What are the disadvantages of rattan furniture?
Great question — rattan has a lot going for it, but it’s not perfect for every situation. Here’s a no-fluff list of the main disadvantages of rattan furniture:
Doesn’t Like Moisture
Natural rattan is not waterproof. Leave it in the rain or damp conditions and it can warp, crack, or grow mold.
- Best used indoors or in covered outdoor spaces.
- Not ideal for uncovered patios or gardens.
Can Fade in Direct Sunlight
Prolonged UV exposure can dry it out and cause fading.
- Keep it shaded or rotate pieces now and then.
- Don’t leave it baking in full sun for months.
Weave Can Fray or Snap Over Time
Especially if it’s a loose or poorly made weave. High traffic = more wear.
- Choose tightly woven, high-quality craftsmanship
- Avoid overly thin or decorative-only pieces for everyday use.
Needs Occasional Maintenance
It lasts a long time, but it does better with light care — dusting, gentle cleaning, and avoiding excess moisture.
The Bottom Line:
Rattan is beautiful, strong, and natural — but it’s not bulletproof.
Choose the right type, place it smartly, and it’ll serve you well for years.
Will a rattan dining chair last a long time, I mean are they strong enough for commercial restaurants
Yes — high-quality rattan dining chairs can absolutely last a long time, and they can be strong enough for commercial use — if you choose the right build.
Durability Depends on the Build:
- Solid Frame: Look for chairs built with hardwood or reinforced steel frames — not softwood or lightweight aluminum.
- Tight Weave: Commercial-grade rattan chairs use a dense, even weave that won’t sag or fray over time.
- Joinery: Screwed or wrapped joints > glued ones. You want structure, not shortcuts.
For Restaurants: Choose Wisely
- Natural rattan is stylish and warm, but best for indoor or covered outdoor spaces.
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For busy cafes or patios, consider synthetic rattan (PE wicker) — it's designed to handle spills, humidity, and daily traffic.
How Long Will They Last?
With the right care and commercial-grade quality, a good rattan chair can easily last 5–10 years in a restaurant setting — sometimes more.
Bottom line:
Yes, rattan can go commercial — but don’t buy the decorative kind.
Go for quality build, tight weave, and reinforced frames. They’ll look amazing and take the hits like a pro.
How can you tell if the rattan furniture is high quality?
1. Tight, Even Weave
Look closely. Is the weave consistent? Are the strands snug and uniform?
Good rattan = no gaps, no sagging, no sloppy overlaps.
2. Solid Frame Material
Check what's underneath — is it made with hardwood, steel, or strong cane poles?
Cheap versions often use weak wood or plastic frames that wobble or warp.
3. Weight & Feel
High-quality rattan feels sturdy when you lift or sit in it — not flimsy or brittle.
It should flex slightly, but not creak or bend under pressure.
4. Smooth Finish
Run your hand over it.
It should feel smooth, sealed, and splinter-free — not rough or sharp at the edges.
5. Handcrafted Detail
Look at the joins and corners.
Are they tightly wrapped and well-secured, or glued and rushed? Handmade pieces show care in the small stuff.
6. Real Rattan vs. Faux
Tap it. Real rattan is warm, fibrous, and natural-looking. Plastic versions may look shiny or too perfect.
If it’s plastic, it’s not premium — just wicker-style.
8. Not Sure What Rattan Furniture Buy?
Don’t worry — we’re the rattan whisperers. Message our team and we’ll guide you to the perfect piece for your space.
7. Not All Synthetic Rattan Is Cheap Junk
Don’t be fooled — not all plastic rattan is created equal.
While budget versions crack and fade, high-end synthetic rattan is engineered for outdoor living:
UV-resistant, all-weather proof, and built to handle years of sun, rain, and party spills.
8. Is There a High-Quality Rattan Option for Outdoors?
At Smithers, we stock luxury outdoor rattan sets with ultra-durable weaves and plush weatherproof cushions — so you get the style of natural rattan without the upkeep.
👉 See Our Outdoor Rattan Range
Can rattan chairs get wet?
Short answer: Rattan chairs can get wet — but they shouldn’t stay wet.
Natural Rattan
- Can handle the occasional splash or light moisture
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But: prolonged exposure to water (rain, puddles, humidity) can cause it to warp, crack, or go moldy
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Best used indoors or in covered outdoor areas (porches, sunrooms, etc.)
What to Do If It Gets Wet:
- Wipe it dry with a towel ASAP
- Let it air-dry completely in a well-ventilated space
- Avoid leaving it on wet surfaces
Avoid This:
- Leaving natural rattan furniture outside overnight or in the rain
- Using it in damp basements or unventilated storage
What About Synthetic Rattan?
If you want a rattan look that’s fully weatherproof, go for PE rattan (resin wicker) — it’s made for outdoor use and can handle the elements.
Bottom line:
Natural rattan = low-key water-resistant, not waterproof.
Treat it with care, and it’ll last for years.
Which is a better dining chair, wicker or rattan?
Actually, it’s not one or the other — because wicker is a style of weave, and rattan is a material.
Rattan
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A strong, flexible natural material (like a vine)
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Lightweight but durable
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Commonly used in high-quality dining chairs and frames
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Can be woven into wicker styles or used as solid poles
Wicker
- A weaving technique, not a material
- Can be made from rattan, bamboo, plastic, or resin
- Depends entirely on what it's made from
So what’s better for dining?
A rattan chair with wicker weave is usually best — it gives you the beauty of the wicker look with the strength and natural warmth of real rattan.
Bottom line:
If you're choosing between a rattan dining chair and a cheap synthetic wicker one, rattan wins every time for quality, feel, and longevity.
why is rattan furniture expensive now, your chairs are quite expensive high, why are they ?
Is rattan furniture hard to maintain?
Not at all — rattan furniture is surprisingly easy to maintain.
Here’s the truth:
Good-quality rattan practically takes care of itself. It's durable, lightweight, and made to last. Just follow these simple tips:
Basic Rattan Care:
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Dust it regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum brush.
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Wipe with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) to keep it clean.
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Keep it dry — rattan doesn’t like sitting in moisture.
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Avoid harsh sunlight to prevent fading if it’s natural rattan.
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Tighten screws or check joints occasionally if it’s a flat-pack build.
Bonus:
For spills or deeper cleans, use a mild soap and warm water — then dry it off with a soft towel. That's it.
So no, it’s not hard at all. In fact, that’s why people love it — rattan gives you texture and style without the high maintenance.
Are rattan dining chairs comfy enough for a 3-hour dinner party
Yes — absolutely.
Our Nova rattan dining chairs are designed not just to look good, but to feel good, too. With their ergonomic curve, supportive frame, and just the right amount of flex, they’re more than up for a 3-hour dinner party (and then some).
Want to take it up a notch? Add a thin seat cushion or layer them with sheepskin for extra softness — but even as they are, Nova’s built for long, relaxed sitting without the slump or fidget. Style and stamina in one.
Would this rattan dining chair squeak on hard floors? (and how to fix it)
It’s possible, yes — like many wood or rattan chairs, a slight squeak can happen when placed on hard floors, especially if the surface isn’t perfectly level or the chair legs shift under weight.
✅ How to Fix It:
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Add felt pads or rubber feet to the bottom of each leg — this reduces friction and absorbs movement.
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Check leg balance — if one leg is slightly off, a small adhesive floor pad can even things out.
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Keep the floor clean — dust or grit under the feet can cause noise as the chair moves.
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Tighten joints — if it’s a flat-pack or assembled chair, give screws or bolts a quick check to ensure they’re secure.
Most squeaks are easy fixes, and if your chair’s well-built (like ours), it’ll settle in quickly. Want it pre-padded? Just ask — we’re happy to help.
What makes a high-end “designer” rattan dining chair different from a cheap one?
The difference is in the details, materials, and build quality—and you can feel it the moment you sit down.
Here’s what sets a designer rattan chair apart:
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Solid Frame: Designer chairs use hardwood or powder-coated steel—not flimsy hollow metal or soft pine that warps.
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Real Rattan: Cheap chairs often use plastic or paper-based faux cane. High-end options use hand-woven natural rattan or sustainable cane that lasts.
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Joinery & Craft: Designer chairs are built to last with proper joints and finishes, not staples and glue.
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Comfort & Ergonomics: The curves, angles, and seat height are properly designed—no wobble, no weird lean.
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Finish Quality: Smooth edges, consistent weaves, and natural tones. No frayed cane, sharp corners, or spray-on orange gloss.
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Timeless Design: Cheap chairs follow fast trends. Designer rattan feels intentional, sculptural, and styled to last.
In short: it’s not just a chair—it’s craftsmanship you can see and sit on.
Why do all the best rattan chairs seem to be in the UK? do you ship to America
You're not wrong—UK brands have a serious edge when it comes to rattan design. Why? Because British makers blend vintage style with modern craftsmanship, often using better materials, timeless silhouettes, and real artisan detail. It’s not mass-produced fast furniture—it’s character in every curve.
And yes — we do ship to America.
We’re happy to get our rattan pieces across the pond. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the item and destination, but we’ll make sure your chair arrives safely and in style.
Need a quote or help picking the right chair for your space? Just ask — we’ve got you.
Can I spread the cost of my order with finance?
We don’t offer traditional finance—but don’t worry, you’ve still got options. At checkout, simply select ClearPay via Stripe and you’ll be able to split your payments with ease. Just head to the checkout page, choose ClearPay, and follow the prompts to spread the cost. Stylish shopping, sorted.
