How to Repair a Cane Chair
A chair with cane seating is easier to repair than most people realize - if the material used was woven by machine. Cane woven by machine is attached with spline, and the old spline and cane material is very easy to remove and replace. Sometimes a cane chair seat begins sagging, and although it might look like it should be replaced it might just require a simple repair that can be achieved without removing the spline or replacing the material. If you have a cane chair that is looking worse for wear, use the following information to repair or replace the material. A machine-woven cane chair is easy to repair, and you can save a considerable amount of time and money by doing the job without professional assistance.
How to Tighten and Repair Sagging Chair
Sagging is one of the most common problems with cane furniture. The seats of a cane chair eventually begin to sag, even with normal use. On the other hand, sagging can be caused by improper use. This type of chair should never be sat on when wet because the material will stretch and sag. Ironically, water that causes sagging cane seats can be used to repair the problem. If the chair is not sagging too badly, more than likely it can be restored.
To repair and tighten a sagging chair seat, turn the chair over and wipe the cane with a clean damp cloth or sponge. Avoid getting the water on the frame. Allow the cane to dry for at least twenty-four hours. As the material dries it will shrink and tighten, and this should repair slight sagging. Mist the cane once a month while in use, and allow it to dry completely before using. Besides keeping the material taut, the monthly misting will help prevent cracking and breakage.
How to Replace a Machine-Woven Seat
Machine-woven cane is a lot like screen material. It is attached to a frame using spline, and it can be easily replaced should it require repair. Examine the chair seat that requires repair, and look for a groove on the frame that is filled in with wood spline. The spline can be removed and the material replaced with a few simple supplies and tools.
To replace and repair a machine-woven chair seat you will need enough cane to cover the seat plus an extra two inches on all four sides. Most sheets are available in twelve and twenty-four inch widths. You will also need caning spline, wedges, a mallet, a flathead screwdriver, a sharp utility knife, sharp scissors, a measuring tape, wood glue, and fine-grit sandpaper. Also required to complete the repair is a sink or tub of warm water and a large rag or towel. All of the caning repair materials can be found online or in many major craft stores and wood supply stores.
Begin by measuring the seat of the chair. Cut the material so it will extend two inches from each side past the groove. Fill a sink or tub with warm water, and allow the cane to soak for approximately forty-five minutes or until it is very pliable.
While the cane is soaking, remove the old seating. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry up the old spline. If it does not come up easily, use a sharp utility knife to cut around the edge of the spline, and carefully pry it up with the edge of the screwdriver to break away the old glue. After the old cane has been removed, use a clean rag to wipe away any particles in the groove of the chair.
Once the new material is pliable and easy to work with, remove it from the water, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Place the material squarely over the seat, and gently tap a wedge into the center of one side. Pull the cane somewhat taut but not enough to distort the pattern, and tap a wedge into the opposite side. The pattern of the cane should be parallel to the frame and not diagonal or crooked. Continue this process until the wedges are holding the material in place all the way around the frame.
After all of the wedges are tapped in, remove them one at a time while gluing the new spline into place. It might be necessary to use a wedge and the mallet to push the spline into the groove. Remove the wedges one by one while applying wood glue and spline until the entire seat is covered. Cut the spline to fit, and press the last section into place. Allow the glue to dry completely, and cut off the excess material with a sharp utility knife. Lightly sand the seat with fine-grit sandpaper, blow away the dust, and coat the new cane with spray-on varnish according to product label instructions.
Hand-Woven Cane Repair
Hand caning chairs is an art, and to maintain the beauty and the character of the piece, this type of repair should be tackled by a professional. Search online or in a local business directory for caning repair professionals. Cane chairs are exquisite, and with proper care and maintenance they can provide years of beauty and practical use.
Article by Jessica Ackerman of Wall Decor and Home Accents - the best shopping for metal wall art online.