Do you have a piece of furniture that needs caning replaced? If you’re wondering if furniture caning is a DIY or something you should seek professional help with, read on.
One of my favorite thrifted finds was a set of cane back chairs from the Salvation Army. My husband thought I had lost my mind when I bought brought six outdated chairs home one day, especially since one of them had a gaping hole in the cane….
I was going to have the cane professionally replaced, but after reading this chair recaning tutorial at Miss Mustard Seed, written by Suesan of Frou FruGal, I figured it was worth a try for me to re-cane it myself. I followed Suesan’s recaning tutorial step by step and although my chair is not perfect, I think it came out pretty darn good for my first attempt!
I gave these chairs a makeover in 2014, hence the chevron fabric and dark dining room set you see in some of these pictures (I’ve since stripped and limed our dining table), however even though my house has evolved through the years I still love this project.
After I replaced the caning on that one chair, I repainted the whole set, recovered the seats and we used these sturdy chairs for several years! The one I had re-caned wasn’t even noticeable once they were all painted and cleaned up!
Suesan’s tutorial includes removing the existing caning and then replacing it with new materials. The hardest part of this job was removing the caning without ruining the chair frame.
Replacing the cane was not difficult, just a bit tedious. (Hard = cutting angles for stairwell board and batten or getting miter cuts for crown molding perfect. Gah.)
Here’s a peek at what recaning entails: new caning is soaked until pliable, then forced into a groove on the piece of furniture with a wood shim. The caning is held in place with wood glue and a reed called a spline.
I was really focused on making the caning as tight as possible, and as a result, I didn’t notice until I was completely done that it got a bit crooked.
My one take away is to constantly keep checking to make sure the cane is straight. Once I had the sides done and the cane was nice and tight, I wasn’t willing to start over! The crookedness did not end up being very noticeable but learn from my mistake. I’m still happy with the end result!!
My supplies amounted to $16.80. I’m estimating I saved myself in the area of $80-100 based on the cost incurred by friends to have chairs recaned locally! I bought the materials from this supplier.
If you’re considering re-caning, give it a try! If I can do it so can you!!
xo,
Vel Criste says
You truly have the best skill of all Lisa – the ability to learn and learn it well as shown by your masterpiece chairs! Amazing job dear, even if you make it sound easy, I'm still sure it will still be a challenge for anyone. You just got it girl! 😉
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Wow, I am impressed. This is not an easy job. Hugs, Marty
NanaDiana says
Good for you, Lisa. I have only ever recaned something once and it is not my favorite thing to do, I discovered. You did a great job. Glad you got it done-it is not an easy task and I do think it is hard to get it lined up perfectly. xo Diana
Dana Frieling says
I never would have thought this was a possible DIY project. I'm so impressed! I love your 'can do it' attitude, Lisa.
Julie Workman says
I found that MMS post too, and I've got re-caning two chairs on my To Do list. Glad another "real" person (because we all know Marian is super-human) tried it and came out on top!
Julie Workman says
I found that MMS post too, and I've got re-caning two chairs on my To Do list. Glad another "real" person (because we all know Marian is super-human) tried it and came out on top!
pam {simple details} says
I think Nike stole the 'Just Do It' motto from you!!! 🙂 Your job looks so professional, very impressive!! I can't help but wonder what your family thinks now that they're all finished and beautiful! Good luck with the table saw, can't wait for the scoop!
[email protected] says
Yes, Lisa!!! I absolutely agree!!! Try anything!! I love this! Great job! You must be feeling so proud!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i am not only impressed, but totally loving your can do attitude! you are an inspiration!
Tiffany says
You never fail to impress me Lisa. Your chairs look amazing. We have some chairs that were left in the house that are in desperate need of recaning. Maybe I'll give it a shot in a few years when I'm done with everything else;) I do get nervous trying new things, but you're right about the tutorials. They really do help!
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
Girl, you are good! The way that you are willing to tackle any project is crazy inspirational. I'm wanting to hear more about how the table saw goes – that's something I haven't tackled but would love to get the guts to do someday!
Alison Fauls says
I think on the rare occasions that you notice the crooked you will recall with a smile that you recaned that chair by yourself #smugsatisfaction Thanks for letting us know that it can be done by non-professionals.
Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says
Very good to know and a beautiful job Lisa!! I thought you were going to MAKE the caning, and really was going to send prayers. I didn't know you could by the caning like that. Your chairs look fantastic! Have a great week. xo Nancy
Cyndy Aldred says
Hi five girl! That is so awesome that you dove in and tried it. You are so right and once you do it, it's the best feeling.
Suesan Kennard says
Lisa, great job and I'm so glad my tutorial helped you out! I have found over the years that those little imperfections become less noticeable. I'm glad you have it a shot. I often believe my greatest talent isy willingness to try something new.
Devin says
What did you use to paint? Love the new look
Lisa says
Hi Devin, I sprayed these chairs with extra black wall paint, then distressed them a bit and gave them a coat of wipe on poly!