Damaged Caned Chair Makeover

Caned Chair After

Caned Chair Before

After doing many caned chairs, this one was unique because it was mainly metal and very heavy. It was surprising how heavy it was because when you looked at it, you wouldn't suspect it was so heavy! Anyway, the seat had been damaged and needed to be replaced. This was a "press-in" caning job, meaning the cane comes as a unit and it "pressed" into the open area of the seat once the old, broken cane was removed. The cane is held in place with spline that comes in various widths, based on the allowed opening of the groove left by the previous spline. 

I first removed the seat's cane on the edges with a knife then drilled holes in the spline, every two inches so I could shoot steam into each hole. This process allows me to carefully lift up the old spline which is held in with glue. I begin in the front then carefully move all the way to the back while gently lifting the old spline away from the cane. Once all the old material has been removed, I clean out the groove and get ready to install the new cane material. Prior to installing the cane, it has to be soaked at least 2-3 hours. This makes it pliable enough to push into the new grooves so it doesn't crack and break while applying. 

I used caning wedges that are carefully hammered along the groove line which makes room for the new spline. Then I start at the back of the chair and following the glue line, push and hammer the new spline into place. After the new spline is completely installed, I cut away the excess cane material and after a final clean up, the chair it done. It is recommended to rest at least 24-48 hours prior to someone sitting on it.