Do you have a piece of rattan furniture that is starting to show its age, especially with the wrapping? You may have noticed that it’s starting to unravel or break. But if you still want to keep using your rattan piece, then you should learn how to repair rattan wrapping.

It’s a simple fix you can do that can save you from having to replace the piece entirely. Plus, repairing old furniture like rattan is a skill that can come in handy for any future furniture projects. So let’s dive in!

Rattan wrapping is common in rattan furniture, where thin strips of rattan cane are tightly woven around joints to provide support. This wrapping is not only functional but also adds a decorative touch to the furniture.

However, over time, this wrapping can start to unravel or become damaged due to wear and tear. This is especially true for older pieces of furniture that have been used frequently. But you don’t have to throw away your beloved rattan piece just yet because the wrapping has started to come apart.

Is it actually possible to repair rattan wrapping? And can you do it on your own? Let’s find out and get you started!

Can Rattan Be Repaired?

Yes, rattan can definitely be repaired! Many DIYers have successfully repaired rattan wrapping on their own, saving themselves the cost of replacing the furniture. That means you can do it too!

If you’ve never done this before, it can seem pretty daunting. But once you get the hang of the basics and practice a bit, it’s really not that hard. Plus, by repairing your rattan wrapping, you’re giving your furniture a longer life and keeping it around for many more years.

Supplies Used to Repair Rattan Wrapping

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.

Repairing Rattan Wrapping

Okay, so you have your supplies ready and now it’s time to get down to business! The first step in repairing rattan wrapping is to soak the new wrapping in water. This will make it more flexible and easier to work with. You only need to soak it for about half an hour.

cutting and soaking rattan wrapping in water

While the wrapping is soaking, you can prepare the damaged rattan area for repair. This includes cutting off any protruding portions and gluing down loose ends. You should also remove any old wrapping that is completely broken so you can replace it altogether.

Now with the new wrapping flexible, you can start to weave it into place. Secure the rattan and wrap or pin it tightly, following the same pattern as the previous wrapping. If you’re not sure about the pattern, you can check the other areas of the furniture that weren’t damaged and go from there.

Apply glue to the underside of the rattan wrapping to secure it, and you can also use a hammer to really tap the wrapping into place. When you get to the end, you can cut off any excess rattan for a clean finish. If there are more damaged areas, repeat this process until they are all repaired. Let everything dry and then voila! Your rattan furniture is as good as new.

Best Glue to Repair Rattan Furniture

If you’re wondering what glue is best to use to repair your rattan furniture, then we suggest using wood glue! This type of glue is perfect for repairing rattan because it dries clear, creates a strong bond, and is waterproof. It’s also easy to find at any hardware store or online.

You can check out our guide on how to repair rattan furniture where we used wood glue and had great results. Just make sure to choose a high quality wood glue for the best results. We also have a list of the best glue for repairing wood furniture here for more options you can consider.

Can I paint my rattan furniture?

Of course, you can paint your rattan furniture! It’s a great way to give it a fresh new look and add some personality to your space. Plus, if you have repaired the rattan wrapping, painting over it can help cover up any imperfections or discoloration, or make it a seamless repair and blend it with the rest of the furniture.

Here’s our guide on how to refinish rattan furniture that includes tips on how to prep your rattan furniture for painting and what type of paint to use.

What causes rattan to break?

Rattan furniture is known for its durability and strength, but it’s not invincible. Like any other material, rattan can break over time. But there are also some factors that can contribute to rattan breaking.

One common cause of rattan breaking is exposure to harsh weather conditions. Rattan is a natural material that can be affected by extreme temperatures and moisture. So if your rattan piece is constantly exposed to direct sunlight or rain, it can weaken and eventually break.

Another reason rattan can break is frequent use. Over time, the constant weight and pressure from sitting or leaning on a piece of furniture can wear down the rattan. This is especially true for spots where there are joints or bends in the furniture, as these areas are more prone to damage.

You may also notice rattan breaking if it’s not properly maintained. Leaving your rattan furniture outdoors without any protection or cleaning it with harsh chemicals can weaken the material and make it more susceptible to breaking.

And lastly, accidents happen. Maybe someone accidentally sat or stepped on a delicate part of the furniture, causing the rattan to break. Or perhaps something heavy fell on it, causing damage. These types of accidents are inevitable, but luckily, rattan is a material that can be repaired.

So there you have it! It’s definitely possible to repair rattan wrapping and you can do it on your own with just a few supplies. And don’t forget, maintaining and protecting your rattan furniture can also help prevent future damage.