How to Cane a Chair Back

Disassemble the chair back from its frame using the appropriate screwdriver. If the chair has old rattan webbing in place, use a router to remove it. Don't damage the frame of the back as you work.

Soak your sheet of webbing in water for 20 minutes and then place the webbing over the back of the chair, shiny side facing up.

Push the webbing into the groove of the chair using a wooden wedge. Work your way around the perimeter of the chair until the webbing is fully attached.

Cut off the excess webbing with your utility knife, being very careful so you don't cut yourself or damage the newly installed webbing. Cut off the webbing so that it doesn’t extend more than a few millimeters past the outer edge of the groove of the chair.

Apply a thin line of PVA glue into the groove to secure the webbing. Let the glue dry for five minutes before continuing your work.

Insert one end of the cane spline into the groove and hammer it in place. Work your way around the perimeter of the chair, hammering the spline as you go. When you reach a corner, wet the spline with a damp cloth or sponge to make it more flexible. At the end of the perimeter, cut the spline and hammer the end in place.

Wipe off any excess glue with your damp cloth and then set the chair back to dry naturally. When it's fully dry, reassemble the back to the chair frame.