How to Fix Wicker Chairs

Good quality wicker is a very strong and durable material that is ideal for producing beautiful furniture that's easy to care for and can last a lifetime. Derived from the Swedish word "wika," wicker means "a small, pliant twig." The material may be pliable and sturdy, but with use and exposure to weather it can become brittle, break, crack, and unravel. Professional repair is often costly, so it is in an owner's best interest to learn how to perform simple wicker repairs.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• New pre-soaked wicker strand
• Waterproof glue
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• New dry wicker spoke
• Needle-nose pliers
• Utility knife
• Pre-soaked cane strip
• Brads

Instructions

Reweaving a Strand

1. Turn the chair upside down. Cut out the damaged wicker with scissors. Make sure to cut at an angle and near a spoke or cross strand.

2. Cut a new pre-soaked wicker strand a few inches longer than needed.

3. Weave in the new wicker strand from the backside of the chair. Pull the wicker tight as you weave. Trim the new strand so it butts against the existing strand. Apply glue between the old and new strands.

Replacing a Spoke

1. Snip off a damaged vertical spoke at the closest horizontal strands. Remove the spoke.

2. Cut a new dry spoke the same length as the piece removed.

3. Hold the new spoke with pliers and position it into place.

4. Soak the new spoke in water to make it more flexible if it proves difficult to manage.

5. Apply glue to the ends of the new and existing strands to hold in place.

Recaning a Chair Leg

1. Cut off the old piece of binder cane with a utility knife.

2. Glue a new piece of cane over the end of the existing piece and tack it down with a brad.

3. Wind the new cane tightly and evenly around the leg.

4. Apply glue 1/2 inch from the bottom of the chair leg. Press the cane into the glue.

5. Tack the strand down with a brad. Snip off the excess cane.

References

• 1001 Do-It Yourself HInts & Tips; Reader's Digest, publisher; 1998
• New Fix-It-Yourself-Manual; Reader's Digest, publisher; 1996
• Realtor.com

Resources

• Refinish Furniture