How to Remove Old Caning From a Chair

Chair caning is made from small slats of thin, flexible wood. The flexibility ensures that the caned section of the chair is comfortable, since it allows the seat to give slightly when sat in. However, chair caning does deteriorate over time; the flexible slats break down through everyday use and the wood starts to decay. Fortunately, chair caning is easy to replace once you remove the original caning.

Utility knife
Awl

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the chair to determine which side the old cane is threaded through. Look for knots and other means used to fasten the wicker cane to the seat. The cane must be unfastened from the correct side in order to remove it properly.
- 2
  Flip the chair upside down if the cane is fastened on the bottom of the seat; otherwise, leave it right side up.
- 3
  Open or push the blade on the utility knife forward to expose the sharpened end. Hold the knife at a 45 degree angle to the chair seat, with the blade angled towards the cane.
- 4
  Slice around the edges of the cane where it meets the wooden frame that supports the chair seat. Cut deep enough to loosen the entire section of cane and any adhesives holding it in place. Remove and discard the cane.
- 5
  Hold the awl at the same angle as the knife. Poke any remaining cane or glue remnants out of the holes in the wooden seat frame.

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