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PE wicker repair strip for outdoor furniture
Much of today's outdoor wicker furniture is not rattan at all but synthetic wicker: strips of polyethylene (PE) woven over a metal frame. Sun and years of use can split or snap a few strands, often at a corner, an arm or the front edge of a seat. PE wicker repair strip replaces those strands so the chair stays in use, at home or at rentals and cafes. It is not for natural rattan or cane.
Choosing comes down to three checks. Profile: measure an unbroken strand and match it with 8.5 mm (about 1/3 in) flat strip, wider 12 mm (about 1/2 in) flat strip for chunky modern weaves, or 5 mm (about 3/16 in) round strand for round weaves, wrapped legs and lashing. Color: compare a daylight photo of the chair with the color options; gradient grey has two tones, so check whether your strands do too. Length: a corner, an arm or a split seat edge usually needs 50 to 120 ft, while a full re-wrap of a seat or back needs a long coil.
The repair is simple. Cut out the broken strands, tuck the new strip under its neighbors, weave it over and under to match the pattern, and glue the ends underneath where they will not show. A slim weaving tool makes the tucking much easier, and the wicker repair kit pairs 230 ft of 8.5 mm strip with the tool. Our outdoor wicker repair guide walks through it.
- Measure an unbroken strand and match its width and profile.
- Match the color from a daylight photo of the chair.
- Most touch-ups need 50 to 120 ft; a full seat re-wrap needs more.
- Glue the strip ends on the underside, where they will not show.
- For natural rattan or cane furniture, use round reed instead.
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PE Wicker Repair Strip, 8.5 mm Flat, for Resin Patio Furniture
Flat 8.5 mm polyethylene wicker strip for re-weaving resin patio chairs and sofas, 120 or 230 ft, in four colors. For synthetic wicker, not rattan.
From $9.99 · 8 options
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PE Wicker Repair Strand, 5 mm Round, 98 ft, for Outdoor Furniture
Round 5 mm synthetic wicker strand in a 98 ft coil, for round-weave patio furniture, wrapped legs and lashings. Dark grey, dark brown or natural.
$9.99 · 3 options
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Wide PE Wicker Strip, 12 mm Flat, 197 ft, for Outdoor Furniture
Wide 12 mm flat PE wicker strip in a 197 ft coil, for chunky modern outdoor weaves and full re-wraps of seats and backs. Gradient grey or dark brown.
$39.99 · 2 options
Questions
How can I tell PE wicker from natural rattan?
Look at a cut or broken end. PE is solid plastic all the way through and feels smooth and slightly waxy, while natural rattan shows fibers under a glossy skin. Outdoor sets woven over metal frames are usually PE.
Will the new strip match my faded furniture?
Old wicker fades in the sun, so an exact match is unlikely. Pick the closest color from a daylight photo, and start with a repair in a less visible spot to see how it blends.
Do I need the weaving tool?
It is not required, but tight strands are hard to lift with fingers or a screwdriver without scratching them. The slim curved tip opens a gap so the new strip threads through.
Can I re-wrap a whole seat or back?
Yes. Unwrap a little of the old strip first to see the pattern and how the ends are fixed underneath, then weave the new strip the same way. A full seat or back takes more than the 50 to 120 ft of a typical touch-up, so order a long coil.