Rope or wicker? If you're looking for a lounge set, you'll come across this choice pretty quickly. Both are woven, both are made for outdoor use, and they're often built around the same aluminium frame. Even so, they feel different, suit a different garden, and need slightly different care. In this article we compare rope and wicker on comfort, maintenance, look and weather. You'll learn what the materials actually are, which mistakes to avoid, and you can take a short choice quiz. We also include examples from our range, so you can see how the differences look in real life.
In short: rope is soft, textile-like cord with a sleek, modern look. Wicker is smooth plastic weaving strand with a visible pattern and a warmer, classic look. The seating comfort comes mainly from the cushions. The maintenance is almost the same: lukewarm water, a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Not sure? Take the choice quiz.
What is rope?
Rope is synthetic cord made specifically for outdoor use. It is woven or wrapped around a frame, usually in the backrests and armrests, while the seat often consists of cushions. In most rope lounge sets the frame is aluminium with a powder coating, sometimes acacia wood. Unlike cotton cord, outdoor rope absorbs little water and dries quickly.
In the product information you'll come across different types of rope:
- Qualicord rope: a brand name for outdoor cord, for example on the Lea and the Teramon. According to the manufacturer it is strong, colourfast and weather-resistant.
- Solution dyed polyester: cord where the colour is already in the fibre. The Monaco lounge chair has hand-woven rope made from this material, with a rubber core.
- Hand-woven plastic rope: as on the Allasio, where the weave looks like real rope.
You can read more about how rope is made in what rope is made of.
What is wicker?
Wicker is plastic weaving strand that is woven around a frame. In the past, woven furniture was made from natural rattan or willow, but that deteriorates quickly outdoors. The wicker on garden furniture is synthetic: it looks like rattan, but can withstand rain and sun. The wicker furniture in this article is built around an aluminium frame.
Wicker comes in different strand profiles, and you can see this in the look:
- Round wicker: a rounded strand with a full, classic pattern, as on the Tennessee bench and the Veracruz lounge chair.
- L-shape wicker: a strand with an angular profile and a sturdy look, as on the Bahama and the Menorca lounge armchair.
- Flat wicker: a flat strand with a finer, sleeker pattern.
Want to know how wicker and rattan differ? Then read what is wicker and the difference between wicker and rattan.
Rope and wicker compared
Below you can see the main differences at a glance. Afterwards you'll read what each point means in practice.
| Point | Rope | Wicker |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Soft on your arms | Firmer and smooth |
| Maintenance | Watch out for grease and sun cream | Watch out for dirt in the gaps |
| Look | Sleek, modern, calm | Warm, classic, textured |
| Weather | Dries quickly | Water runs off easily |
| Colours | Taupe, grey, natural, black | Brown and grey tones |
| Frame | Usually aluminium, sometimes wood | Usually aluminium |
The colours in the table are those you'll find in the current range, such as rope in taupe, dark grey and natural, and wicker in vintage willow, organic grey and cloudy grey.
Comfort: how do they feel?
Most of the seating comfort comes from the cushions, not the weave. With almost every rope and wicker lounge set you sit on a seat cushion and lean against a back cushion. The difference is mainly noticeable in the places without cushions:
- Rope feels soft and textile-like. If you rest your arm on the armrest, it feels warm and friendly, even in shorts.
- Wicker feels smoother and firmer. The weave gives a clear structure under your hand.
For real comfort, check the specifications. The seat height determines whether you lounge or sit upright: the Allasio has a seat height of 43 cm, the Lea 46 cm, and the Bahama, a lounge diningset you can also eat at, 50 cm. The seat depth and cushion thickness determine how far you sink in: the Tennessee bench has a seat depth of 65 cm and seat cushions of 13 cm. You can read more about seating comfort in how to choose a lounge set.
If you're torn between rope and wicker, don't just compare the weave, but above all the cushions and the seat height. Two sets with the same material can feel completely different.
Maintenance: what needs more attention?
The good news: the maintenance of rope and wicker is very similar. The manufacturer gives almost the same advice for both. For the Lea, you clean the rope with a soft brush and lukewarm water. For the Bahama, you clean the wicker regularly with lukewarm water and a soft brush. The differences lie in the details:
| Maintenance | Rope | Wicker |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Brush off dry | Brush off dry |
| Deep clean | Lukewarm water, mild soap solution | Lukewarm water, mild soap solution |
| Tricky spot | Grease, sun cream | Leaves in the gaps |
| Bird droppings | Let soak, dab | Rinse off, wipe away |
| Don't do | High-pressure cleaner, bleach | High-pressure cleaner, bleach |
Rope is a textile-like material: grease and sun cream can soak into it and leave dark marks. A drop of washing-up liquid in lukewarm water helps. Wicker has a smoother surface from which stains are easy to rinse, but leaves, sand and cobwebs collect in the gaps of the weave. A soft brush or an old toothbrush helps there. You'll find detailed step-by-step guides in how to maintain rope garden furniture and how to maintain wicker garden furniture.
Cushions do most of the work
Whether you choose rope or wicker, the cushions need the most maintenance. With many sets the manufacturer recommends a textile protector, and you should store the cushions somewhere dry when it rains. Cushions with removable covers, such as on the Allasio, are easier to clean.
Look: which garden suits it?
This is where many people see the biggest difference. Rope looks calm: the cord runs in straight lines and lets the frame and cushions do the talking. Wicker has a visible weave pattern and brings more texture and warmth.
- Rope suits a modern garden with clean lines, concrete or ceramic tiles, and a peaceful Japandi garden. In warm tones such as taupe or natural, rope also works well in a softer garden.
- Wicker suits a warm, natural atmosphere: an Ibiza garden, a bohemian garden or a rustic garden with plenty of greenery and wood.
You can also combine them. A wicker lounge set with a couple of rope armchairs, or the other way around, creates a playful whole. Just choose cushions in the same colour family so it still feels like one ensemble.
Weather: rain, sun and winter
Rope and wicker are both made to stand outside. In the sets discussed in this article, the frame is aluminium with a powder coating, which does not rust. Even so, they respond to the weather in slightly different ways:
- Rain: outdoor rope absorbs little water and dries quickly. On smooth wicker, water runs straight off. With both, the cushions are the weak point: the polyester covers are water-repellent, not waterproof.
- Sun: colourfast rope, such as Qualicord or solution dyed polyester, keeps its colour better. Plastic wicker is made for outdoor use, but it also looks better if it isn't left in full sun year after year.
- Damp and shade: in a damp spot under trees, green algae can form on both. A spot where the set can dry out after a shower prevents a lot of work.
- Winter: for the Montana wicker armchair, the product information states that it can stay outside all year, but that it's better to bring it in or cover it in autumn and winter. This advice actually applies to every rope and wicker set.
Not sure whether your set can get through winter outside? Read can a lounge set stay outside? and what to do with garden furniture in winter.
Choice quiz: rope or wicker?
Answer four short questions and see which weave suits you best.
Rope or wicker: which weave do you choose?
What do you want to feel when you rest your arm on the armrest?
- Something soft, almost like fabric
- Something firm and smooth
What atmosphere does your patio have?
- Sleek and modern, with calm colours
- Warm and natural, Mediterranean or classic
Where will the set stand?
- In an open spot, with few leaves and birds
- Under trees, where leaves and bird droppings fall
What should stand out most about your lounge set?
- The lines of the frame and the cushions
- A clearly visible weave pattern
Rope suits you You like a soft, calm look and clean lines. Choose a rope lounge set with an aluminium frame, such as the Lea or the Allasio, and keep an eye out for sun cream and grease stains.
Wicker suits you You want texture and a warm, natural look, and a smooth surface that you can easily rinse off. Choose wicker on an aluminium frame, such as the Bahama lounge diningset or the Tennessee bench.
Four examples from our range
To make the differences concrete, below you'll find two rope and two wicker examples. You can see current prices on the cards.
Rope: Lea corner lounge set
A 4-piece corner lounge set with a powder-coated aluminium frame in carbon black and armrests and backrests in taupe Qualicord rope. The set measures 266.5 x 203.5 cm, has a seat height of 46 cm and a seat depth of 50 cm. You get 11 water-repellent cushions with 10 cm foam. According to the manufacturer, you clean the rope with a soft brush and lukewarm water.
Lea corner lounge set 4-piece rope taupe
Rope: Allasio sofa lounge set
A lounge set with a 3-seater sofa, two lounge chairs and a table measuring 170 x 89.5 cm with a Vironwood top. The aluminium frame has a powder coating and is finished with hand-woven rope in natural. With a seat height of 43 cm and a table height of 68 cm, the set is designed for both lounging and dining. The cushions have removable covers.
Allasio sofa lounge set 4-piece rope
Wicker: Bahama lounge diningset
A lounge diningset with a corner sofa measuring 251 x 205 cm, two stools and a dining table measuring 150 x 80 cm with a light teak Vironwood top. The aluminium frame is wrapped in hand-woven L-shape wicker in vintage willow. The seat height is 50 cm, there are 15 cushions included, and the set seats 5 people.
Bahama lounge diningset 5-piece left
Wicker: Tennessee 3-seater bench
A lounge bench 225 cm long with an aluminium frame and round wicker in vintage willow. With a seat depth of 65 cm and anthracite Texfiber seat cushions 13 cm thick, you sit really deep here. The bench is labelled all-weather and seats 3 people.
Tennessee 3-seater bench wicker
Also worth a look:
Teramon corner lounge set rope
View set →
Monaco rope lounge chair
View chair →
Menorca wicker armchair
View armchair →
Veracruz wicker lounge chair
View chair →Browse all rope lounge sets, wicker lounge sets, rope garden chairs and wicker garden chairs.
Which one suits you?
| Your situation | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Modern garden, calm colours | Rope | Clean lines |
| Warm, natural garden | Wicker | Texture and warmth |
| Soft-feeling armrests | Rope | Textile-like |
| Set under trees | Wicker | Smooth, easy to rinse |
| Lounging and eating | Both | Check the seat height |
How to choose quickly
- Choose based on look: rope for sleek and calm, wicker for warm and classic
- Compare comfort by the cushions, seat height and seat depth, not by the weave
- For both, follow the same basic maintenance: brush, lukewarm water and mild soap solution
- Choose an aluminium frame with powder coating if you want low maintenance
Not sure yet what type of lounge set you're looking for? Then use our selection tool, or read buying a rope lounge set: what should you look out for?
Checklist for your purchase
Tick off what you have checked; your browser will remember it.
- Rope or wicker chosen based on the atmosphere of your garden
- Seat height checked: lounging or eating too
- Cushion thickness and seat depth compared
- Frame inspected: aluminium with powder coating or wood
- Maintenance advice in the product information read
- Spot chosen where the set can dry out after a shower
- Dry storage space for the cushions arranged
- Breathable protective cover in the right size sought
Common mistakes
Choosing on the weave and forgetting the cushions
Whether a set is comfortable depends mainly on the cushions, the seat height and the seat depth. Compare those specifications before you choose on material.
Thinking wicker and rattan are the same
Natural rattan doesn't belong outside all year round. Check the specifications to see whether it is plastic wicker, especially if you want to leave the set outside.
Cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner
The hard jet roughens rope and can push wicker apart. For both, use a garden hose on a gentle spray and a soft brush.
Leaving sun cream on rope
Sun cream and grease soak into the cord and leave dark marks. Remove them quickly with lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid, or place a towel over the armrests.
Leaving cushions outside
Water-repellent is not waterproof. Wet cushions also keep the rope or wicker underneath damp. Read how to store garden cushions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rope and wicker?
Rope is synthetic outdoor rope that is woven or wrapped around a frame, usually on the backrests and armrests. Wicker is plastic weaving strand that is woven in a pattern around the frame. Rope feels softer and more textile-like and has a sleek, modern look. Wicker feels smoother and sturdier and has a clearly visible weave pattern.
Which is easier to keep clean: rope or wicker?
Maintenance is very similar: brush regularly to keep it dry and clean it a few times a year with lukewarm water, a mild soap solution and a soft brush. On smooth wicker, bird droppings and dust are a little easier to rinse off. With rope, look out mainly for sun cream and grease stains, and with wicker for leaves and dirt that get caught in the gaps of the weave.
Which is more comfortable: rope or wicker?
Seating comfort comes mainly from the cushions, the seat height and the seat depth, not from the weave. You notice the difference on the armrests and backrest: rope feels soft on your arms, while wicker feels firmer. So compare mainly the cushion thickness and seat height in the specifications.
Can a rope or wicker lounge set be left outside?
Both are designed for outdoor use and, in the sets in this article, have an aluminium frame. They do stay looking good for longer if you store them dry over winter or cover them with a breathable protective cover. Always store the cushions dry: the polyester covers are water-repellent, not waterproof.
Is wicker the same as rattan?
No. Rattan is a natural plant and should really be kept indoors or under a canopy. The wicker used for outdoor furniture is plastic weaving strand that resembles rattan, but it can withstand rain and sun. Shops sometimes use the terms interchangeably, so check the specifications to see which material it is.
