Polyrattan or rattan garden bench? The comparison

4 June 2026 |

If you’re torn between a rattan garden bench and a polyrattan garden bench, the key question isn’t just looks but where you’ll use it. For permanently exposed outdoor areas, a polyrattan garden bench is usually the more practical choice because it’s weatherproof, low-maintenance, and more resistant to moisture. A bench made of natural rattan scores with its natural appeal but is better suited to covered terraces, conservatories, or sheltered seating areas. With the right comparison you’ll quickly see which material fits your garden, balcony, or terrace better.

What is better – rattan or polyrattan?

There is no blanket answer to “Which is better, rattan or polyrattan?” because both materials meet different needs. Natural rattan is a plant-based material with a warm, homely look. It appears high-quality, light and decorative, but outdoors it reacts more sensitively to rain, heavy humidity and continuous UV exposure. That’s why a weatherproof rattan garden bench only really makes sense if it is well protected. If you’re considering a wooden bench instead of (poly)rattan, you’ll find the best woods for garden benches.

Polyrattan is the outdoor-ready alternative. The material is a plastic weave that looks like real rattan but is significantly less sensitive. A polyrattan garden bench or polyrattan seat bench therefore fits better in classic garden situations where furniture is regularly exposed to sun, wind and moisture. If you want a bench that is as hassle-free as possible in everyday use, polyrattan is usually the safer choice.

The key differences between rattan and polyrattan

Material and construction

Rattan is a natural material obtained from the rattan palm. It is often used for interiors, conservatories and sheltered furniture. A garden bench made of rattan looks natural but needs more attention to location and care.

Polyrattan consists of braided synthetic fibers. This material was developed to combine the look of rattan with better suitability for outdoor use. Many models such as a polyrattan seat bench, polyrattan balcony bench or terrace bench in a polyrattan look also have a metal or aluminum frame for added stability. If you are weighing alternatives, a material comparison of wood, metal or stone will help.

Weather resistance in the garden

Anyone specifically searching for a weatherproof rattan garden bench or a weatherproof polyrattan garden bench is usually asking the same core question: which material stands up better outside? Here, polyrattan has clear advantages. A polyrattan garden bench in gray, black or anthracite can in many cases stay outdoors for the whole season, as long as water can drain well and cushions are stored dry.

Natural rattan, on the other hand, should not remain outdoors unprotected for long periods. Rain, morning moisture and strong temperature fluctuations can affect the material over time. For a rattan garden bench in gray, brown or black, a covered location is therefore far more suitable. You can read more in the article about the best location for your garden bench. Another durable, low-maintenance option is garden benches made of stone.

Care and cleaning effort

A polyrattan garden bench is easy to care for. Usually it is enough to remove dust and dirt with a damp cloth or a soft brush. This is exactly what makes a garden bench with plastic wickerwork so attractive for many households.

Rattan requires a bit more care. The material should be kept dry and cleaned only gently. Too much moisture or aggressive cleaners can damage the surface. If you want as little maintenance as possible, a genuine rattan garden seat is usually less practical than a comparable polyrattan seat bench.

Appearance and feel

In terms of looks, the difference is mainly in the effect. Natural rattan feels warm, organic and light. It goes very well with Mediterranean, natural or cozy outdoor areas. A rattan garden seat or 2-seater rattan bench can look particularly charming on a sheltered terrace.

Polyrattan feels a bit more technical, but is available in many colors and weave patterns. This makes it easier to find variants such as a brown polyrattan garden bench, beige polyrattan garden bench, gray polyrattan garden bench or black polyrattan garden bench. If you want to coordinate your outdoor furniture by color, polyrattan often offers more choice.

Durability and lifespan

How long a garden bench lasts depends not only on the material but also on usage, location and care. The question “How long does polyrattan last outdoors?” can be answered as follows: with normal use and good care, a high-quality polyrattan garden bench can be used outside reliably for several years. Crucial are a stable frame, clean workmanship and a suitable location.

Rattan can also last a long time if used dry and protected. In an exposed garden, however, the service life is usually shorter than with polyrattan. For open outdoor areas, polyrattan is therefore usually the more durable solution.

Which garden bench suits which area?

For the open garden

If the bench stands in an open spot without a roof, a polyrattan garden bench is almost always the better choice. It is more weather-resistant and easier to keep clean. That also applies to a polyrattan garden bench in gray or black if you want a modern, understated look.

For terrace and conservatory

On a covered terrace or in a conservatory you can choose between both materials. Here, the desired look plays a bigger role. A rattan garden seat in a sheltered position can look very stylish, while a polyrattan seat bench remains a little easier in day-to-day use.

For balconies and small spaces

On smaller areas, the balance between comfort and footprint matters most. A rattan balcony seat, rattan balcony bench or polyrattan balcony bench works well if you want a compact 2-seater solution. Especially for narrow balconies, a two-seater rattan garden bench or a compact polyrattan seat bench is often more practical than wide lounge furniture.

When is a polyrattan storage bench useful?

A polyrattan storage bench is particularly practical when you want to combine seating and storage. Under the seat you can often store cushions, blankets or small garden items. This is especially useful on balconies and terraces where space is limited.

So if you are not only looking for a garden bench but also want to keep things tidy at the same time, a polyrattan storage bench can offer more benefit than a classic bench without storage. For families, small outdoor areas or flexibly used seating spots, this is often the more functional solution.

Is polyrattan still modern?

Yes, polyrattan is still modern—especially when the design looks simple and high-quality. While very coarse or highly glossy weaves can feel a bit dated, current models in colors like gray, black, brown or anthracite remain in demand. A polyrattan garden bench in anthracite or a gray polyrattan seat bench pairs well with modern outdoor furniture, metal, wood and neutral textiles.

The big advantage is that polyrattan is not only visually versatile but also convincing in everyday function. That exact mix keeps the material relevant in the garden.

What to look for when buying

Still unsure? A practical buying guide for choosing the right garden bench brings together size, style and care criteria for your decision.

Location – open in the garden, covered terrace, balcony or conservatory
Material choice – genuine rattan for protected areas, polyrattan for more weather resistance
Frame – aluminum or coated metal is often more durable outdoors. Background: Garden bench made of aluminum or stainless steel?
Size – 2-seater, 3-seater rattan garden bench or compact balcony solution to suit the space
Storage – a garden bench and cushion box in one can be very practical in everyday use
Color – popular are brown, black, beige, gray and anthracite
Cushions – removable and easy-care covers make everyday use much easier

Quick decision guide

Choose rattan if you want a natural look and the bench is in a protected spot.
Choose polyrattan if the bench should be weather-resistant, low-maintenance and everyday-friendly.
Choose a storage bench if you need extra space on a balcony or terrace.
Choose a compact 2-seater bench if you have limited space.

FAQ about polyrattan or rattan garden benches

Which is better, rattan or polyrattan?

For an exposed outdoor area, polyrattan is generally more suitable. Rattan is the better choice if a natural look is important to you and the bench stands dry and protected.

Is a rattan garden bench weatherproof?

Real rattan is only partially weatherproof. For standing outside permanently in rain and high humidity it is usually not the best choice. In sheltered areas it works much better.

How long does polyrattan last outdoors?

A high-quality polyrattan garden bench can be used outdoors for several years with normal use and good care. Important are good workmanship, a stable frame and storing the cushions dry.

Which color is popular for a polyrattan garden bench?

Particularly in demand are gray, black, brown, beige and anthracite. A gray or brown polyrattan garden bench usually combines very easily with other outdoor furniture.

Is polyrattan suitable for balconies as well?

Yes, polyrattan is very popular for smaller spaces. A polyrattan balcony bench or a compact rattan balcony seat combines seating comfort with relatively little maintenance.

Is a polyrattan storage bench a good idea?

Yes, if you need storage. A rattan garden storage bench or a polyrattan storage bench is practical for cushions, blankets or small garden accessories and saves space.

Where is buying most worthwhile?

If you are shopping in Germany, a price comparison is often worthwhile. Eliassen is often cheaper for German customers than local German providers.