Aluminium means greater outdoor durability and minimal maintenance, reducing the need to store garden furniture under shelter during wet weather.Just click on the links below, although bear in mind that last year saw stock sell out fast, so if you see something you like, it may be wise to shop early.Crafted from weather-resistant PE-rattan with a durable aluminium frame, this rattan set may not be cheap, but considering it offers seating for seven, that works out pretty good value.Including two sofas, a spacious storage unit, two stools and a coffee table – it makes the perfect place to relax outdoors.If you're looking for a more contemporary addition to your outside space, then Habitat's bamboo-effect garden sofa set, made from PE-rattan with a powder-coated steel frame, will add a modern touch.Perfect for a smaller patio or decked area, the lounge set offers seating for four without the large footprint of a corner sofa.The compact design seats three, with an additional cushion-top table that doubles as a footrest and includes a hidden storage space with a waterproof bag inside; perfect for stashing some outdoor cushions.You will need to assemble this option, but that gives the versatility to configure the chaise section left or right, depending on your patio.Mediterranean vibes, a generous 286cm width, and deep cushioned seats make this corner sofa the ultimate place to kick back and relax.Bagsy the chaise section for some sunbathing time, or use the cushioned ottoman – which can also be used as a coffee table – for some extra legroom.This versatile corner sofa comes with a wealth of configuration options to enable you to enjoy life outdoors, including the sofa with chaise, an adjustable seat that allows you to transform the non-chaise section into a sun lounger, and two additional padded footstools for extra guests, or more space to put your feet up.As usual within this sort of price bracket, the frame is made from powder-coated steel, so just make sure to cover the seating when it's not in use to protect it from the elements.Whether you opt for the natural look or muted Flint grey option, the clean lines, low back, and deep cushions make this contemporary outdoor collection ideal for relaxed lounging, whether in a country garden, city roof terrace, or poolside patio.If you're looking for timeless elegance, then Bramblecrest's Chester rattan sofa set could be the one, with curved armrests and braided detailing adding some classic styling.Including two rattan armchairs with curved armrests and seat cushions, plus a useful lift-top coffee table that opens to reveal some hidden storage, this rattan bistro set makes the perfect place to while away the morning over coffee with a friend, or snatch a few moments peace in the afternoon sun.If you have a little more space to play with, then this curvaceous rattan bistro set offers some sculptural seating that could become the focal point of the patio.The cocooning seat shape is made for getting comfy, whilst the compact coffee table hides some small-but-useful storage space.It's definitely an investment, but if you love alfresco entertaining when the sun shines, then this generous circular rattan dining set can seat up to nine guests at a time and will easily become the focal point of the garden.The muted Driftwood-coloured PE-rattan weave is one of the best emulations of the real thing we've come across, and paired with the off-white seat cushions it epitomises timeless British style.Assembly is fairly minimal, and although the powder-coated steel frame means it's best covered when not in use and stored indoors during winter, the removable table legs and stackable chairs make for space-saving storage in the garage.A good price point and compact design, plus a visually 'light' design that won't block views, make this a great outdoor dining option for a smaller space, although the extensive range of matching Swara outdoor furniture means there's plenty of scope to extend your seating if you have the space.As such natural rattan furniture tends to be best reserved for indoor shaded areas, although a coating of paint can make it a little more resilient if you can find a sheltered home for it outdoors.What we now most often encounter when shopping for 'rattan' garden furniture, is actually plastic polymer wrapped around a metal frame, and carefully crafted to emulate the texture and appearance of the real thing.This is often dubbed PE-rattan or polyrattan, although quite often manufacturers can be slightly misleading in their marketing text, often referring just to rattan, and refraining to mention the polymer part.In an outdoor capacity, PE-rattan, as a synthetic material, has many advantages that natural rattan does not, namely that it's rain, frost, and moisture-resistant which makes it a much more durable long-term option.It also holds up better to wind and sun, although many retailers will still recommend that you cover rattan garden furniture when it's not in use to help and protect it from fading caused by UV exposure and to maintain its durability for longer.This is because steel is highly corrosive when it comes in contact with water, and will rust quickly outdoors if moisture reaches the metal surface.This problem is 'solved' by powder-coating the steel in a dry paint powder that's cured through an electrostatic process to form a hardwearing seal from the elements.The downside of powder-coated steel is that if that painted surface chips then rusting can occur quite quickly, so you'll need to repair any knocks to maintain that waterproof seal.Joints and fixings which are hard to thoroughly powder-coat and open to abrasion can also become a weak point, allowing moisture to penetrate and reducing furniture's lifespan.It's also a lightweight metal and much easier to move in comparison to steel if you're likely to be picking up your rattan garden chair to chase the sun