Recaning a chair back is a process that can take several hours to complete and requires a few specialized tools as well as a bit of technical knowledge. First, you must remove the staples from old cane around the border of the chair.
Be careful not to tear or damage the frame of the chair during this step. To start replacing the cane, wrap an end of the replacement material around the cresting rail, securing the cane by stapling at the end.
Then use a cording tool or a double-angled needle to weave the material across the body of the chair, keeping a consistent tension as you go. Once the entire seat is woven, you’ll need to wrap the weavers around each spindle, as well as the perimeter rail.
Make sure the weavers are laid in the same direction as the others and staple the ends securely. Ensure that the staples are placed in positions that visually blend in with the design of the chair. If you’d like a more detailed look at the process, consult a tutorial or instructional video on recaning chair backs.
How long does it take to Recane a chair?
It typically takes between 6 to 8 hours to recane a chair, depending on the complexity of the chair and the skill level of the person performing the work. It is important to note that the more experience and skill of the chair caner, the less time it will take to properly recane the chair.
For a novice chair caner, the job can take as long as 10 hours or more.
In general, to recane a chair, you must first remove the existing cane from the chair frame. This can be done using special tools that help break apart the weaving or possibly even a heat gun to soften the old cane.
Depending on the damage sustained to the old cane, the entire chair frame may need to be reframed either before or after the recaning process. The reframing step typically takes an additional 3-5 hours.
Once the frame is complete, the chair can then be readied for the recaning process. This consists of soaking the new cane material in warm water for a few minutes to soften it, cutting and measuring the correct size for each chair joint, and hand weaving the caning material into the chair frame.
The recaning process is a tedious, slow process and can take 4-6 hours to complete.
Once the recaning is complete, the chair should be given ample time to dry and set before it is ready to be used. This can take 1-2 days depending on the material used and the humidity of the environment.
In conclusion, it typically takes 6-8 hours to recane a chair, although more time may be required depending on the complexity of the frame, the damage to the existing chair frame, and the skill level of the person performing the task.
In any case, it is a time consuming process that requires patience and precision.
How do you seat a round chair with a cane?
Seating a round chair with a cane can be done using the following steps:
1. Position the chair in a central area with ample space and good footing. Make sure the chair’s height is comfortable and not too low or high.
2. Place the cane in the center of the back of the chair’s seat. Make sure the cane fits snugly in the seat and that it’s not wobbly or loose.
3. Gently lower yourself onto the seat, keeping your weight balanced on the cane for support.
4. Put your hands behind the chair to stabilize it if needed.
5. Re-adjust the cane to the most comfortable position for the best support.
6. Carefully stand up from the seat when finished, keeping the cane in place in the seat.
Using a cane to seat a round chair can be a safe and comfortable way to take a seat. Keep in mind that each person’s weight and size can vary, so it’s important to find the appropriate cane and chair combination before beginning.
Additionally, if you have any pre-existing mobility issues or injury, it’s best to consult a qualified healthcare professional before using a cane to seat yourself.
How long do you soak cane?
The typical length of time to soak cane depends on the type of cane you are using, as different types may require different soaking times. Generally, hardwood cane such as rattan and hardwood fiber can be soaked for up to 12 hours.
Softwood fiber cane and fiberglass reinforced cane should usually be soaked for no more than 8 hours. Soaking can also be used to soften the cane and make it more pliable. After soaking, you should allow the cane to dry for an hour or two before you begin working with it.
If you are unsure how long to soak the cane, it is best to consult an experienced cane weaver who will be able to advise you appropriately.
What is chair caning?
Chair caning is a craftsmanship technique wherein strands of cane are woven in a pattern to provide seating support on chairs, rockers, and other furniture. The caning process begins with measured lengths of thin bamboo or rattan cane being soaked and then woven into a webbing.
These webbings are then installed into the seat by either hand drilling or by a tool called a “cane webber,” which pokes holes into the furniture piece. Once the webbing is secured, an additional layer of thin strands of flattened cane is sewn into place, creating a tightly-woven, sturdy seat.
Chair caning is an ancient craftsmanship, dating back to the 16th century, and is often used to accentuate antique chairs with a vibrant, traditional look. As a delicate craft that requires considerable skill, the cost of chair caning can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors.
Is it worth reupholstering a chair?
The answer to this question depends on the condition of the chair, the cost of reupholstering, and your personal preferences. If the chair is in great condition, reupholstering can be a great way to transform the look and make it feel like new.
Costs can vary widely depending on the fabric and type of reupholstering you choose, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple professionals to make sure you’re getting the best value. It’s also important to consider if the cost of reupholstering is worth it compared to the cost of buying a new chair.
Regardless of the cost, some simply prefer to keep their well-used furniture, and reupholstering can be a great way to make it look and feel like new. There is a certain emotional attachment for some to their favorite furniture that can make it worthwhile to spend money on reupholstering, even if it may cost as much or more as buying a new piece.
Overall, it’s important to consider the cost and condition of the chair, as well as your personal preferences. Reupholstering can be a great way to breathe new life into an old chair, and those with a devotion to their furniture may find it worthwhile to invest the time and resources into reupholstering.
Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?
It depends on the cost of the item, the quality of the existing upholstery, labor costs, and the cost of the replacement fabric. If you have an old piece of furniture with good bones, but the upholstery is worn and outdated, reupholstering can be a great option.
The cost of reupholstering will depend on the quality of the existing upholstery and the quality of the replacement fabric; labor costs will also be a factor. The total cost of reupholstering will also depend on how much you have to do — if the frame only needs basic reconstruction and you’re sticking with the same fabric, the price could be much lower than buying a new piece of furniture.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something with a different style, color, and fabric, or if the frame of your existing piece is too far gone, buying a new piece of furniture might be the better option.
Shopping around and comparing prices between new furniture and the cost of reupholstering can help you determine which option is more cost-effective.
Is caning a chair difficult?
No, caning a chair is not very difficult if you have the proper tools and know the steps. Caning is a way of re-seating a chair with a new weave. The old weave is removed and a new one is added. Here are the basic steps for the process of caning a chair:
1. Remove Old Weave – Use a screwdriver to remove the old spline, a thin strip of wood in the grooves that holds the cane in place and a specialty tool or stiff putty knife to remove the remaining pieces.
2. Clean & Prepare the Frame – Take out all removable pieces like buttons, tacks, and screws, and vacuum the frame to remove any dirt and debris.
3. Revive the Frame – Apply a sealant, oil,or resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to revive the frame and protect it against weathering.
4. Prepare New Cane – Soak the new cane strip in hot water until soft, and dampen the frame with water, as well.
5. Weave the Cane – Start weaving the new cane strip in the frame, starting at a top corner, using a weaving shuttle or a penknife to help weave the cane in the grooves. Make sure that the tension is even and the cane is tight.
6. Insert Spline – Trim the excess cane with a sharp tool, and put the spline back into the grooves, then tap the spline in with a hammer until it is held firmly.
7. Secure & Dampen – Add a few tacks around the spline for extra security, and dampen the cane again to make sure it’s tight.
Once these steps are complete, your newly re-seated chair is ready to use – and you can be proud of the work you’ve done!
When did caning chairs start?
Caning chairs is an age-old craft that dates back centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, then the technique was refined by furniture makers in Europe. In the 18th century, caning rose to prominence in the Furniture Arts as a way to adorn and make sturdier a variety of different chairs.
By the 19th century, caning chairs had become a popular furniture style.
This evolved crafting technique involves carefully weaving strips of reed, bamboo, or rattan around supports attached to the chair frame. Chair caning was a popular decorative feature for its light airy appearance and intricate details.
Caned chairs could be used in a variety of settings, including inside homes, cafés, parlors, and gardens, to create a slightly classical or provincial look.
As with any craft, the technique of chair caning has morphed over time with other materials added such as cording and hand-stitched wood splints. The end result is a unique and attractive chair design that is comfortable, durable, and visually pleasing.
Today, caned chairs are still widely used and sought after for their striking beauty and fine craftsmanship.