Rattan Furniture Sale: How to Choose a Garden Dining Table Set You'll Still Love in Five Years
The short version: a good rattan furniture sale can save you real money, but only if you know which frame, weave and table size to look for. Get those three things right and a rattan dining set will happily handle British weather, family barbecues and the occasional rogue football.
Let's start with an honest confession: most people don't lose money on garden furniture because they bought something cheap. They lose money because they bought the wrong thing at a "great" price. The table was too small for six adults, the weave frayed after one winter, or the chairs looked gorgeous online and felt like perching on a biscuit tin in real life.
This guide exists to stop that from happening to you. We'll look at what rattan actually is (the answer might surprise you), how to read a sale properly, how to pick a garden dining table set that fits your space and your household, and how to look after it so the bargain keeps paying you back for years. Put the kettle on, because we're going to be thorough.
What You're Really Buying in a Rattan Furniture Sale
Walk into any rattan furniture sale and you'll notice that almost everything looks the same from three feet away. Up close, the differences are huge, and they decide whether a set lasts two summers or ten.
Natural Rattan vs Polyrattan: The Difference That Matters
Natural rattan comes from a climbing palm and is beautiful, but it's really an indoor material. Left in the rain, it swells, splits and darkens. Almost every outdoor "rattan" set you'll see on sale in the UK is actually polyrattan (also called PE rattan or synthetic wicker): a resin strand woven by hand or machine over a rigid frame.
That's good news. Quality polyrattan is UV-stabilised, doesn't absorb water and doesn't need sanding or varnishing. It's the reason rattan has become the default choice for patios that sit under the changeable British sky.
What to Check on the Product Page
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Weave thickness: a round or flat strand around 4–5mm tends to hold its shape better than thin, shiny strands that can snag.
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UV resistance: look for the words "UV-resistant" or "fade-resistant" in the description, not just "weatherproof."
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Weight rating: a stated seat load tells you the frame was actually tested.
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Cushion covers: removable and washable covers are far kinder to your future self.
Frames: The Hidden Backbone
The weave gets the compliments, but the frame does the work. Powder-coated aluminium is rust-free and light enough to move around. Steel is stronger and usually cheaper, but you'll want to check for a rust-resistant coating, and touch up any chips promptly. Our full rattan collection lists the frame material on each product, so you can filter your shortlist before you fall for a colour.
How to Read a Rattan Furniture Sale Like a Pro
Sale banners are designed to make you feel urgency. Your job is to swap that feeling for a bit of calm arithmetic.
Three Quick Checks Before You Add to Basket
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Check what's in the box. A set photographed with a parasol, cushions and a glass top may ship with only some of them. The description is the truth; the photo is a mood.
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Compare like for like. Two "6-piece sets" can mean very different things: one might be a sofa plus two chairs and a coffee table, the other a dining table with four chairs and a bench.
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Look at the saving in pounds, not percentages. A 40% discount on a £120 item is £48. A 12% discount on a £900 set is £108. The second might be the better deal.
For independent, unbiased advice on spotting a genuine saving, the consumer experts at Which? regularly publish buying guides, and it's well worth skimming one before any big outdoor purchase.
Where the Best Savings Usually Hide
The most useful place to start is our Sale & Top Deals page, where reductions are marked clearly against the original price. Then cross-check with the Best Sellers page. If an item is both discounted and a regular best seller, that's usually a sign other customers have road-tested it and been happy.
Know Your Rights Before You Buy
Furniture bought online is covered by UK consumer law, which includes the right to goods that match their description and are of satisfactory quality. Citizens Advice has plain-English guidance if you ever need it, and it's reassuring to know the basics before you commit to a larger purchase.
Choosing the Right Garden Dining Table Set for Your Space
This is the part most buyers rush, and it's the part that decides whether you love your furniture or merely tolerate it.
Start With a Tape Measure, Not a Catalogue
Outdoors, space is deceptive. A garden that feels enormous with nothing on it can feel cramped once a table, chairs and a parasol arrive. Here's a simple rule of thumb: allow around 90cm of clear space behind each chair so people can sit down and stand up without a shuffle. If the chair backs end up pressed against a wall, a bench or a fence, size down.
Table Size Guide
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Bistro or café set (2 seats): balconies, small patios and morning coffee spots
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4-seater: couples, small families and compact gardens
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6-seater: the sweet spot for most households, with room for guests
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8-seater or larger: big patios, regular entertaining and multi-generational Sunday lunches
Table Tops: Glass, Slatted or Rattan-Effect
Each top has its own character, and it's worth thinking about how you'll actually use it.
Tempered Glass Tops
Easy to wipe clean and wonderfully smooth for plates and glasses. They show every raindrop and pollen smudge, though, so keep a cloth handy. Look for tempered or toughened glass for safety.
Slatted or Wooden-Effect Tops
These are forgiving and relaxed, and many include a central hole for a parasol. If shade matters to you (and in a good British summer, it really does), browse our garden table range and check the umbrella hole size against your chosen garden umbrella before you order either.
Chairs That People Actually Want to Sit In
A beautiful table with uncomfortable chairs leads to short dinners and long faces. Cushion depth, seat height and back support all matter. If your household includes someone who likes to linger, it's worth looking at our garden chairs separately and pairing them with your table, rather than assuming the set's chairs are the only option.
Making Rattan Work Beyond the Dining Table
A dining set is the anchor of your garden, but it doesn't have to be the whole story.
Zoning Your Garden
The gardens that feel most inviting tend to have a few distinct areas. Think of one spot for eating, one for lounging and, if you have the room, one tucked away for quiet. A table set handles the first, a patio collection piece or two can cover the second, and a hammock or swing chair can become that peaceful corner nobody wants to leave.
Colour and Style Combinations
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Grey rattan looks crisp and modern against stone, composite decking and white walls.
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Brown rattan is warmer and blends beautifully with lawns, planters and wooden fences.
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Black rattan is dramatic and pairs well with bright cushions and bold planting.
Two Styling Tricks That Cost Almost Nothing
Add outdoor cushions in two complementary colours and a couple of weatherproof planters at the table's edge. Suddenly, a set that looked like it came out of a box looks like it was chosen with a plan.
Looking After Your Rattan So the Bargain Keeps Paying Off
A sale price only matters if the furniture survives to enjoy it. Fortunately, polyrattan is refreshingly low-effort.
A Simple Care Routine
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Wipe down monthly with warm water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Rinse with a hose and let it dry in the air.
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Avoid pressure washers. The jet can lift or fray the weave.
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Store cushions in a dry spot when not in use, ideally a cushion box or a shed, so they don't hold moisture.
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Use a breathable cover over winter instead of sealing everything in plastic, which can trap condensation.
Preparing for Whatever the Weather Throws at It
British weather can swing from heatwave to downpour in the same week. The Met Office is useful for planning when to cover, stash or move your furniture before a storm. A quick glance at the forecast before bed takes ten seconds and can save you a soggy weekend morning.
Pulling It All Together: A Quick Buying Checklist
Before you head to the checkout, run through this list one more time:
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Have I measured the space, including walking room around the table?
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Do I know exactly what is (and isn't) included in the set?
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Is the frame rust-resistant and the rattan UV-stabilised?
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Are the cushion covers removable and washable?
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Does the table have a parasol hole that fits the umbrella I want?
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Is the delivery and returns information clear?
If you can tick all six, you're ready.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Set?
Rattan is one of the most forgiving, good-looking and low-maintenance materials you can put on a patio, and a well-timed sale makes it even better value. Take your measurements, decide how many people you usually host, and then browse our dining sets at your own pace. If you'd like to see whether you can pair your table with a lounge area for after dinner, our garden furniture sofas are a lovely next step.
And if you're not sure which size or style suits your garden, tell us in the comments what your outdoor space looks like: balcony, small patio or sprawling lawn. We'd love to help you picture it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between rattan and polyrattan garden furniture?
Natural rattan is a plant material that's best kept indoors. Polyrattan is a weatherproof synthetic resin woven over a metal frame, and it's what most outdoor rattan furniture is made from. It's UV-resistant, doesn't absorb water and needs far less upkeep.
How big a garden dining table set do I need?
Count the number of people you regularly host, then add one or two seats for guests. Most families are happy with a six-seater, but always measure your space and leave around 90cm of clear room behind each chair.
Can I leave a rattan dining set outside all year?
Quality polyrattan with an aluminium or powder-coated frame can stay outdoors year-round, ideally with a breathable cover in winter. Cushions should be stored somewhere dry when not in use.
How can I tell if a rattan furniture sale is a genuine bargain?
Compare the saving in pounds rather than percentages, check exactly what's included in the set, and look at whether the item is also a regular best seller. Reading the material specifications will also tell you whether a low price is a real deal or a corner cut.
How do I clean a rattan dining set?
Wipe it monthly with warm, soapy water, rinse gently with a hose and let it air dry. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals, and wash cushion covers according to their care labels.
