Rattan turns up everywhere in the home, from storage baskets and trunks to pet beds and hampers, and it's known for being tough, long-lasting and low-maintenance. That said, no natural material is completely immune to the odd crack, split or loose strand over time. Repairing rattan is usually a quick, straightforward job you can do yourself at home, and this guide walks through exactly how
Photo credit - @Angels_Home_ - Kubu Oval Log Basket - shop now.
How often does rattan need repairing?
Not very often, if it's well made and properly cared for. Rattan is naturally durable and holds up well against everyday wear, including resistance to UV rays, which is part of why it's such a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor pieces.
A stray crack or splinter can still appear, especially in pieces that see a lot of daily handling. How well a piece holds up over the years also comes down to how it was made in the first place. Rattan that's been carefully and tightly woven will naturally be more resistant to damage than something mass-produced with looser weaving, so quality of construction matters as much as the material itself.
Photo credit - @kelly.scott.at.home - Kubu Rattan Storage Trunk - shop now.
At Wovenhill, our storage baskets, trunks and pet beds are hand-woven by experienced craftspeople using ethically sourced, renewable materials, including seagrass, water hyacinth and Kubu rattan, so they're built to hold up to years of everyday use.
Photo credit - @mrs_macs_home - Square Kubu Rattan Shelf Baskets - shop now.
What causes rattan to crack or break?
Most damage comes down to how a piece is used or where it's kept, rather than a flaw in the material itself. Common culprits include:
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Repeated exposure to damp or humid conditions
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Being knocked or scuffed against a rough surface
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Sitting in a poorly ventilated space for long periods
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Overloading a basket or piece beyond its intended weight
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Prolonged exposure to dry heat, such as sitting right next to a radiator
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Big swings in temperature or humidity over time
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Rough handling or repeated overfilling
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Extended exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause the colour to fade over time
Keeping rattan pieces somewhere with steady humidity, away from direct heat, and out of prolonged direct sun goes a long way toward avoiding damage in the first place.
Milton Set of 3 Natural Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Step 1: Identify the damage
Before reaching for any tools, take a close look at the piece in good light and work out exactly what you're dealing with, since the right fix depends on it.
Hairline cracks or splits. Small surface-level cracks that haven't fully broken through the strand. These are the easiest to fix and usually just need sealing.
Loose strands. A strand that's shifted out of place or come slightly untucked from the weave, but is still intact. This needs re-seating, not replacing.
Broken or missing strands. A strand that's snapped through or come away entirely, leaving a visible gap in the weave. This needs a proper replacement, not just glue.
Faded or discoloured patches. Usually caused by sun exposure rather than physical damage, and treated differently to a structural repair.
Working out which of these you're dealing with first will save you reaching for the wrong fix.
Photo credit - @Angels_home_ - Kubu Rattan Oblong Log Basket - shop now.
Step 2: Fix a loose strand
If a strand has shifted or come untucked but isn't broken, it often just needs re-seating rather than any glue at all.
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Locate the loose end of the strand within the weave.
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Use a flathead screwdriver or a similar flat tool to gently lift the surrounding weave just enough to work the strand back into position.
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Guide the strand back along its original path, following the existing pattern as closely as possible.
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Once it's back in place, press it down firmly by hand to help it hold.
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If it still feels loose, add a small dot of clear wood glue to the tucked-away end to keep it secure.
Kubu Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Step 3: Replace a broken or missing strand
If a strand has snapped or is missing altogether, sealing it with glue won't be enough; it needs replacing.
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Trim away any damaged remnants of the old strand with sharp scissors, leaving clean edges on either side of the gap.
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Soak a new rattan strand of a matching width and colour in warm water for around 30 minutes. This softens it and makes it flexible enough to weave.
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Starting from one side of the gap, weave the new strand through in the same pattern as the surrounding rattan, using a pair of pliers or tweezers to help guide it through tight spaces.
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Pull the strand through firmly so it sits flush with the rest of the weave, then trim any excess, leaving a small amount of slack at each end.
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Secure both ends with a dot of clear wood glue or epoxy resin, tucking them underneath the neighbouring strands so the join is hidden.
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Leave to dry fully, ideally for 24 hours, before handling the piece again.
Matching replacement rattan strands can be found at most craft or basket-making suppliers; it's worth taking a small offcut or photo of your piece along to help match the width and colour.
Kubu Rattan Rectangular Pet Bed - shop now.
Step 4: Seal cracks, splinters and stray ends
For damage that doesn't need a full strand replacement, hairline cracks, small splinters or the odd stray end, one of the three methods below will do the job.
Using linseed oil
Linseed (flaxseed) oil is a natural drying oil often used as a wood finish and adhesive, and it's a good first option for small cracks or splinters. It's also worth using on rattan that's started to look a little faded, as it helps refresh the natural tone as well as seal the surface.
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Use a boiled linseed oil formula.
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Clean the damaged area with soapy water and let it dry fully.
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Using a small paintbrush, dab the oil around the cracked or split area and leave it to dry completely.
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Apply a second coat once the first has dried, then leave it to harden fully.
Using epoxy resin
Epoxy resin is a strong adhesive, commonly used to repair more fragile materials like glass or ceramic, and it works just as well on broken rattan strands.
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Clean the area with soapy water and allow it to dry.
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Apply a small amount of epoxy resin over the broken strand.
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Use a small paintbrush to work the resin around the area so it's fully covered.
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Leave it to harden for at least 48 hours.
Using wood glue
If you don't have linseed oil or epoxy resin to hand, a good-quality clear wood glue works well for small cracks, stray strands or splinters. Apply it in the same way as above, using a small paintbrush, and make sure it's a clear-drying formula so the repair is invisible once dry.
Trimming loose ends
For minor damage, such as a few stray or scuffed strands that don't need reweaving, simply trimming them back with a sharp pair of scissors is often the fastest fix. Tidy the area carefully and the piece will look as good as new.
Oval Bronze Log Basket - shop now.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing rattan, or should I replace it? If the frame and structure are still sound and it's just a surface crack, loose strand or a small area of missing weave, repairing is usually quick, cheap and effective. Well-made rattan pieces can last for decades with the odd touch-up.
Can I repair a rattan pet bed the same way? Yes. The same methods apply, since you're treating the rattan itself rather than the specific product. Pet beds tend to see more wear from scratching and chewing, so it's worth checking them over regularly.
How do I stop my rattan basket or trunk from cracking again? Keep it somewhere with steady humidity, away from radiators, direct heat and prolonged direct sun, and avoid overloading it beyond what it's designed to hold. This is the single biggest factor in preventing repeat damage.
Can damp rattan be dried out and saved? Usually, yes. Move it to a well-ventilated space away from direct heat (which can cause further cracking) and let it dry out gradually before treating any damage.
Where can I buy replacement rattan strands? Most craft shops and specialist basket-making suppliers stock replacement rattan in a range of widths and finishes. Take a small offcut from your piece if you can, so you can match the colour and thickness as closely as possible.
We hope this guide helps keep your rattan looking its best for years to come. Explore our full range of handcrafted baskets, trunks, hampers and pet beds, all designed and made exclusively for Wovenhill.
