DIY Wicker Furniture

Materials

• Wicker furniture is made from materials that are bendable or flexible. Some materials that come from plants include wild ginger root cord, sea grass braid, golden wheat/sea grass cord, flat rattan core, bamboo and willow. Rattan is used because it's very strong and durable, so your wicker furniture will last a long time. You can buy materials at craft or garden stores. You can also use paper fiber rush or paper wicker to make wicker furniture. It's a man-made material that comes in pre-twisted coils.

Weaving and Securing

• You can purchase hardwood, solid-core rattan or aluminum frames for the type of wicker furniture you want to make. Use small nails to attach strips of materials to the frame, and leave even spaces between the threads. After the first set of materials is attached, add more threads perpendicular and began weaving over and under. Make sure the threads are tight but not so tight that they can break. It's important the frame is secured to keep the furniture from falling apart.

Weather Proofing

• Wicker furniture made from plant materials shouldn't be exposed to constant heat from the sun or it can become weak or brittle. Rain can also damage wicker materials. One way to protect wicker is by putting two or three coats of latex paint on every part of the wicker furniture, including underneath. Apply a coat of marine varnish after the paint is thoroughly dry. It will improve the waterproofing of the paint. Tung oil also works to waterproof your wicker furniture. Use it twice a season for the best results.