniture to a wind speed of 40 km/h for 2 hours. The report found that the furniture remained stable and showed no signs of damage or deformation.
Mould: A test report conducted by Bureau Veritas, a global testing and certification company, evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to mould growth. The test involved exposing the furniture to a high-humidity environment for 28 days. The report found that the furniture showed no signs of mould growth.
Snow: A test report conducted by SGS evaluated the resistance of synthetic rattan furniture to snow. The test involved subjecting the furniture to a temperature of -20°C and a snow load of 5 kg/m2 for 24 hours. The report found that the furniture remained stable and showed no signs of damage or deformation.

Furniture Frames

The frame of the furniture also plays a crucial role in determining the durability of the rattan furniture. Aluminium is the best frame material for rattan furniture because it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. In addition, they are easy to clean.

Weaving Methods

The weaving method used to produce synthetic rattan furniture can also impact its durability. Two different weaving methods known to be durable are the hand-woven and machine-woven methods. The hand-woven method has a tighter weave, which makes the furniture more durable. On the other hand, there may be better options for durability than weaving methods that use loose or weak connections.

Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship is an essential factor determining synthetic rattan furniture’s overall quality and durability. The tightness of the weaving is a vital aspect of craftsmanship. If the weaving is not tight enough, the furniture may not be able to withstand heavy use and may break easily. Therefore, quality checks during production are essential to ensure the furniture’s durability.

How to maintain outdoor PE rattan furniture

Proper maintenance is essential to keep your outdoor rattan furniture looking new and to prolong its lifespan. Here are practical tips for maintaining your rattan furniture:

Daily easy maintenance: Wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt.
How to deal with heavy stains: Use warm water and mild soap to remove stains—no harsh chemicals due to their damage to the surface.
Air-dry outdoors before subsequent use: After cleaning, let the furniture air-dry before using it again. It will prevent moisture from building up and potentially damaging the furniture.
Use protective covers when you don’t use them for a long time: If you plan on storing your furniture for an extended period, use protective covers to keep it safe from dust and dirt. It will also protect it from UV ray exposure, resulting in fading and damage over time.

Final thoughts

Synthetic rattan furniture is an excellent choice for outdoor use due to its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance. The quality of the materials used, the craftsmanship of the furniture, and the proper maintenance are all factors that can affect the lifespan of synthetic rattan furniture. With good care and attention, your rattan furniture can last many years and provide a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space.