A rattan dining set is the garden furniture you'll use most — every meal outdoors, from morning coffee to late dinners. Getting size, materials and seating right first time saves swapping it out a season later.
What size do you need?
Match the set to your space and how you entertain:
- 4-seater — a compact rattan dining set for a sheltered patio, balcony or smaller garden. Seats a couple with room for two guests.
- 6-seater — the most popular size. A family of four plus two spare places, and still fits most patios.
- 8-seater — a larger garden dining set for regular entertaining; you'll want a terrace or open patio to pull chairs out.
- Round 8-seater — a round rattan garden furniture set seats eight facing inward, better for conversation and square or open spaces.
Allow around 60cm of table edge per person so no one's elbow-to-elbow.
PE rattan vs natural rattan
For an outdoor dining set you want PE (synthetic) rattan — woven plastic built to take UV, rain and frost without fading, cracking or rotting, so it stays outside year-round. Natural rattan absorbs damp and is for indoors or a conservatory only. Every set here is PE rattan over a rustproof powder-coated aluminium frame.
Frames and tabletops
Powder-coated aluminium is rustproof and light enough to move; coated steel is sturdier but relies on its coating staying intact. Tabletops are usually tempered (toughened) glass — easy to wipe down after meals and safe if knocked — or slatted rattan for a softer look. Glass is the practical choice for a set you eat off daily.
Cushions and care
Most sets come with seat cushions in a water-resistant cover. Weatherproof isn't the same as waterproof: the rattan and frame shrug off rain, but cushions left soaked can stain as they dry. Store cushions in a box or indoors when the set's not in use, and a fitted cover over winter keeps leaves, frost and birds off. Day to day, a wipe with a damp cloth is all the rattan needs — no oiling, staining or jet-washing. Looked after, a PE rattan set lasts well over a decade.
Standard, cube or flexible?
Short on space? A rattan cube dining set tucks chairs and stools fully under the table. Want a looser arrangement you can rearrange? Browse rattan table and chairs. This collection is part of the wider rattan patio furniture range.
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