What’s the Difference Between Wicker, Rattan, Cane and PE Rattan?

If you have ever gone hunting for outdoor furniture and felt a bit bamboozled by terms like wicker, rattan, cane and PE rattan, you are not alone. Retailers and marketplaces often use them interchangeably, which muddles the waters right when you are trying to make a smart purchase. The good news is the distinctions are simple once you see how each term fits into the picture. Think of wicker as a weaving style, rattan as a natural plant material, cane as a specific part of that plant, and PE rattan as the modern, weather ready synthetic that mimics the look with far less fuss. Once you have got that straight, picking the right setting for an Aussie balcony, deck or coastal patio becomes much easier, and you will avoid buying something beautiful that quietly falls apart after two summers.

What each term actually means and how they behave outdoors

Let us start with the big misconception. Wicker is not a plant or a material, it is a technique. Wicker describes the woven pattern you see on chairs, lounges and baskets. You can do wicker with lots of materials, including natural rattan, cane, reed, and modern plastics. So when someone says “wicker furniture”, they are really talking about the look and construction method, not what it is made from. That matters because a wicker chair woven in natural fibre behaves very differently outdoors than one woven in a long life synthetic.

Rattan is the raw, natural material most people picture when they think of classic cane chairs. It is a fast growing climbing palm that is harvested, dried and shaped into poles and thinner strands for weaving. Rattan is famously strong for its weight, slightly flexible, and gorgeous in a living room or under a covered verandah. Out in the open, though, Australian conditions are unforgiving. UV breaks down natural fibres. Rain and humidity swell and shrink them. Mould can get a foothold in shaded, damp corners. If you love the natural look and you are happy to keep the piece indoors or well under cover, rattan is a joy. If you want to park it on an exposed deck, you will be fighting the weather from day one.

Cane is not a separate plant, it is the outer skin of the rattan pole. Peel that skin off, slice it into long, narrow strips and you have got cane for wrapping joints, weaving cane webbing and adding decorative details. Cane is smooth, a little glossy, and brilliant for binding because it shrinks as it dries, locking things in tightly. In the weather, though, it is even more vulnerable than solid rattan because the strips are thin. You will see cane used beautifully on indoor dining chairs, bedheads and vintage pieces. For alfresco areas that see wind, rain and afternoon sun, it is better kept under a roof.

PE rattan also called resin wicker or polyrattan is the modern answer to all of the above. It is a high quality polyethylene extruded into strands that look like natural wicker, then woven over a frame, ideally powder coated aluminium, to create lounges and dining settings that shrug off the elements. PE rattan is UV stabilised, so it will not turn brittle after a couple of summers. It will not wick up water the way natural fibres do. It is easy to clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Pair it with quick dry foam and removable cushion covers and you have got a set that can handle a Melbourne downpour or a salty coastal breeze with minimal drama. Truth be told, this is why most wicker you see in genuine outdoor ranges is actually PE rattan. You get the timeless woven texture without the heartache.

Frames are the quiet hero in all of this. Aluminium frames are light, rust resistant and well suited to Australia’s coastal air, and they are the go to for long lasting outdoor pieces. Steel frames can feel solid at first but will corrode if the coating is nicked, especially near the beach. Natural rattan pieces often use rattan poles for the frame itself, which keeps them light and flexible, lovely indoors, not so clever in the rain. Whatever you choose, the frame material and its finish will often decide how the furniture looks after year three, not just year one.

Maintenance follows the same logic. Natural rattan and cane like gentle, regular care and a dry, shaded home. PE rattan wants a quick brush to flick out leaves, the odd rinse, and a fitted cover if you know a week of wild weather is coming. Cushions matter too. Go for removable covers you can wash, and foams that do not hold water. Pale fabrics stay cooler in direct sun, and mid tones hide dust and pollen between cleans. Small choices make a big difference.

Which should you buy for Australian conditions?

Start with your exposure. If the setting will live on an open deck, balcony or poolside area that cops rain, wind and UV, go straight to PE rattan over aluminium. You will get the woven aesthetic with genuinely outdoor ready durability. If your alfresco is well covered, think pergola with solid roofing and good protection from sideways rain, you can still choose PE rattan for easy care, or place a natural rattan accent chair in the dry zone for style. For indoor dining rooms, sunrooms and sheltered verandahs, natural rattan and cane bring warmth and texture that is hard to beat, provided you treat them as you would a timber piece rather than a hose down outdoor workhorse.

Next, think about space and weight. Apartments and upstairs balconies often benefit from aluminium framed PE rattan because it is easier to move and will not rust if sea air drifts in. Larger ground floor decks can handle chunkier silhouettes. If you entertain often, modular PE rattan lounges let you reshape the setting for big groups or quiet nights, an L today, a U next weekend, chaise left or right when you rearrange the barbecue.

Then consider care and lifespan. If you know you will not baby your furniture and you want it looking sharp in year five, PE rattan is the safe bet. A light seasonal routine, soft brush, mild wash, dry thoroughly, covers on for storms, will keep it happy. Natural rattan asks for more attention. Keep it out of direct sun and rain, clean gently, and expect a patina to develop over time. That patina is part of the charm indoors; outside, it is often a headache.

Finally, check the details that separate a bargain from a buy once. On PE rattan, look for even, tight weaving and strands that feel supple rather than brittle. Confirm the frame is powder coated aluminium, not just metal. Lift a chair; good aluminium is light but should not feel flimsy. Sit on the cushions; 10–12 cm with quick dry foam keeps its shape and dries faster after a shower. Ask about the warranty and read the care guide, because brands confident in their materials will spell this out clearly.

If you are still on the fence, ask yourself a practical question. Will this piece live fully exposed most of the year? If the honest answer is yes, choose PE rattan and enjoy the look you love without the nervous glances at the weather app. If it is going to live indoors or well under cover, natural rattan or cane could be the accent that ties the whole space together. Either way, the decision stops being a gamble once you separate weave from material and match the material to the way you actually live.