Wicker is a flexible plant material, like willow, reed or even synthetic fibers that are woven into baskets and furniture. It can also be woven from rattan, which is a more common option for outdoor wicker.
When a piece of wicker becomes severely damaged, it may be difficult or even impossible to repair. In these cases, you should consider replacing the chair rather than attempting repairs.
Reeds
Wicker chair repairs are crafted from natural plant fibers or synthetic materials like resin that can break or wear over time. They need occasional repairs to keep them looking their best, but repairing severely damaged items isn’t always possible or affordable.
Nevertheless, many basic repairs can be performed at home without professional assistance, including repairing loose wrappings or replacing errant fibers. Depending on the nature of the damage, repairs can be as simple as applying glue to damaged reeds or as complex as completely reweaving the chair to replace the broken pieces.
Minor repair
For minor repairs, you can usually get by with a few tools and some supplies at your local home improvement store or craft supply store. For example, a small pair of needle-nose pliers will work to remove loose wrappings or broken fibers that are stuck up from a woven seat bottom.
In addition, a wood or wicker glue that’s specifically for fixing damaged pieces of wicker can be used to fix minor splits in the reeds or to correct small areas of damaged fibers that are sticking up from the frame. To apply the glue, apply it to the ends of the broken pieces with a flat-ended toothpick or the end of a cotton swab, and push them back into place for a moment. Then, let the glue dry and remove the swab.
Replace broken Pieces
To replace broken pieces of reed within the weave, you can use replacement material that matches the thickness, type, and color of the old strands. Depending on the type of wicker you’re replacing, it may be necessary to take samples of the faulty section.
Then, you can weave the new piece of reed into the weave to replace the missing or broken part. To do this, follow the same weaving style as the rest of the chair.
To ensure that the new reed fits properly, it’s a good idea to take a photograph of the original reed. This will allow you to show a wicker dealer the area you’re replacing so that they can provide you with the correct replacement.
Frame
The frame of your wicker furniture may not be the most attractive part of the piece, but it is crucial to the overall stability and durability of the chair. It will often have to withstand harsh elements such as the sun and pets, which can wear it down over time.
If your wicker frame has a small hole or a crack that looks like it will become a major problem, seek professional help immediately. This will ensure that your wicker is properly restored and preserved for a long time to come.
Steps to Repair indoor or outdoor wicker chair repair
Repairing the frame of your wicker chair repair can be done in a number of ways, depending on its type. For example, indoor wicker will need different repairs than outdoor wicker furniture.
- One common repair is to rewrap rattan reeds or wrap paper fiber rush around the legs and arms of your wicker chair repair. This can be a relatively straightforward task, especially for older rattan reeds.
- To rewrap a rattan reed, you will need a small wood nail or another fastener to secure the starting end of the reed to the framework, then begin wrapping in the same way as before.
- Repeat the process periodically to keep the reed securely tied to the framework.
- The new reed will need to be slightly larger than the original, so make sure you measure correctly.
- You will also need to soak the replacement reed in water to give it more pliableness.
- Next, weave the replacement reed in a similar pattern to the original. If possible, find a replacement reed that matches the existing color.
- If not, a new color will need to be chosen.
- You can paint the repaired area with paint that is designed to be used for plastics and will blend in well with the rest of your furniture.
In most cases, a severely damaged wicker chair repair can be fixed without expensive and time-consuming repairs. However, this will depend on the age of your wicker and the amount of damage it has sustained. It will also be determined by how important the repair is to you and your enjoyment of your wicker furniture.
Cushions
If a severe case of wear and tear has occurred on the cushions in your wicker chair repair, they can be easily repaired at home. This is especially true if the wicker is made from natural materials such as cane or rattan.
The first thing you need to do is inspect the chair thoroughly. This is best done in a well-lit area and with a map lamp or flashlight. Look for loose ends or other protruding pieces of wicker that might be loosely wrapped around the legs.
In most cases, these loose wrappings can be fixed with wood glue. You can find this glue in most hardware stores or craft stores. Apply a drop or two to the base of any protruding loose ends and carefully fold them back into the wicker pattern. Hold the glued pieces for a few seconds to let them bond to the chair, and repeat for each loose end you encounter.
If the wicker is not covered by a protective covering, you can use linseed oil to clean the damaged areas. This will make the wicker look as good as new, and it will also help maintain its warm color.
How do you clean Cushion wicker chairs?
Once the wicker is clean, you can replace the old strands with new ones. Select a replacement reed that matches the one in your furniture, and try to get one that is the same width.
Next, soak the reed in water for 30 minutes to make it flexible again. This will allow it to be rewoven on the chair’s frame and leg.
Alternatively, you can remove the damaged strands and weave new reeds into place. It is a simple process that requires little skill, but it can take some time if you have never done this before.
In most cases, these repairs can be completed at home without professional assistance. However, if the damage is extensive or if you are unsure about how to do the repair, it is a good idea to call a contractor to help. This will ensure that the job is done properly and to your satisfaction.
Stitching
If the wicker weave of your chair has split or ripped in places, you need to do some serious first aid. You can fix the rips with resin epoxy, available at building supply stores.
You need to clean your damaged wicker chair thoroughly before you begin working on it. Wash it with a soft brush to remove any dust or dirt that may be on the fibers. Once the chair is completely dry, apply the glue.
The glue should adhere best to the resin if it has been cleaned of any dust or dirt. If the wicker is dirty, you can wipe it down with a sponge or cloth.
Steps
Before replacing a broken strand, make sure you buy replacement reeds that match the original size and type of reed on your chair. This will ensure a seamless repair.
- Next, cut a piece of new reed about five inches longer than the old one you are replacing.
- Then, tuck the end of the new strand inside a woven reed that is next to the broken strand. Weave this new strand into the broken one, following the same pattern as the original wicker.
- Repeat the process with the remaining reeds on your chair. This will ensure that the new reed matches all of the other pieces in the weaving pattern.
- If the new reed is not an exact match, you can purchase replacement reeds at craft stores that will be a better match.
- In most cases, reweaving is the best way to fix a severely damaged wicker chair repair.
- This will ensure that the reeds remain strong and sturdy and will prevent the furniture from breaking down in the future.
Once the new reed is woven into the broken strand, you need to secure it with resin epoxy glue. The resin epoxy will keep the new reed in place and will also provide a sealant for the wicker. After the repair is complete, the reed will look as good as ever. This is inexpensive and easy to repair, and it will help keep your wicker furniture in excellent condition.
