When choosing new garden furniture, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go for a classic rattan set or a modern aluminium design.
At Southwood Garden Centre, we stock a wide range of premium garden furniture from both Hartman and Leisure Grow, including stylish rattan collections and contemporary aluminium sets.
Both materials offer fantastic durability and comfort, but each has its own advantages depending on your garden style, space and how you like to relax outdoors.
In this guide, we compare rattan and aluminium garden furniture to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your outdoor space.
Why Choose Rattan Garden Furniture?
Rattan garden furniture remains one of the UK’s most popular choices thanks to its timeless style and comfortable, relaxed feel.
Modern synthetic rattan is designed to withstand British weather while still offering the natural woven look people love.
Benefits of Rattan Furniture
- Comfortable and cosy appearance
- Traditional look that suits most gardens
- Deep cushions ideal for relaxing
- Works beautifully on patios and decking
- Great for family seating and entertaining
At Southwood, some of our most popular rattan collections include the Leisure Grow St Tropez range and the Hartman Eton collection.
The Leisure Grow St Tropez sets are perfect for customers wanting modern rattan furniture with a luxurious feel.
These sets feature:
- Stylish woven rattan designs
- Spacious corner seating options
- Comfortable padded cushions
- Contemporary outdoor living style
They’re ideal for summer entertaining and creating a relaxed lounge area in the garden.
The Hartman Eton collection is a fantastic option for customers looking for elegant rattan dining furniture.
Popular features include:
- Classic woven rattan styling
- Practical dining and casual dining layouts
- Durable weather-resistant materials
- Comfortable seating for long outdoor meals
The Eton range combines traditional garden style with modern practicality.
Why Choose Aluminium Garden Furniture?
Aluminium garden furniture has become increasingly popular thanks to its sleek appearance, low maintenance and long-lasting durability.
It’s especially popular in contemporary gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Benefits of Aluminium Furniture
- Lightweight yet extremely strong
- Rust-resistant and weatherproof
- Modern, clean-lined appearance
- Easy to move and maintain
- Perfect for contemporary patios
Aluminium furniture is ideal for customers wanting a more modern outdoor look with minimal upkeep.
Hartman Berkeley Cast Aluminium Range
The Hartman Berkeley collection is one of the most recognisable cast aluminium ranges available.
Unlike woven furniture, cast aluminium offers a more classic metal garden furniture look while remaining highly durable.
The Berkeley range features:
- Traditional cast aluminium styling
- Strong weather-resistant construction
- Elegant detailing
- Comfortable outdoor dining options
It’s a brilliant choice for customers wanting timeless garden furniture with excellent longevity.
For a more luxurious contemporary feel, the Hartman Sonas range has become incredibly popular.
These large aluminium sets feature Hartman’s ultra-comfortable Cloud Cushions, designed for maximum relaxation.
Highlights include:
- Modern aluminium frames
- Comfy Cushions
- Spacious seating layouts
- Premium outdoor lounge styling
The Sonas collection is perfect for creating a high-end outdoor living space.
The Leisure Grow Barcelona collection combines modern aluminium frames with practical comfort-focused features.
Customers particularly love:
- High-back seating for added support
- Height-adjustable tables
- Contemporary styling
- Flexible dining and lounging options
The adjustable tables make these sets ideal for both casual coffee mornings and evening dining.
Which Is Better: Rattan or Aluminium?
The truth is, there’s no single “best” option — it depends on the style and feel you want for your garden.
Choose Rattan If You Want:
- A softer, more traditional look
- Cosy lounge-style seating
- Deep woven textures
- Relaxed family entertaining
Choose Aluminium If You Want:
- A sleek modern appearance
- Minimal maintenance
- Lightweight durable furniture
- Contemporary outdoor living spaces
Many customers visiting Southwood Garden Centre are surprised by how different the two styles feel in person, which is why seeing the furniture displayed in-store can really help with the decision.
Visit Southwood Garden Centre
At Southwood Garden Centre, we have a wide selection of Hartman and Leisure Grow furniture on display, including rattan and aluminium collections.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy rattan corner set or a sleek modern aluminium dining set, our team can help you find the perfect furniture for your garden and outdoor lifestyle.
Visit us in-store to explore the latest collections and try the furniture for yourself.