How to Repair Wicker Furniture - Replace wicker/rattan with durable wood slats on sofa and table

My outdoor sofa, made of a steel frame and wrapped with vinyl wicker, deteriorated. The damage was likely due to UV light and/or weather. Faced with the decision to trash the sofa or repair it, I decided to attempt a DIY refurbishing. After removing the rattan/wicker material, I prepared the steel frame for priming and painting. Finally, I attached slats of wood to the metal frame using custom 3D printed brackets and stainless wood screws. Someone else might consider using off-the-shelf metal straps cut to length, instead of printed brackets. The fix spared the sofa from the landfill and resulted in a piece of furniture that is far more durable than even a brand new wicker sofa. My patio furniture is now ready for many more years of use! Further, I plan to complete a similar fix on my broken outdoor wicker table. The same do-it-yourself fix can be used on outdoor chairs, loungers, and beds.

​The plastic clips, connecting the metal frame to the wood, were custom made. You may purchase clips by contacting me at [email protected]. Please include the dimensions of the tubes on your furniture. Each piece is $4.50. Thanks!

Generic brackets for attaching wood to frame (check dimensions):
https://amzn.to/3ZlHesp
https://amzn.to/3AVwRBi

Metal strapping for attaching wood to frame:
https://amzn.to/3ziGCJ9

You might also try paracord, instead of brackets:
https://amzn.to/4cVOA91

Rusty metal primer on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3SXPsC9

Black metal spray paint on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/48IQIyG

Angle grinder wire brush on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/49sui65

Angle grinder on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3uUynRs

Stainless steel wood screws on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/43icys1

Attach phone holder to vehicle windshield with magnet (NEOS):
https://amzn.to/3yMJfCs