Choosing outdoor furniture in Perth requires more than deciding which material looks better.
The furniture may sit through hot, dry summer conditions and wetter winter months. The Bureau of Meteorology describes Perth as having a hot summer Mediterranean climate, with warm to hot dry summers and cool to mild wet winters. Around 80 per cent of the region’s annual rainfall historically occurs between May and October.
Two common choices available at Perth Furniture & Fun are aluminium outdoor furniture and synthetic rattan or wicker furniture. Both can work well, but they suit different preferences. Explore our outdoor furniture Perth collection to find durable seating, dining settings and outdoor solutions designed for Australian homes.
What Is Aluminium Outdoor Furniture?
Aluminium outdoor furniture uses metal frames that can be shaped into clean, relatively slim furniture profiles.
For example, the Hamilton outdoor range sold by Perth Furniture & Fun uses fully welded, powder coated aluminium frames. The range includes sofas, lounge settings, dining tables and matching pieces. The Hamilton five seat setting is described as rust resistant and uses weather resistant materials.
Advantages of Aluminium
Lower weight
Aluminium furniture is often easier to reposition than heavy steel furniture. This is useful if you regularly change your patio layout or move pieces into a sheltered position.
No iron rust
Aluminium does not rust in the same way as iron or ordinary steel. Powder coating gives the frame another protective surface.
Clean appearance
Its slim frame design works particularly well with modern patios, new homes and simple alfresco areas.
Simple cleaning
Most routine cleaning involves removing dust and dirt from the frame and caring for the cushions separately according to the product instructions.
What Is Rattan or Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
On modern outdoor furniture, the words rattan and wicker often refer to the woven appearance rather than natural plant material.
The rattan furniture currently sold by Perth Furniture & Fun includes synthetic materials such as PE wicker and PVC rattan wicker. For example, its seven seat outdoor rattan wicker sofa set uses weather resistant PE wicker, while its European Style Tucked Away set uses hand woven PE wicker over a powder coated steel frame.
Advantages of Synthetic Rattan and Wicker
Softer visual style
The woven texture can suit patios where you want a relaxed or traditional outdoor furniture appearance.
Wide choice of seating arrangements
Rattan construction is used across outdoor lounges, dining settings and compact combinations.
Space saving options
Some designs use the woven structure to create furniture that fits neatly together. The current European Style eight seat setting, for example, allows the chairs and ottomans to tuck under the dining table when they are not being used.
Aluminium vs Rattan/Wicker: Which Needs Less Maintenance?
Both require care.
Aluminium frames have relatively simple surfaces, which makes routine wiping straightforward. However, cushions still need normal fabric care.
Synthetic rattan needs cleaning around the woven sections because dirt can collect within the texture. Removable cushion covers can make maintenance easier. The European Style rattan setting currently sold by Perth Furniture & Fun has removable, machine washable cushion covers.
For either material, a protective furniture cover can help when the setting is not in use. Perth Furniture & Fun offers weather resistant covers as add ons with several outdoor furniture products.
Which Is Better for a Small Perth Patio?
The answer depends more on design than material.
A compact rattan set with seats that tuck under the table can be very practical in a courtyard.
An aluminium setting with slim legs and a visually open frame can make a smaller area feel less crowded.
Measure the complete furniture arrangement rather than comparing materials alone.
For example, the current European Style rattan setting has a 125 cm square dining table and separate chairs and ottomans designed to store underneath it. The Hamilton aluminium five seat setting uses a different arrangement with a three seat sofa, two single seats and either a coffee or dining table.
Which Is Better for Frequent Entertaining?
Consider how you use the space.
Choose aluminium when you prefer:
- A clean modern frame
- Furniture that is easier to reposition
- Lounge and dining pieces with matching designs
- A simpler frame surface for routine cleaning
Choose synthetic rattan or wicker when you prefer:
- A woven outdoor furniture look
- Deep lounge style seating
- Tuck away furniture configurations
- A more textured finish
The better option is the one that matches your seating needs and available floor area.
Check the Frame Material Before Buying Rattan Furniture
This is an important detail.
The visible woven surface is not always the structural frame.
For example, Perth Furniture & Fun’s European Style woven set uses PE wicker over a powder coated steel frame. Its Hamilton range uses a powder coated aluminium frame.
Read the complete material specification rather than assuming that every rattan looking product has the same construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aluminium outdoor furniture suitable for Perth?
Powder coated aluminium is used in outdoor furniture designed for Australian conditions, including the Hamilton range currently sold by Perth Furniture & Fun. Proper care and protection are still important.
Is outdoor rattan real rattan?
Not always. Many modern outdoor settings use synthetic PE or PVC wicker designed to create a woven rattan look.
Which option is easier to move?
Aluminium is generally a useful choice when regularly repositioning furniture is important. Always consider the complete product weight and size, not material alone.
Should outdoor furniture be covered in Perth?
Using a suitable cover when furniture is not in use can help reduce exposure to dust, rain and sun. Follow the care instructions for the exact setting.
Find Outdoor Furniture That Suits Your Perth Home
Compare styles, materials and designs from Perth Furniture & Fun. Browse our outdoor furniture collection online or visit our Midvale showroom to find the right setting for your patio, alfresco area or backyard.
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