One morning, as I was taking a walk, I saw two wicker chairs which had been set out for the trash. Now, when I see something like this, I don’t see trash, like Dan does. I see what it could be – with some creativity and a little bit of work. However, I knew we didn’t need chairs like this or even have a place for them, but then, Eureka! I had an idea!
So, when Dan got home from playing Euchre with the old guys group, I corralled him into going and getting those chairs. We had to act fast as we needed to get there before the trash truck did.
I did a little research on Youtube about how to restore wicker chairs. The first thing I did was to wash the chairs with Dawn dish soap. I washed them really well and scrubbed each chair gently with a brush. I let them dry for a couple of days.
Meanwhile, I scoured Facebook Marketplace for several days before I found two 18″ U-shaped chair cushions in good condition. I wanted to have these cushions in hand before deciding what paint color to use on the chairs.
Cushions in hand, my next step was to paint the chairs. I used a spray paint which was a combination primer and paint. I chose Satin Otter Brown for the color, and I put on three light coats, allowing plenty of drying time in between. My last step was to apply a coat of spar urethane to protect the chairs from the sun and the rain.
A few weeks before I did any of this, before even finding the chairs, our neighbors had put some patio furniture in the trash. We checked with them, and then helped ourselves to a glass-topped table. I was planning to use this table when I worked on my dollhouse. However, after I found the chairs, I knew it was the perfect table to put between the chairs, so one could have a nice drink or snack while relaxing in the wicker. With attention to detail, I removed the table’s glass top and spray painted the metal frame the same color as the wicker chairs.
Here’s the end result:
So, what am I going to do with this rescued trio?
Remember, my friend, Karen, who has decided to retire? She and her husband have bought a cabin on a lake. This cabin property will be their retirement retreat, not too far from home, where they can go often and enjoy the peace that nature provides. When I found those two chairs, I didn’t see trash. I saw Karen and Tim sitting in these chairs, under an overhang, sipping some tea – or whatever they like – and looking out onto their lake watching the birds and the geese and feeling the gentle breezes. So, yes, Karen, these are for you! Happy Retirement!! I hope you and Tim like these up-cycled wicker chairs and spend many hours relaxing in them. Now that you’ve read this post, please contact me, and we’ll arrange delivery.
However, at this point, Karen, I need you to stop reading. Everyone else, please continue.
So, for everyone else, here’s the cost breakdown, just in case someday you are out walking and you happen to see a couple of wicker chairs in an alley just waiting to be rescued.
- 2 wicker chairs – free
- table – free
- 2 outdoor wicker chair cushions – $16
- 4 spray cans of Paint+Printer – $20
- 1 spray can of Spar Urethane – $10
- Total cost: $46
Picture by Karen
Chambers on the Road 
Wow you ROCK!!! Good job on the restoration and even better job on the generous heart! I love it!
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Thank you! As far as project goes, spray painting the chairs was pretty easy. Convincing Dan to bring something home that I found in the trash is another matter. 🙂 I appreciate your compliments. Thanks again, and enjoy your day!
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Wow – I am sure your friends will enjoy those lovely chairs. You did such a wonderful job. Anybody would appreciate such a great gift.
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Thank you, Peggy. She always reads my blog posts, so I am looking forward to surprising her this way. Enjoy your day!
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Convincing a husband that trash can be treasure is always a challenge!
Good on you for rescuing the chairs and table. You’ve made a wonderful gift for your friends at the lake.
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You are exactly right that convincing a husband that trash can be a treasure can be a challenge. That is always the hardest part for me! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
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Nice work, and generous heart! 🙂
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Thanks for your kind words! Enjoy your day!
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That is amazing! You did a terrific job and I’m sure made your friend very happy. Kudos to you for thinking outside the box and creating something special.
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Thank you very much! Sometimes I think I need to stay out of the alleys! I appreciate your kind words, and enjoy your day!
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It’s great when you find someone’s trash as your treasure. Great job on bringing those chairs to like new condition and gifting them to your friend. You’re awesome.👍🏼❤️
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Thank you for your kind words and for reading my post! Enjoy your day!
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The creative mind sees a treasure in the trash! These pieces were in good condition, just needed a little freshening up! I’m sure Karen will appreciate them every time they sit in them to enjoy their retreat!
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I think she will like them, too. It’s fun to me to me to redo something ugly into something nice. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
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How beautiful! What’s the saying, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. What a wonderful gift you’ve created for your friend. You rock!
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Hi Bill! Glad you are back! Yes, one’s person trash is another one’s treasure. However, I think Dan would prefer I spend a little less time in the alleys! Thanks for your compliments, and I am looking forward to reading your posts. Enjoy your day!
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[…] can work on my other projects. So far, I have redone those wicker chairs for Karen, and I have successfully made an apple pie. Oh my heavens, it was so delicious! I currently have a […]
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Great rescue!
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Thank you!
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[…] Living AreaDo you recognize those two chairs on the […]
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