How to Cane a Chair With a Woven Cane

The caning on cane chairs eventually wears out and sags. Thanks to machine-woven cane, it's easy to replace the seats of your cane chairs. No specialized equipment is needed, just a few common hand tools and some glue.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Woven replacement cane
• Caning spline
• Large rag or towel
• Wedges
• Mallet
• Flathead screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Wood glue
• Fine grit sand paper
• Spray-on varnish

1. Measure the seat of the chair where the cane will be replaced. Measure the distance from the grooves on the outside of the caned area and add 4 inches to the total distance. Cut the replacement cane to these measurements.

2. Fill a sink or tub with warm water. Completely immerse the cane and let it soak for about 45 minutes until it is very pliable.

3. Meanwhile, remove the old cane from the chair seat. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the old caning spline. The spline is a flexible rod of cane that holds the woven replacement cane in place. If the glue holding the caning spline will not yield, use the utility knife to cut along the edge of the spline and then carefully pry it up with the screwdriver. Use a clean rag to wipe away any debris in the groove that holds the caning spline.

4. Remove the now-pliable replacement cane material from the water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Center it over the area you are recaning.

5. Drive a wedge into the center of the groove on one side to hold the cane in place. Use the mallet to tap the wedge into place.

6. Pull the cane so it is slightly taut, but not enough to distort the pattern, and use the mallet to insert a wedge into the center of the groove on the opposite side. Make sure the pattern of the cane is parallel and perpendicular to the frame of the chair and not crooked.

7. Continue installing wedges until the cane is held in place by wedges all around the frame.

8. Glue the new caning spline in place. Remove one wedge and apply wood glue to the area above the groove. Press the caning spline into place, pushing the cane into the groove beneath the spline. It may be necessary to use the wedge and mallet to push the spline into the groove. Remove the wedges one at a time as you install the spline into the groove. Cut the spline to fit when you reach the starting point.

9. Allow the glue to dry completely.

10. Cut off the excess caning material with the sharp utility knife.

11. Sand the cane lightly with the fine grit sandpaper. Wipe off sanding dust.

12. Spray varnish on the newly installed cane to protect it. Apply a light coat of varnish, following the instructions of the manufacturer of the varnish.

References

• Cane a chair.