How to Repair the Seat in a Cane Chair

For the handy do-it-yourself homeowner, repairing the seat in a cane chair is a task that can be completed relatively easily with some basic instructions. However, for those who do not excel in home repairs, crafts or do not enjoy doing such activities, it may be wise to outsource the repairing of a cane chair. Cane chairs are usually quite comfortable and can last from generation to generation. The six steps below describe the basic process for repairing a cane chair.

Tools and Cane
Having the right tools is an essential part of successfully repairing a cane chair. Gather needle nose pliers, a screwdriver, a cane straightener and a pair of tweezers. Choose cane that is the same size as is currently in the damaged seat for the best fit.

Step 1
Remove all the old cane from the chair seat. Be sure the holes are free of dirt and debris to make the re-caning process easier.

Step 2
Place several canes in a water/glycerin bath to soften them for installation. Then string the chair from front to back, keeping the cane loose and straight.

Step 3
Run horizontal strips through the side holes and across the vertical cane.

Step 4
It is time to begin weaving the cane. Working with the second set of vertical canes, run the pieces under and over the horizontal strips (i.e. - under the first, over the second, under the third, etc.). Repeat for the remaining vertical holes. For the horizontal holes, begin running the cane over and then under the vertical pieces. Continue for the remaining holes. Straighten all cane once woven in. This step is the most time consuming of all the steps.

Step 5
Step 5 works the cane on the diagonals. Start from any corner that is easy to work with and run cane at a straight diagonal. Weave over the vertical pieces and under the horizontal pieces. Continue this pattern for all the diagonal holes. Be sure that the cane is being strung through the correct holes before continuing with the rest of the chair.

Finish the diagonals by working the next set of strands in the opposite manner. Run them under the vertical pieces and over the horizontal ones. A natural "x" will form in the pattern. Use care when slipping these final pieces into place, making sure that the cane sits neatly within the space of the cane that has already been woven.

Step 6
Finish the chair with a cane border around the outer edges. This will help provide a polished, finished look while making sure that the cane sits flat on the chair.

A novice caner can expect to spend a few days repairing a chair, whereas, an experienced caner can have a chair repaired in about a day. Seek out the advice and hands-on help of friends and family who have repaired cane before if questions arise. Taking the time to properly repair the seat in a cane chair will ensure that it lasts for many years to come.