We all love to stay outdoors on our comfortable furniture during the summer. Nothing improves a porch more than comfortable wicker furniture around it. Besides enjoying the beautiful garden view, we may like to sit on the patio.

But what can you do if your wicker furniture is damaged? This can restrict your usage. Damaged furniture needs urgent repairs. How can you fix it? This article shows you how to repair wicker furniture.

Understanding Wicker Furniture

Have you ever wondered what wicker furniture is? This topic is popular among many decor bloggers. Wicker is a type of twig used in weaving furniture. The weaving process has been an old practice since the time of the Egyptians. 

Wicker is not the same as rattan, which refers to the material. Wicker can be woven from both natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials include rattan, bamboo, and reed, which are flexible for furniture making. Synthetic materials include plastic and resin. Manufacturers then coat the material to look like natural wicker.

Common Issues Leading to Wicker Furniture Damage

Unfortunately, some issues can affect our beautiful wicker furniture. They include:

#1 Splits and Cracks

It might start to split or crack if you forget your wicker outside. This can be due to harsh weather elements like moisture, heat, and sunlight, which mostly affect natural wicker. Your furniture can start to snag and look shabby. When you regularly clean, paint, and repair your furniture, you can minimize these issues. 

#2 Mold and Mildew

These can grow on your wicker furniture if it is wet and humid. Mold grows in damp places. It can affect your furniture and damage it further. It is also bad for people's health. 

#3 Fading

Wicker furniture can fade, especially if it is always in the sun. If you paint it every few years, you can reduce the fading. Buying quality wicker furniture also reduces fading, so it is nice to invest in one.

#4 Loose Weaves

Loose weaves can weaken the wicker’s structure. If you don’t repair them on time, the problem could worsen. Natural wicker is prone to this damage. 

Assessment and Preparation

Is your wicker damaging? You may decide to repair the furniture. What are the first steps to take? You can call these steps your ‘assessment and preparation.’ The steps include:

Inspecting Damaged Areas

The first thing you need to do is to inspect the damaged area. Which area will you need to repair? Is it the weaves? Or the joints? Or the entire wicker? Inspection allows you to know the right tools to get for the repairs. 

Gathering Necessary Materials and Tools

The next thing is to gather the right tools. You can quickly get them from a store. Some of the tools are:

• Toothbrush: This can clean off dust and debris from the furniture before repair starts.
• Industrial Glue: This can bond metal, wood, plastic, and other materials. A great industrial glue to use is E600. E600 is waterproof, holds the wicker material well, and lasts long.
• Pliers: Pliers can grip wicker strands, remove loose wicker pieces, and fix the furniture's weaving pattern.
• Clamps: These can hold the wicker furniture together. It makes sure that the joints are repaired. 
• Wire cutters: These can cut off wicker strands and trim out excesses. The wire cutter is excellent for solid wicker material like rattan.

Identifying the Appropriate Repair Method Based on the Type of Damage

This is another crucial step to keep in mind. You don’t need to waste effort and money if your wicker is badly damaged. However, you can make antique furniture if it is valuable. These repairs can be replacing loose strands or fixing the joints. If it is vintage furniture, regularly care for and repair it.

Another thing that can help you is to determine your wicker type. Most outdoor types are synthetic, so they don’t need much repair. You might only need to clean and paint it. However, indoor types are natural and can tear and wear more often. You need to choose the correct repair method for it.

Repairing Wicker Weaving

How can you repair your wicker weaving? Check out the following steps:

Replacing Broken or Loose Strands

After you have accessed and prepared, it is time to get to work. If your wicker needs weaving, you need to replace the broken strands. Buy replacement wicker. Wicker furniture serves different purposes and comes in various materials and sizes. You can measure the length of the broken strand and buy its replacement.

Weaving Techniques for Different Patterns

The next step is to start weaving. There are some techniques you can use for your wicker: 

• Under-and-over weaving: This is a simple weaving pattern. You take one strand and weave it over another. You will do this repeatedly.
• Double weaving: You will take two strands and start weaving over themselves. It is stronger than under-and-over weaving.
• Pairing: This is when you split the strands into two and weave them around each other. The pattern is finer than others and suitable for decoration.
• Waling: This allows you to weave the strands around thicker pieces. It is used for sofas and chairs furnishing. 

Weaving furniture is a skilled task. You may lack the expertise to weave the furniture. In this case, you should consider seeking professional help. 

Securing Ends and Finishing Touches

You can start securing the ends once you are done with the weaving. You can glue the strands together onto the pieces.

Repairing Frame and Structure

If the wicker’s frame is weak, it is wise to repair it on time too. How? Here are some ways to do so:

Reinforcing Weak Joints and Connections

After securing the loose ends, you can start repairing the weak joints. You can use a clamp to hold the joint, then use strong glue to bond the pieces together. 

Repairing Cracks or Breaks in the Frame

You can fix a small crack in the wicker frame by using super glue to secure the cracks. In case of a larger crack, consider replacing the furniture. Weak furniture frames can only support limited weight. Alternatively, you can cover up the crack with a tablecloth or cushion. However, you must ensure the furniture supports limited weight. 

Strengthening Legs and Supports

The furniture legs and bases help support your chairs and tables. So, you need to support the legs. You can add super glue to the legs and align them perfectly to the frame. Well-aligned legs are less prone to damage and can support more weight. Then, allow it to dry and harden.

Refinishing and Protecting

These steps are the finishing touches. They include:

Cleaning Wicker Surfaces

After repairs, clean the surfaces. You can use a brush to remove dirt, detergent, and water. Then, use a cloth to dry the surface.

Applying Protective Coatings or Finishes

One way to improve your wicker’s appearance is to apply coatings. Buy a good quality protective coat and paint your furniture. If you like, you can add multiple coats for a better finish.

Tips for Maintaining Wicker Furniture After Repair

After repairs, you can maintain your furniture with these methods:

• Cover your furniture when not in use. This is because too much sunlight can damage it. 
• Have a regular cleaning schedule. 
• Oil your furniture to improve its appearance. 

Alternative Methods and Professional Assistance

There are some DIY (do it yourself) repair kits and resources that can help. The above guide has shown you how to repair your furniture yourself. You can read more tips on our blog. 

Still, you must consider your time and effort when repairing wicker yourself. For complex repairs, please hire professional help. These experts know how to help you better.  

If you decide to do it yourself, consider the repair costs, too. If they are high, it is better to buy a new one. If the furniture has been damaged beyond repair, buy a new one. 

Conclusion

We have shown you how to repair your wicker furniture. You can choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. If you do it yourself, remember to check the damage first. Then, you can start the repairs. 

Repairing wicker furniture yourself can be cost-effective and quick. But depending on the damage level and your skills, it may be better to outsource the work to a skilled professional.

Even after repairs, please always maintain your wicker furniture. If you decide to buy a new one, check out our collection of wicker furniture for your outdoor needs.