Chair Caning Directions

Remove the old rattan from the seat by removing the seat from the frame of the chair. Use a router or electric drill to take off the old caning, while being careful not to damage the frame of the seat.

Soak your sheet of rattan in a bath of warm water for at least 20 minutes. Remove it from the water and place the webbing, with the glossy side down, on top of the chair seat. Align the horizontal and vertical lines of the webbing with the frame of the chair so the webbing is not lopsided.

Push the rattan webbing into the groove around the seat using a wooden wedge. Continue pushing the webbing until it is firmly in place on all sides.

Cut off the excess webbing using a sharp utility knife. Be very careful with this process so you don’t slip and cut the good part of the webbing. Cut the edges so that they are no more than a few millimeters longer than the outer edge.

Apply a thin line of PVA glue into the groove to seal in the rattan webbing. Take a 5-minute break to allow the glue to settle before continuing work.

Push the cane spline into the groove and use a hammer to tap it firmly into the groove. Work your way around the perimeter of the seat. Apply a bit of water to the cane spline to make it more flexible at the corners and to avoid breaks. Cut the cane spline with your utility knife once you have covered the entire perimeter. Secure the ends into the groove with your hammer.

Wipe the excess glue with a damp cloth and let the chair sit to dry. The rattan webbing will still be wet. When the rattan is dry, re-attach the seat to the frame of the chair.