Outdoor living has become more than a trend; it’s now a lifestyle. Cities like Sydney, Dubai, and Los Angeles are seeing a surge in outdoor cafes, resort-style patios, and garden spaces. This has created increasing demand for furniture that blends aesthetics, comfort, and durability. As a furniture exporter from Indonesia, we at MPP Furniture notice that many B2B buyers still get confused when choosing between natural and man-made rattan for outdoor use. This article aims to clarify that confusion.
The Common Confusion: Natural vs Synthetic Rattan
Rattan” is often used generically in product listings, but not all rattan is suitable for outdoor use. Buyers assume that any rattan is outdoor-proof, but:
- Natural cane rattan is made from real vines native to Indonesia.
- Synthetic or PE rattan is a plastic-based fiber, often called resin wicker.
The two have different strengths and use cases. Misunderstanding this can lead to poor buying decisions, especially for projects like outdoor lounges, cafes, or hotel terraces. A key part of avoiding this confusion is to work with experienced Indonesian furniture suppliers who can provide material transparency and application-based recommendations.
What Is Natural Rattan?
Natural rattan is an organic material from climbing palms found in Indonesian rainforests. It’s handcrafted into furniture known for its charm and eco-value.
✅ Advantages:
- Biodegradable and sustainably sourced
- Artisanal appearance
- Perfect for custom orders and indoor use
❌ Disadvantages:
- Weak against weather exposure
- Susceptible to mold, cracking, and fading
Where It Fits Best:
Use natural rattan for indoor environments or covered patios. It offers an organic feel and supports sustainability goals. Natural rattan is an organic material from climbing palms found in Indonesian rainforests. It’s handcrafted into furniture known for its charm and eco-value, often developed by Indonesian furniture manufacturers for international buyers
📝 Read more about natural rattan properties from National Association of Realtors
What Is Synthetic Rattan?
Synthetic rattan is engineered from high-quality polyethylene, often paired with rust-proof aluminum frames. It mimics the look of natural rattan but is built for performance.
✅ Advantages:
- UV, water, and mold resistant
- Easy to clean with minimal upkeep
- Ideal for high-traffic outdoor commercial use
❌ Disadvantages:
- Made from plastic (though often recyclable)
- Low-quality versions can look artificial
Where It Fits Best:
Use synthetic rattan in fully exposed outdoor areas such as garden dining sets, rooftop lounges, and poolside seating. Buyers should ask about UV resistance levels, frame material, and PE quality before committing to a supplier. These factors affect both durability and warranty.
Durability Comparison: Natural vs Synthetic Rattan
| Feature | Natural | Synthetic |
| Waterproof | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Sun Resistance | ❌ Low | ✅ High |
| Mold Resistance | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Outdoor Lifespan | 1–2 Years | 5–8+ Years |
As an experienced Indonesian furniture manufacturer, MPP Furniture has tested both materials extensively. For outdoor durability, synthetic rattan is clearly the better choice. For a broader material perspective, see our guide to wood vs rattan furniture.
Case Study: Outdoor Furniture Supply for US-Based Retailer
One of our clients, an outdoor furniture retailer based in the United States, sourced over 500 lounge sets made of PE synthetic rattan to serve customers in climate-challenging states such as Texas and Florida. After two consecutive summers, the retailer reported minimal customer complaints, low return rates, and an overall increase in buyer satisfaction. This confirms that synthetic rattan is a reliable solution for extreme weather durability in the U.S. outdoor furniture market, especially when sourced directly from Indonesian furniture suppliers with proven export experience
Want to learn how retailers are turning this timeless material into consistent profit? Explore how the teak and rattan combo boosts repeat sales
Cost, Maintenance & Buyer Considerations
| Factor | Natural Rattan | Synthetic Rattan |
| Price Range | Mid to High | Low to High |
| Maintenance | Requires oiling & protection | Hose down and go |
| Lifespan | Short outdoors | Long-lasting, minimal wear |
If you are selecting furniture for a hotel, resort, or outdoor restaurant project, synthetic rattan offers long-term cost efficiency. Another consideration: freight efficiency. Synthetic rattan pieces often come in knock-down form (KD), reducing volume for international shipping.
Sustainability: Which One Is More Eco-Friendly?
- Natural rattan is one of the most sustainable materials in furniture manufacturing. Harvested ethically from Indonesian forests, it’s biodegradable and supports rural communities.
- Synthetic rattan is not biodegradable, but many suppliers like MPP now use 100% recyclable PE rattan to minimize environmental harm.
At MPP, we advise our clients to balance performance with sustainability goals. For eco-hotels, natural rattan may be preferable. For long-lasting outdoor seating, recyclable synthetics offer a more practical option, particularly from a teak furniture Indonesia factory that combines wood and rattan expertise for sustainable design.
Why Indonesia Leads as a Furniture Manufacturer
Indonesia is the world’s largest rattan producer. Here’s why it matters:
- Home to 80% of global natural rattan supply
- Long-standing craftsmanship traditions
- Government support for eco-certification and legal wood sourcing (SVLK)
- Efficient logistics for global B2B trade
Choosing an Indonesian furniture manufacturer helps ensure your supply chain is ethical, adaptable, and ready to scale. To understand regional sourcing trade-offs, see: Which is worth it? Vietnam vs Indonesian furniture suppliers
Why Choose MPP Furniture?
A Transparent Furniture Partner from Indonesia You Can Trust
MPP is a vertically integrated as trusted partner in Indonesia, managing all stages from raw materials to final QC. Our advantages:
- Free design development according to your brand’s needs
- Private label & OEM support
- Full in-house production without outsourcing
- Professional export quality control
We don’t just manufacture, we guide you in understanding the market and procurement strategies.
Conclusion: Choose Smarter for Outdoor Durability
For outdoor spaces where durability and weather resistance are essential, synthetic rattan is the smarter choice. For indoor or semi-open areas, natural rattan delivers timeless beauty, comfort, and sustainability. By understanding the strengths of both materials, buyers can match the right rattan to the right environment. At MPP Furniture, we support businesses in making informed sourcing decisions, helping you deliver long-lasting collections your customers will love.
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FAQ
Is synthetic rattan really waterproof?
Yes, especially PE rattan used by professional-grade manufacturers in Indonesia. It handles rain, humidity, and spills.
Can natural rattan be used outdoors?
Only under cover. It breaks down quickly if left in sun or rain.
Why should I choose MPP over other suppliers?
We offer free product development, strict QC, and honest guidance based on real-world manufacturing experience.
What is the benefit of sourcing from Indonesia?
You get top-tier craftsmanship, eco-certified materials, and scalable production from a trusted global hub.
Where can I see product samples? Request samples or consultation by contacting us on LinkedIn or visiting our company profile
Leading marketing and brand growth initiatives for MPP Furniture – an Indonesian teak and rattan furniture manufacturer exporting globally. Responsible for both strategic planning and hands-on execution across online and offline channels.
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