There is a missing piece in slat of my rattan table, can I fix it?

Betty Waddell
by Betty Waddell
Any good ideas how to fix this piece or a diy that would work?
Hole in the rattan. Middle of table
View of table. The red color on table is where the slat has broken.
  11 answers
  • Julie M. Julie M. on Jun 04, 2017

    I would go to a granite yard and look through the boneyard to find a suitable color. Pay them a small amount just to rough cut to size. I have bought tops like that for about $40 including the cuts. Sit the granite on top of the damaged tabletop. BTW Easier to set drinks and food on than the uneveness of woven wicker.


    • See 1 previous
    • Julie M. Julie M. on Jun 12, 2017

      I would agree except I had glass tops cut for our nightstands and they were VERY expensive. I think about $60 per nightstand. And the granite will hold that table down if someone bumps into it or the wind comes up.


  • Allyssa Swearingen Allyssa Swearingen on Jun 04, 2017

    You could try using a moldable clay or plaster, something like shapecrete, to create the missing individual pieces. You could then paint them to match the rest of the table.

  • Karen Durante Karen Durante on Jun 04, 2017

    Is there an inconspicuous place underneath or hidden from view in which you can remove and replace in this area?

  • Kcama Kcama on Jun 05, 2017

    Karen's idea is great, but if there's no place you can "steal" from, look around for an old basket or chair that has similar size pieces of rattan. Would take some extra care in gluing each piece in place. Then maybe repaint the whole table (or just the diamond section).....

    or...

    A nice centerpiece would look good sitting there

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 05, 2017

    I have done repairs sinilar to this years ago. Thrift stores always have baskets. Try to find a similar basket to "harvest" from. Soak pieces for patching in hot water to facilitate ease of reweaving in the patch. Touch up with craft paints.

  • Gloria McCune Gloria McCune on Jun 05, 2017

    Try using the stems of a tootsie role pop, to weave in, & make a new wicker patch.

    Glue from back side, & paint..

  • Cha23054532 Cha23054532 on Jun 05, 2017

    What if you soak some cocktail sticks, then whilst wet, slid the sticks using glue and put them in position, once dried match a colour

  • Helen Helen on Jun 05, 2017

    I remember somewhere you can buy the rattan... you may want to ask around and/or call some likely stores. such as hobby lobby.

  • Baba Baba on Jun 05, 2017

    How about twine!!

  • Fai5517056 Fai5517056 on Jun 06, 2017

    There is a place in Plainwell Michigan that carries supplies for working on wicker and Rattan, I just can't remember the name. Maybe you could Google it.


  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jan 01, 2021

    Hi Betty, this video will show you how to go about repairing your wicker furniture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ3jgiE7idM