I recently acquired some cool wood chairs from a restaurant and want to make them garden chairs also. They are currently varnished and I plan on sanding them lightly then painting them to perk them up. My first thought was, before painting them, silicone caulk all the joints to keep any water from seeping in and starting the rotting process. I also plan on putting a layer of silicone on any parts of the chair that will be in contact with the ground. If you aren't going to paint them, I think I would carefully seal all the joints w/ clear silicone so the caulk won't show. Elmer's makes one in a bottle, like a squeeze ketchup bottle that is very easy to use. Much easier to handle than an awkward caulking gun. I have also used the stuff that comes in a tube, like a toothpaste tube...wonderful.

Why not remove the rattan seat, fashion a "basket" out of chicken wire and stapling it to the inside seat rim, line with moss, add potting soil and flowers or ivy? Something that will grow to a bushy mound that will look like a pillow for a seat? Let me know how you do. I'll post my chairs if you post yours..when they're finished of course!

Amanda