What Is Chair Caning Made Of?

Pressed Cane and Hand Cane

• The standard material for caning is a tall, perennial grass with woody stalks. This weaving material is how the process of caning earned its name. There are two main types of cane, pressed cane and hand cane, but they closely resemble one another and are used interchangeably for a number of different weaving patterns. The difference is that pressed cane is woven on a loom, while hand cane is woven by hand.

Blind Cane

• Also known as French cane or continental cane, this material is often used in a delicate weave not known for having great strength. Because of this, blind cane is often used on the backs and arms of chairs instead of the seats. The weaving process is done by hand and must be pegged in place as the weaver progresses, making chairs with this weave quite expensive.

Binder Cane

• This is a natural material known as rattan that can be left neutral or painted. Binder cane is also known as porch cane and slab rattan. It looks similar to hand cane, but it’s available in wider widths for herringbone, diamond, reverse diamond, checkerboard and zig-zag weaves. One side of a binder cane chair may have a different weave than the other side.

Splint Reed

• This flat reed is cut from the inner part of a rattan plant and is used to make many of the weaves that binder cane is also used for. Colored splint is available, as are hickory, oak and ash splint materials.

Rush

• There are three types of rush. The first two are paper rush, which is man-made, and seagrass rush, which is natural. When the material is fresh, it’s slightly green in color, though it turns tan with age. Another form of rush, cattail rush, is used in more expensive or antique chairs. It’s especially challenging and time consuming to weave, which makes the process costlier. The most distinctive rush weave is a triangle pattern. A material called Hong Kong grass is sometimes used to resemble rush. The size and texture varies because it’s handmade.

Danish Cord

• The name of this material comes from its original use in Denmark as a durable and beautiful machine-braided cord. The checkerboard pattern is the most common use for Danish cord, though other patterns are also possible to achieve. This material is best for making a strong, tight seat.

Shaker Tape

• Shaker furniture often features this cotton strapping, which is woven between rungs with a foam insert for comfort. This cotton material is often chosen for its color, strength and comfort. However, it’s a rather expensive material. Two colors can be used to form a checkerboard design, diamond, or reverse diamond weave.