How Can You Repair Wicker Furniture?

Nothing beats sitting on our porches, sipping ice tea, and relaxing in cozy wicker furniture. Nothing transforms a patio as a lively wicker table and chairs set.

But what if you damaged your wicker furniture after months of storage? What if you come across lovely wicker furniture set in fair condition? Of course, you fix it!

Repairing wicker furniture is quite simple and takes very little time. This guide will teach you how to repair everything from your wicker chairs and table to your sofa and some other wicker furniture accessories. We offer structural repairs, veneer repairs and all types of material replacement at antique restorers.

Is Wicker Furniture Worth Repairing?

This is a significant question to ask before embarking on any DIY project. It will be a waste of money to put any effort into it if the wicker itself or the furniture’s structure is severely damaged.

If your wicker furniture has sentimental value to you, such as a family heirloom or a valuable antique piece, you might want to consider minor repairs. If you have a vintage piece, care and repair will be necessary to ensure the longevity of the wicker furniture, even if it is in good condition.

Repair of Indoor and Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Knowing whether your wicker furniture is indoor or outdoor will help you decide how to repair it. Because the sun’s heat can be drying, most outdoor wicker furniture is treated with resin and made of synthetic materials.

Indoor wicker furniture is durable, but because it is more likely to sustain wear and tear, the repairs will differ from those for outdoor furniture. Synthetic wicker furniture may only require a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.

Chair, Couch, and Table Repair

Remember that the materials required to repair your wicker furniture will be determined by the type of wicker furniture you have. You may notice that the seating and legs of a chair or couch need to be repaired because they are loose, worn out, or broken. On the other hand, a table may require repairs to broken reeds depending on whether you use it indoors or outdoors.

Repairing Wicker Furniture

Here are some suggestions for reviving your damaged wicker furniture!

Loose Ends Repair

Examine the furniture for any loose ends. Examine the wicker furniture for any protruding pieces. To see things clearly, do this in a well-lit space or with a map lamp or flashlight. Feel for loose ends in places where you might not be able to examine them closely.

Fix them with wood glue. Apply one drop or two of wood glue to the base of any protruding loose ends. Pull the strands together and carefully fold them back into the wicker pattern. Hold the glued pieces in place for a few seconds to let them bond to the chair. Repeat this for each stray strand you come across.

Allow half an hour for the wood glue to dry. Allow the glue to dry after you’ve tucked and glued every loose end. Avoid touching your furniture for 30 minutes to allow the adhesive to take hold. For best results, keep the furniture in a cool, dry place during this time.

Replacing Damaged Reeds

You should remove broken wicker strands. To remove loose strands from your wicker furniture, use an Exacto knife or heavy-duty scissors. Snip through broken strands near the undersides of the piece’s legs, arms, or other parts with care. To avoid damaging other components of the wicker, gently drag out the damaged strands.

To make replacement reeds more flexible:

  1. Soak the reeds in warm water for 30 minutes.
  2. Choose the replacement reeds you require to repair your wicker furniture.
  3. Put them in a big bucket filled with warm water.
  4. Allow them to soak in the water for 30 minutes.

Remove any remaining water from the reeds. Take the reeds out of the water and put them on a stack of clean paper towels. Gently press another paper towel against the reeds to drain excess water. Using fresh paper towels, press on them until no more water comes out.

Replace the reeds by weaving them into your wicker furniture. Thread a replacement reed into your furniture, beginning near the back and working your way forward. Gingerly weave the reed in and out of the wicker with pliers or your fingers. For the best results, stick to the wicker pattern.

Glue the strands together. Add a dribble of wood glue to the endpoints once the reed is through. Tuck them in to stop them from protruding. Hold the stands for a few seconds to let the glue dry.

After 30 minutes, secure the tips with carpet tacks. Once the wood glue has dried, place carpet tacks on the corners of the replacement reeds. To avoid splitting the reed fibers, gently push the tacks in. Make sure the tacks are securely fastened with a small hammer or your finger.

Wicker Furniture Cleaning

Remove the cushions. Cushioned wicker furniture may be more prone to attracting dust, odors, and dirt. Detach the cushioned parts of the furniture for cleaning if possible.

If they have removable covers, wash them in your washing machine and air dry. Bring them to a professional cleaner if they don’t have removable covers, or use a wet vacuum to remove odors and stains.

Clean the surface of the wicker furniture with a bleach and water solution. One liter (4.2 c) water and 250 ml (1.1 c) household bleach in a large bucket. Wipe down the wicker furniture with a clean cloth doused in this solution. Let it air dry for at least 2-3 hours.

This solution will deodorize and remove stains from the wicker. When applying this solution, wear gloves.

For a clean finish, refinish the wicker with a primer. Place your wicker furniture outside or in a well-ventilated location. Spray the entire surface of the wicker furniture with a thin layer of resin-based primer. Let it dry for around 2-3 hours.

When spraying, keep the can 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) away from the furniture. To avoid inhaling fumes, wear a mask.

No matter how high-quality your wicker furniture is, it will eventually show damage. Even if you repair or restore it well, proper maintenance is still required to extend the life of the wicker furniture.

If you’re here because you’re considering buying wicker furniture for your home garden, check out the pluses and minuses of rattan garden furniture, a type of wicker furniture you might love.

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