How to fix a wicker chair frame?

[becster]

I have 2 outdoor wicker dining chairs where the bamboo frame has rotted and needs to be replaced.  They can't be glued together unfortunately.

What do you recommend to fix and/or replace the frame with?

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @becster,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any bamboo products that would be suitable for use to repair the damaged frame.

You could potentially use something like this 42 x 42mm Merbau to replace the damaged bamboo.

You could cut it to size, screw it into a square shape and then screw it to the existing frame using Zenith 10G x 50mm Galvanised Timber Screws.

This would be a relatively simple repair that will add further life to your wicker chairs.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Noyade to see what ideas they've got.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Good afternoon @becster,

You are attempting a difficult repair job and while I am thinking about it ...

Can you measure the diameter.

To measure you can lay a ruler across that or use a short length of string and transfer to the ruler.

I'll be back

[AlanM52]

@becster,

I am thinking of a plywood base.

The chair sits on the base and secured with saddle clips.

We need to splint that base bamboo break with maybe a short placric tube or simply use paddle pops and gaffa tape... something like that.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @becster 

It looks like you may be on a bit of a learnng curve, there have been a few subjects within these pages about repairing wicker styled furniture.

It comes down to the state of the frame, I can see that you are missing at least one diagonal strut. So either sourcing some like sized bamboo and let it dry and then cut some spares up. Plus laying some hands on some ratten so you can wrap the pieces again where they have rotted. You will need to remove any of the damaged wrapping first tho. With the new pieces of bamboo (or small round timber) I would tack them in place with thin nails so they remain insitu while re-wrapping.

Some places I have found ratten in teh past (always keeping my eyes out) have been spotlight and also cheap stores. For local bamboo, just crise around your local suburb anbd keep an eye out. Once you see some, knock on their door and see if you can grab some lengths. (small handsaw in the car just in case) Then let it dry until the green has gone and give it a go.

Dave