Some older rockers have cane seats that may need repair.
Rocking chairs with cane seats may bring back memories of visiting your grandma. While cane seats are typically durable, they do have a tendency to sag and break over time. Replacing the caning is possible given the proper tools and the purchase of new caning and spline. The process of re-caning your furniture will take some time, as you must work with the materials while they are wet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Order cane webbing and spline to fit your rocker’s seat. There are sites online that sell this and other caning supplies. Webbing comes in a variety of styles including the traditional hexagon pattern, a herring bone design and a woven variety. Spline is the thin reed that is used to secure the cane webbing into the groove in the chair seat.
2. Remove the seat if possible. Remove bolts that secure it with pliers. Set the bolts aside in a safe place to reuse later.
3. Cut the cane seat from the chair with a utility knife. Cut to within 2 inches of the sides.
4. Mix hot water with a small amount of vinegar.
5. Remove the spline from the chair. Apply a small amount of the hot water and vinegar mixture to the spline with an eyedropper, beginning where it is joined together. Allow it to soften and remove it from the groove. Continue until the spline and the remaining webbing are completely removed.
6. Scrape any remaining glue from the groove with a chisel or screwdriver. Let the chair seat dry completely.
7. Soak the webbing in warm water for 15 minutes. Soak the spline until it is pliable.
8. Lay the webbing over the chair seat with the shiny side facing up.
9. Tap the cane webbing into the groove of the seat with a wedge and tack hammer. Begin at the back of the seat, tapping in an inch or two. Do the same with the sides and front of the seat. Continue until the webbing is in place. Allow about an inch of give in the seat, as it will shrink as it dries.
10. Apply a thin stream of wood glue into the groove. Tap the spline into the groove. Allow the seat to dry for 24 hours. Place a damp cloth over the seat while it dries so it will not dry too quickly.
11. Cut excess cane from the seat with a utility knife. Replace the seat onto the chair with bolts.
Tags: into groove, cane seats, cane webbing, chair seat, seat with