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D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving: Easy patio chair repair ideas 

By Bunnings magazine /

A white patio chair repaired with vibrant rope using D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving techniques, sitting on a timber deck with a green grassy background and a white side table holding a glass of water.

Overview

D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving is the perfect solution for giving new life to a chair with a bit of rust and a few broken strings. Save a sturdy but tired chair from being banished to the council pick-up pile by simply revamping the frame with spray paint, then weaving the seat and back with weatherproof rope in your favourite colours. Perfect for D.I.Y. patio chair repair projects. Hello, new favourite outdoor chair – for under $80*!

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Remove existing cord

Use sharp scissors to cut through the existing cords on the chair seat and chair back. Unwind the cords from the chair frame, being mindful of the cut edges and any flaking rust, then discard the old cord to prepare for your D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving project.
Get started on your D.I.Y. patio chair repair by cutting away the old cord from your damaged chair.

2Clean the chair frame

Use a wire brush to scrape off any loose paint or flaking rust, an essential step in preparing for D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving or D.I.Y. patio chair repair. Clean the chair frame with soapy water and a lint-free cloth, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely. Lay down a drop sheet to get ready for painting.

Preparing for D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving? Start by removing rust with a wire brush to ensure a clean and smooth surface for your project.

3Prime and paint your chair

Spray rusted areas with rust converter and leave to dry to prepare for D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving or D.I.Y. patio chair repair. Apply a spray metal primer, followed by several light coats of metal spray paint using a smooth sweeping motion, ensuring each coat dries before the next.  

Tip: Hold the spray can 20-25cm from the surface for a smooth finish.
Applying rust converter to create a solid base for painting is an essential step in your D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving project.

4Weave warp the rope

Tie the rope to the frame in a rear corner of the seat to start your D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving project. Bring it forward to loop over the front edge of the seat frame twice, then back to the rear. Continue the warp (lengthwise weaving) to form the seat, ensuring the rope is pulled taut but not overly tight for a sturdy finish.

Bring new life to a damaged patio chair with D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving – start by carefully winding weatherproof rope around the frame for a sturdy and stylish finish.

5Set up weft

When the seat is complete, tie off the rope securely and repeat the process to weave the same colour vertically on the chair back. For the weft (crosswise weaving), a key step in D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving, use a steel rule or palette knife to go over and under every five warp strands for a neat and uniform finish.

Precision is key during the wefting stage of D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving – use a steel rule or palette knife to weave the rope neatly for a professional finish.

6 Finish with weft weaving

Take rope in another colour and tie it securely to one side of the chair frame to continue your D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving. Weave over and under the five-strand warp sections to create five-strand horizontal bands, adding a pop of colour and texture. Repeat the process for the chair back, then tie off the rope and trim the ends for a polished.

Add a personal touch to your D.I.Y. outdoor chair weaving project by using rope in two colours for a unique and stylish update.

7Get the look

To create a woven effect like ours on the chair back, loop the warp (vertical) rope multiple times around the frame in between full-length wraps. If your chair back has no base bar, complete the weft (horizontal) rope first – the bottom few rows of rope will act as your base bar instead.

8Keep in mind

  • When spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves, and work outside or in a well-ventilated area, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
  • Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer: Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Paint colours may vary on application. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

*Project cost is based on the prices of materials only (rust converter, primer, paint and rope) at Alexandria, NSW, store and is correct at time of printing (tools not included).

9Timber patio furniture in need of a spruce up?

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to revive an outdoor chair.

Photo credit: Cath Muscat, Samantha Pointon.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.