Buying Guides · 1 min read
Is PE Rattan Waterproof? What Survives a British Winter
Is PE rattan waterproof? The weave itself doesn't absorb water, but frames, cushions and fixings decide how a set copes with rain, frost and damp. What survives a British winter and how to protect it.
PE rattan is water-resistant rather than "waterproof" in any useful sense. The synthetic strands don't absorb rain the way natural cane does, so the weave itself copes well with wet weather. But a piece of rattan garden furniture is more than its weave: the metal frame underneath, the screws and fixings, and above all the cushions decide how well it survives a British winter. Treat the set as a whole, not just the rattan.
Key takeaways
- PE (polyethylene) rattan doesn't soak up water, but water passes straight through the weave. It's weather-resistant, not a sealed, waterproof surface.
- The frame matters: powder-coated steel can rust where the coating is chipped; aluminium doesn't rust but still benefits from care.
- Cushions are the weak point. Most foam cushions absorb water and should be stored indoors over winter.
- A breathable, fitted cover protects against dirt, leaves and much of the rain, but furniture still needs air circulation to avoid damp and mould.
- A quick clean in autumn and a check of the frame and fixings help any set last longer.
What is PE rattan?
PE rattan is a synthetic weave made from polyethylene, a type of plastic, wrapped around a metal frame to look like traditional wicker. Natural rattan comes from climbing palms; it's the cane used in classic conservatory furniture. The two look similar but behave very differently outdoors.
| PE (synthetic) rattan | Natural rattan / cane | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyethylene strands over a metal frame | Plant cane, often over a cane or wooden frame |
| Absorbs water? | No | Yes; can swell, rot or grow mould if left wet |
| Sunlight | Varies with quality; UV-stabilised strands resist fading better | Dries out and fades |
| Where it belongs | Outdoors, patios, gardens | Indoors and conservatories |
| Cleaning | Soapy water and a soft brush | Dust and wipe; keep dry |
Which?'s garden furniture buying guide describes synthetic PE rattan as more weatherproof than natural wicker, but notes that because it's lighter it can be more prone to wind damage. That trade-off is worth remembering on exposed patios.
Is PE rattan waterproof?
Quick answer
The strands are water-resistant: they don't absorb water, rot or swell. But the weave has gaps, so rain runs straight through to the frame and cushions beneath. "Waterproof" describes a sealed barrier, which a woven seat isn't, so be wary of any product that claims rattan furniture is 100% waterproof as a whole.
It helps to separate the terms:
- Water-resistant: copes with getting wet without being damaged. PE rattan strands fit here.
- Waterproof: keeps water out entirely. A PVC-coated furniture cover can be described this way; an open weave can't.
- Weatherproof / all-weather: a marketing term. Check what it covers: frame, weave, cushions, or only some of them.
What survives a British winter, part by part
| Part | Winter risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| PE rattan weave | Low. Dirt, algae and leaf stains build up; cheaper strands can go brittle after years of UV | Clean in autumn; cover to keep debris off |
| Powder-coated steel frame | Rust where the coating is chipped or scratched, often at feet and joints | Inspect and touch up chips with rust-preventing paint |
| Aluminium frame | Doesn't rust; can mark or dull over time | Wipe clean; check joints |
| Screws and fixings | Can corrode or work loose | Tighten in autumn; replace any rusty fixings |
| Cushions | High. Foam holds water, stays damp and can grow mould | Store indoors or in a dry storage box |
| Glass table tops | Water marks; risk if furniture blows over | Clean, secure, or store flat indoors |
In short: PE rattan is water-resistant, not waterproof. The weave survives rain, frost and damp well, but frames need checking for rust, fixings for corrosion, and cushions need to come indoors. Covering the set and letting air circulate gives it the best chance of a long life.
Rain, frost, damp and UV: how each affects a set
- Rain: runs through the weave. The issue is water pooling on the frame, in hollow sections or in cushions, not the weave getting wet.
- Frost: the rattan itself tolerates cold, but water trapped in cushions or small hollows can freeze and expand. Dry, well-drained furniture handles frost best.
- Damp: long, grey, mild spells encourage green algae, mildew on fabrics and rust on any exposed steel. Air circulation matters as much as rain protection.
- UV: strong sun over several summers can fade and weaken cheaper PE strands. Quality varies, so look for UV-stabilised or UV-resistant rattan in the specification.
Should you cover rattan furniture in winter?
Usually, yes. A fitted cover keeps off leaves, bird droppings and most of the rain, so there's far less cleaning in spring. What matters is how you cover it:
- Clean and dry the furniture first, or you'll trap dirt and moisture underneath.
- Choose a cover that fits and fixes down. Our 3-seater sofa cover, for example, is PVC-coated 600D Oxford cloth with ties at all four corners so it doesn't lift in the wind.
- Allow air to circulate. A cover that sits tight against a wet set can hold condensation. Lift it on dry days, or use a cover with vents.
- Stop water pooling on top. A slight dome, such as an upturned bucket under the cover in the middle of the table, helps rain run off.
Drainage and placement
- Stand furniture on a patio or hard standing rather than lawn, which stays wet.
- Raise feet slightly off the ground on wet paving, for example with small furniture pads, so they aren't sitting in water.
- Tilt chairs or stack them against a wall so rain runs off seats rather than pooling.
- On an exposed site, move lighter pieces into a sheltered corner or secure them against winter gales.
Winter storage
If you have space in a garage or shed, storing the set undercover is the most protective option, but it isn't essential for a good-quality PE rattan set. The non-negotiable part is the cushions. Bring them indoors, or keep them in a weatherproof garden storage box if indoor space is short, and make sure they're completely dry before you put them away. Zipped, removable covers can be washed first according to the care label.
Cleaning and maintenance
RHS advice on maintaining garden furniture recommends doing the work at the end of summer in dry weather, washing rattan-effect furniture with soapy water, and checking metal for rust.
- Brush or vacuum loose dirt and leaves out of the weave.
- Wash with warm water and mild washing-up liquid, using a soft brush.
- Rinse gently with a hose on low. Avoid a high-pressure jet, which can force water into joints and loosen the weave.
- Dry in the sun or with a towel.
- Check the frame for chips or rust, and treat them.
- Tighten screws and bolts.
What to check before buying
- Frame material: aluminium, powder-coated steel or galvanised steel. The frame largely decides long-term weather resistance.
- Rattan quality: is it described as UV-resistant or UV-stabilised?
- Cushions: are covers removable and washable? Is the foam described as quick-drying?
- What the listing actually claims: "suitable for outdoor use" isn't the same as "can stay out all year".
- Weight and wind: lighter sets need a sheltered spot or securing.
- Covers: is a matching cover available in the right size?
For example, our 6-seater rattan cube dining set pairs PE rattan with a steel frame and has zipped, removable cushion covers, which makes the winter routine of bringing cushions in and washing covers straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Is PE rattan waterproof?
The PE strands are water-resistant and don't absorb water, but the weave isn't a sealed surface, so rain passes through to the frame and cushions. How well a set copes depends on the whole construction.
Can PE rattan furniture stay outside in winter?
A good-quality PE rattan frame and weave can usually stay out if it's cleaned, covered and checked. Bring cushions indoors, and store the set undercover if you have space or if the manufacturer recommends it.
Should I cover rattan furniture?
Yes, in most cases. Clean and dry it first, use a fitted cover that ties down, and let air circulate so condensation doesn't build up underneath.
Does PE rattan crack in frost?
PE rattan generally tolerates cold well. Problems in frost usually come from trapped water, especially in cushions, or from older strands already weakened by years of strong sun.
How do I clean PE rattan?
Brush out loose dirt, wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse on a low-pressure setting and let it dry. Avoid harsh solvents and pressure washers.
Getting it through winter
Clean it, check the frame, bring the cushions in and cover what stays out. For more on choosing furniture, see our complete garden furniture buying guide or our look at what rattan sets at different prices actually include. You can browse sets in our rattan furniture collection.
Written and checked by the Hackerprice® editorial team. Product details were checked against our live catalogue when this guide was written. Material comparisons are drawn from Which?, and care guidance from the RHS. Last updated: 30 September 2026.
Writes the buying guides at HACKERPRICE. No sponsored picks, no affiliate links.
