How to Replace a Broken Cane Chair Seat Using Rattan Cane Webbing and Reed Spline

How do you repair a broken cane chair seat? The key is knowing the right supplies and tools to use. This video shows you step by step how repair cane webbing and this blog post outlines the process and tools.

Measure for Rattan Cane Webbing

With the chair seat groove clean, you can now measure for ordering the cane webbing and spline. The cane webbing is typically sold by the foot and is available in different widths. I measure the width of the seat, from the outside of the left groove to the outside of the right groove, which is 13 1/2 inches. I need to add one inch on either side to ensure I have enough cane, so I need 15 1/2 inches. The closest width of cane webbing is 16 inches, so that's the size I will order. Cane webbing goes by many different terms:

• Pre-woven cane
• Pressed cane
• Manufactured cane
• Cane webbing
• Rattan webbing
• Cane mesh
• Sheet cane

With so many names for cane webbing, it might seem confusing. All of these refer to material that is made from the rattan plant. Be aware, there are some plastic cane webbing products available, but they are designed for outdoor use whereas natural rattan cane webbing is for indoor use. Our YouTube channel sponsor, Kennedy Hardware, offers pre-woven cane webbing in different widths.

Measure for Reed Spline Size

The reed spline is more challenging to measure. You need to ensure you get the right width so the cane webbing will hold in place. To measure the size you need, measure the width of the groove in the chair seat frame, not the old reed cane. You can do this with a measuring tape, ruler, or coins. Yes, coins - see the chart below to measure what size reed spline you need for the size of groove in the chair seat frame.   

Also be aware that reed spline is available for different purposes. One type of reed spline is for weaving baskets, but what we need is reed spline for pre-woven/pressed/sheet cane webbing. This comes in a wedge shape, specifically for holding the cane webbing in a groove. Here's a link to the cane webbing reed spline from Kennedy Hardware.

Installing the New Rattan Cane Webbing

Lay the cane webbing on the chair seat frame and trim it one inch wider than the seat opening all around. You can do this with scissors. This will give you enough webbing to line it up and press it into the groove.

Next, soak the cane webbing and the reed spline in water for 20-30 minutes to make them flexible. Once soaked, fold the cane webbing to ensure it's flexible enough to work with, and if not, let it soak a little longer.

Center the cane webbing in the seat, ensuring the smooth side is up. Start by pressing the cane into the groove at the front, about 4 inches wide. I use a cane webbing tool to do this instead of wedges, because they can damage the wood on the chair. I insert a small piece of reed spline to hold it in place temporarily. I then double check the alignment before securing the back the same way. I check the alignment again before pressing the cane webbing into the groove on either side in the middle. I then remove the small pieces of reed spline and use the cane webbing tool to quickly press the remaining cane into the groove.

Using a fresh blade in a utility knife to cut off the excess cane on the outside of the groove. I then apply white PVA glue, trim the reed spline to length, and tap it in place with a soft mallet. After wiping off the excess glue, I let the chair sit for 24 hours for the cane webbing to dry.

Optional Stain

Rattan cane webbing is very difficult to stain because it has a finish that prevents stain from penetrating, like it does in wood. Watch the video to learn about three different ways you can properly stain cane webbing.