Let’s face it, we all love the satisfaction when we fix things.

So, when your garden furniture is looking a bit worse for wear – and by a bit, we mean quite literally falling apart – something deep inside of you is probably screaming I can fix that.

If it’s not, then you’re probably just tempted to buy a whole new set. But we all know garden furniture doesn’t come cheap, so now is your chance to appease your inner voice and get your DIY on. Then the next time someone sits on your rattan corner sofa or eats at your picnic table, you can tell them that the repairs were all your own work. There’s no pride quite like it.

Maybe you’ve never fixed garden furniture before, or you don’t have much DIY experience under your toolbelt. Whatever the case, if you’re asking yourself, can I really repair garden furniture? Rest assured, with a little help from this garden furniture repair guide, yes you can.

Table of Contents

Before you start…

You might be eager to start, but we must clean our furniture and assess the damage before we get out the nails and glue. Adhesives struggle to stick to dust, dirt and debris, so wipe away any rust using a soft-bristled brush, then wash the whole item of furniture with mild detergent and water.

Common damage typically includes cracks, holes and tears, but this depends on the furniture you have. Once you know what repairs are required, you can figure out which steps you’re going to take to make them.

How to repair rattan garden furniture

You might be asking yourself, can rattan garden furniture be repaired?

The answer is yes. It might seem complicated, but you can repair rattan furniture fairly easily. The first thing you need to do is gather your tools and resources.

White and grey rattan chairs and table in front of a grass lawn.

What do you use to repair rattan furniture?

You’ll be pleased to know that the items you need are ones you might have already. If not, they’re pretty easy to get a hold of. Items are as follows:

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Scissors or pliers
  • Glue
  • Toothpick or a similar small tool (optional)
  • Rattan strips
  • Warm water

Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s get started!

Step 1: Tighten loose strands

When repairing rattan furniture, it’s best to start with any holes or gaps. These often occur due to the strands coming loose. To fix this, take a flathead screwdriver and place it beneath the loose strand, then lift it. This should pull it taut and eliminate gaps. Repeat the process in affected areas.

Step 2: Cut off broken strands

This part isn’t too difficult, but it’s a great way of avoiding further damage and maintaining a neat finish. You can do this with a set of scissors or pliers. Be mindful when cutting and keep any strands that can be reused to prevent waste.

Step 3: Soak new rattan strips in water

You should always soak any new rattan strips in water for between 30 minutes to an hour before you start rethreading. By doing so, the strips will be more pliable and less stiff, making for an easier application. This step also allows a better blend with the original weave. When your strips are flexible and bendy, you’ll know they’re ready.

Step 4: Gluing and weaving

This is a great time to glue the loose strands back into their rightful place. You’ll only need a little bit of adhesive on the broken ends of the rattan, this will be enough to press them back into place. Hold them until the glue begins to set.

Now you can apply glue to the ends of your new rattan strips and stick them to the trimmed ends, where your replacement will go. Once dry and workable, start to weave the soaked strips into the existing ones, making sure to follow the original pattern. You might find that a pair of pliers makes this process easier, as well as toothpicks or small tools for small spaces.

It’s important to use an adhesive that is suitable for outdoor use and rattan furniture. This will ensure you get the best results and that the hold will last as long as possible.

Step 5: Trim any excess

Now that your rattan strips are woven, you can trim the excess and clean it up. Ensure that all woven strips match in length, cutting them at an angle for a tidy finish. Be conscious that you can easily lose track of new or existing strips, so be careful and go slowly.

Step 6: Tuck the ends of strips

Be sure to tuck any loose strands behind existing strands, using a bit of adhesive to secure them. All glue should be completely dry before you use your fixed rattan furniture.

How to repair rattan furniture with epoxy

An even easier way of fixing broken rattan strands is by using epoxy. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply epoxy to the strand and mould it into place. Once cured, the strand should look as good as new.

How to repair scratches on rattan furniture

Take a hairdryer and carefully heat the scratched area of your rattan furniture to soften the strands. Sand and polish the area until bright, then apply a varnish coating to prevent repeated damage.

How to repair wooden garden furniture

Now that you know how to fix rattan furniture, it’s time to move on to wooden furniture.

Wooden bench on grey tiled floor and in front of a brick wall and trellis.

Outdoor wooden furniture undergoes a lot more stress than indoor furniture. As temperatures and weather conditions change, the wood expands and contracts. This can result in cracks, loose joints, rotting wood and more.

Repairing wooden furniture is a job that varies dependent on the type of breakage and the type of furniture. Here are a few simple steps that can help you improve the current state of your tables and chairs.

Step 1: Fix any cracks and holes

Generally, you can repair small cracks in your wooden garden furniture with wood putty or filler. Larger holes, however, may need a new piece of wood to patch it. Use wood glue or a suitable adhesive to secure the new piece, then seal and paint over it once dry. It’s recommended you use the same type of wood as the rest of your furniture, but don’t worry about this too much if it’ll be painted anyway. Just make sure it is durable.

Step 2: Tighten loose joints

If your furniture is squeaky and wobbly, the mortise and tenon joint has likely come loose. It’s not too difficult to fix as it will likely need regluing.

Carefully tap the pieces of wood apart with a rubber mallet until you can see the joint. With a chisel, remove any remaining glue and then apply your fresh glue to the tenon generously. You can do this with a paintbrush or any tool that you think would be suitable. Rejoin the mortise and tenon, securing them with a clamp. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess glue and leave it to set, ensuring it is fully dry before use.

Step 3: Replace rotten and broken boards

Rot is a common problem for wooden garden furniture, especially for picnic tables and benches with large surface areas and small gaps between boards that can trap moisture. Figure out which boards need replacing and remove any bolts or nails that hold them down. You can use your rubber mallet to knock the boards away, or make use of a drill and pry bar if necessary. Take a tape measure and size your new boards, then cut them to the right dimensions using a saw.

Align your boards for installation, making sure that they are spaced evenly. Spacers are a great way to ensure water can drain and to keep measurements uniform and consistent. With a clamp holding the boards in place, fix them to the rest of the structure using the old bolts or new screws. If your boards are uneven when aligned, you can trim them to size once installed.

After installing the new boards, sand and treat your wood for protection. This gives it a higher chance of lasting – you can refer to our guide on how to look after your garden furniture for some helpful tips in this area.

How to repair metal garden furniture

Typically, the easiest way to fix your metal outdoor garden furniture is welding. However, this isn’t always practical for everyone – especially if you’re a DIYer with no experience in this area. But don’t lose hope. You can make simple repairs with epoxy, which requires way less time, effort and expertise.

Black metal bench in front of a brick wall.

It’s worth noting that this method may be better suited to cracks and small holes rather than large fixes that undergo heavy stress. Epoxy is not a foolproof alternative to welding, so it’s best to be thorough and critical when analysing damage and planning your repairs.

Step 1: Sand your furniture

After doing your prep work, sanding the area of furniture that needs repairing is a good place to start. It will get rid of any remaining rust and paint. As a result, you can obtain a more reliable adhesion.

Step 2: Mix your epoxy (if required)

Some epoxies require you to mix two equal parts. If this is the case for your epoxy, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines until it is ready for application. If not, prepare it according to the instructions you have.

Step 3: Apply and repair

Using a suitable tool, apply your epoxy to the areas that need it. Layers should be generous for ultimate adhesion. Once applied, leave your epoxy to cure for as long as required, making sure it is totally dry before sanding down and painting over the top for a professional finish.

Final Thoughts

So, you’ve fixed your garden furniture? We’ll give you some time to rejoice.

Whether you fixed a wobbly chair leg, replaced the boards of your picnic table, or patched up a hole in your metal furniture, hopefully you’ve appeased that inner voice. Or maybe you’ve made it louder and it’s now telling you to fix everything in sight – in which case, congratulations! You’re now a true DIYer with a beautiful set of garden furniture to show for it!

Since you’ve started, why not take a look at our 10 lawn care tips and small garden ideas to give the rest of your garden some love?

 

 

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