Mumsnet Talk

In order to take advantage of the sunny summer we are going to have DH and I are thinking of buying new garden furniture. I know this isn't a very exciting subject but can anyone advise me whether pvc rattan furniture (like this table and chairs or maybe like this set) can really survive a year round outdoor existence with minimal maintenance?

The manufacturers claim: "Made from fully weatherproof PVC rattan, this maintenance free set can be left outdoors all year round. The pvc rattan is hand woven over a rust resistant frame and the whole set is designed to live outdoors all year round. Any dust or dirt can be easily washed off with a hose pipe or power washer. It is also UV light resistant to ensure that the coloured rattan does not fade in the sunlight."

Impressive marketing, but I am sceptical. Can anyone reassure me that their rattan garden furniture is till looking good after spending a year or two outside enjoying the great British climate?

Many thanks.

bump

I don't have direct experience but didn't want to leave it unanswered. My cousin swears hers (I don't think it's exactly the same but looks very similar) is fine, but I know she had it inside from beginning of September and is only putting it out now, so I don't count it as weather-proof. If you have covers, maybe. But hers was out from only end June to September and when taken out of shed last week needed a good clean. I think it's a bit slimy, as though it has mould on it.

If you do hose it do it on a very hot day so it can dry properly. And it definitely faded a bit(top is lighter than underneath). Why not go for wood. We got some quite cheap B&Q wood which has lasted over 5 years. Out all the time (Irish weather ) and only teak oiled twice in the 5 years.

Thanks maryz for taking time to reply. I'm not keen on wood - we had some (quite expensive) teak furniture last time and although the table was covered and put up on brick block during winter (to stop the damp seeping upwards) it still went rotten and literally broke after 3 winters. My second choice would be 'lightweight' aluminium I think (like the B&Q Boston range) but I quite like the look of the pvc rattan. It's a lot of money though which is why I am trying to do a little research

Hmmm your cousin's slimy furniture doesn't sound too appealing especially if it's been stored in her shed!

Thank you again.

We had a wicker chair once. We used it in the garden. One spring it started to shoot and eventually we ended up with a chair shaped willow bush.

Not sure it would happen with rattan though.

{grin} Orm

Errr Orm

Excellent Orm
Camouflage, dual purpose seating!
Who needs rattan ...

just came across this post so thought would just tell all about this website i came across online www.alexander-francis.co.uk , they have some really beautiful sofa sets and outdoor furniture range and most importantly they are all weather proof with a 5 year gaurantee. must check

Yes you can leave your rattan garden furniture out all year round but it has to be the synthetic rattan. The synthetic rattan is fully weatherproof (you do need to bring in the cushions) will not fade or rust and can be left outdoors all year round. I am a busy mum of two but run a website called www.rattanfurnitureuk.co.uk where all our rattan furniture is fully weatherproof. We have had a rattan garden cube for 4 years now and every spring even I am amazed that it still looks brand new. My two next door neighbours and 3 of my friends also have one as they have been so impressed with mine and probably to shut me up as I can go on and on about how great this garden furniture is! Ok, I'll stop!

Sorry that link didnt seem to work! Heres the website if you want to have a look. www.rattanfurnitureuk.co.uk

We have some - survived two winters now, and looks in good shape. We cover it up in the winter (it came with a protective cover thing) but otherwise don't do anything. It hasn't spouted into anything though <jealous>