Willow furniture care has long been misunderstood. In our gallery we often hear the comment, “This furniture can be outside in the yard, right?”
No, no, NO! A beautiful piece of willow furniture should only be used outdoors if it is under a roofed-in area that is protected from “direct” sun and rain. If possible, furniture should be stored indoors in winter. When the pieces begin to look dry or ‘thirsty’, they can be resealed with an exterior water based polyurethane.
Many willow furniture owners have their furniture indoors. That’s great! No maintenance is required. Items may be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding willow furniture care.
I have several willow pieces that have been used on a covered patio. They are approximately 25 years old. Several of the rocker runners have deteriorated. Do you have replacement runners; or know of a source for such? Any replacement willow twigs I could use to mend the top of a table? My husband is a carpenter but we do not have a materials source. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi, Marilyn, I sent an email to you so we can communicate directly. Thank you for your inquiry, John and Marcia
I have a willow swing like what is pictured on this page that is in a pergola in the Atlanta area. Some of the branches used in the seat/curved back have broken. Do you sell wood I could use to replace the deteriorated ones? Also what is the best way to protect the wood from the elements?
Hi, Marsha,
I am SO SORRY for my late response. I am just now seeing your message. Willow is not rot resistant, so it will not hold up for long in the elements. You can fix the broken pieces by substituting any other wood that is similar in diameter and will bend. It needs to be green of course, freshly cut and attached within a few days of cutting. If we sent you pieces, they would have dried out quite a bit in transit.
There is no sealer or finish that will keep willow from deteriorating over time. The best situation is to have your piece(s) on a porch with an overhang, so it doesn’t get much, if any, direct sun or rain. (A little is OK.) However, applying a good sealer with ultraviolet blockers is helpful. A couple of good coats should be applied whenever the piece starts lightening up and looking dry or ‘thirsty’.
Perhaps you have already repaired your swing. But if not, I hope this is helpful to you. Again, I am very sorry for the extremely late response.
Sincerely,
Marcia Whitt
I have a willow crib, almost 50 years old, it is in great condition, other than dusty, do I just brush it down, and then to store, can I cover with a plastic bags, dry sheets etc.? Thank you
Christine,
How wonderful that you have a vintage willow crib! If it is in good condition, there is nothing you need to do to it, other than keep it out of excessive heat. Keep it dry and just dust it as needed. You can wipe it with a damp sponge if it is dirty. If it looks dry or ‘thirsty’, you could brush on a water-based sealer, but be sure it is clean first, and also that whatever you use would not be a danger to children.
Thank you for your inquiry; if you have more questions, just let us know.
Marcia
What glue should I use on a Willow Branch Joint that was broken on my headboard during a move?
A good wood glue will work if it is a large piece. Put glue on both edges, then clamp them together if possible. If it is a small twig, super glue works fine.
I have willow chairs & have had them fur 7 years. I want to protect them. I did seal them only once but do not remember how I did it. Would you please help
Thank you
Kate Gallen
Hi, Kate,
On a sunny day, take your furniture outside and clean it well. You can actually use a hose and water and clean it that way. Let it dry outside. Then brush on a good quality poly or acrylic sealer. If you can, find one with UV blockers. We like satin finish. Let dry and repeat if necessary. This will take away that dry ‘thirsty’ look, and you will be amazed at the difference. For more questions, email us: info@thebenttree.com