Gardenline Rattan Effect 3pc Table and 2 Chairs Egg Bistro Set

Product Information

This three-piece set is the second Aldi garden furniture buy we tried. Also arriving in a big box, we were happy not to have to construct anything, as the table and chairs was complete and ready to use. The set features a rattan design throughout, and this weaved finish has added stylish texture to our outdoor space. Two cushions are also included for seat comfort, and their slimline shape makes for compact storage when not in use. We have a small garden, and have arranged the rattan bistro set on our patio. Rattan garden furniture is readily available in garden centres and furniture stores, as well as department stores and high street chains such as B&M and Argos. You can also buy it from some supermarkets over the summer and of course, from online retailers. Opting for the most durable PE-rattan garden furniture your budget allows can, therefore, become an important way to minimise some of the environmental impact of polyrattan furniture, and that means considering the type of frame that gives rattan garden furniture its structure; namely whether it's constructed from steel or aluminium. Plus, of course, opting for the most durable rattan garden set your budget allows will save you money in the long run. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each metal and their outdoor durability.

The ease with which you can clean rattan is one of the biggest benefits of having it in your garden. The downside, of course, is that unlike biodegradable natural rattan, most PE-rattan garden furniture is currently unrecyclable at the end of its lifespan. Although some advances are being made in repurposing single-use plastics for the manufacture of the polymers needed to create the furniture in the first place. Authentic rattan furniture is made from rattan vines that have been woven together in to create stylish furniture that is usually used in the garden. Rattan is known for being light and durable, making it perfect for outdoor use. Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

OUTDOOR furniture really comes into its own in summer and the best rattan garden furniture not only looks fab but is comfortable too and really makes you want to sit outside and enjoy the sunny weather. If you opt for rattan garden furniture with rust and weather-resistant aluminium frames, then this style of outdoor furniture is also particularly durable. Steel-framed rattan garden furniture will be more affordable, but less resilient when it comes to withstanding the elements, although storing steel-framed garden furniture under cover during the worst of the weather will prolong its lifespan considerably.

Plastic, as an alternative, is waterproof, UV-resistant, frost-resistant, and requires very minimal maintenance in comparison, leading to it being favoured by manufacturers for low-maintenance outdoor options. Rattan is weather resistant and highly durable. You’ll see it in dining sets, armchairs, loungers, egg chairs and all styles of patio furniture. Top it with squishy cushions for the ultimate lounging experience, add family and friends for an alfresco party, or simply sit and read a book in the sunshine. Why not use real rattan? Although the natural fibre is what inspired the rattan look we all love, the organic material needs a little more TLC to survive outdoors, requiring protection from damp and moisture, and needing to be shielded from direct sunlight and wind which can cause it to become brittle. We've included a mix of both frame types in this guide to cater to all budgets, so whether you're looking for a rattan garden table and chairs for alfresco dining, a rattan corner sofa to create a swoon-worthy outdoor living area, or a rattan sun lounger for soaking up some rays in style, you'll find the season's best options right here, along with our go-to retailers for sourcing this popular look.Most modern 'rattan' garden furniture is usually made from PE-rattanor polyrattanrather than real, organic rattan. Both terms are slightly different names for the same woven synthetic plastic polymer that is fashioned to emulate the appearance of natural rattan. As one of the two sets we tested, we found this set to be perfect for every type of outdoor space – be that big or small. With a fairly titchy garden ourselves, we didn’t find that it made the space feel overcrowded. The three-piece set arrived in a large box with all the pieces neatly wrapped, and assembly was particularly easy, and took us around 15 minutes to build. As a side note, we’d have liked it if there was an option for it to be taken away and recycled though. Once up, we were impressed by how comfortable it was. Plus, the cushions provide ample support and offer the perfect base for lounging in the sunshine. Investing in the best rattan garden furniture that your budget allows will make for a timeless addition to your outdoor space, with this classic style offering good looks, practicality, and – depending on the materials you opt for – great outdoor durability. As such most manufacturers will recommend you store steel-framed rattan garden furniture in a sheltered environment during inclement weather to prolong its lifespan. This can be inconvenient if you don't have a garage or shed for storage, plus, steel is pretty heavy to move. A waterproof outdoor furniture cover will help to protect steel rattan furniture from the worst of the elements, although it's hard to prevent damp from penetrating over time, so expect steel-framed options to have a shorter lifespan overall. You’ll find rattan garden furniture to suit all price points, from the inexpensive to the high-end, so you’re sure to find something to fit your budget.

Although rattan is durable, everything has its limitations and if it's going to be raining heavily it's best to cover your furniture with a garden furniture cover to keep it dry. Natural rattan can be fairly expensive, so if you want the same look for less keep an eye out for synthetic rattan. While the synthetic models don’t have all the same benefits as natural, it has the same stylish look and is usually fairly good quality for a far lower price. How to clean rattan garden furnitureThese days most 'rattan' garden sets are made from weather-resistant PE-rattan (a plastic polymer woven to look like the real thing), meaning that rattan outdoor furniture is a low-maintenance option that requires very little upkeep – unlike wood which will benefit from a top up with wood preservative every now and then. It feature an adjustable height, the infrared heater can also be tilted to an angle that's convenient. The design is water-resistant too, handy throughout the great British summer. The free-standing heater has three heat settings and a built in tip-over safety switch for added peace of mind. Whether or not you can leave rattan garden furniture outside in the rain without it becoming damaged is largely due to the type of metal frame the set is constructed with. All you need to do is use some warm, soapy water and wipe off any dirty areas with a clean cloth. After that’s done, grab a clean and dry cloth and wipe it down to dry it and make sure it's properly clean and dry before you start using it again. How to look after rattan garden furniture