Chair caning has long been a specialized trade. It was a job that helped many visually impaired people gain a little independence.

This article will explore some of the tools and materials you'll need to get started with chair caning repair. You'll also find tips and suggestions for finishing your furniture project.

1. Tools

Chair caning repair requires an assortment of tools. Some of the most useful tools are 

  • Boxed-end wrenches 
  • locking pliers
  • Adjustable wrench

Another handy tool is a small assortment of round files and rasps. They're good for smoothing or enlarging holes in materials, especially wood, that may be prone to splintering.

A sanding block, dowel, or garden hose is also helpful for sanding curved surfaces. Padded sanding blocks are also available.

Finally, a pair of ice picks are invaluable for prying up cane loops and allowing room to squeeze the cane through tiny openings. A ruler/straight edge is handy to aid visual lineup, particularly on curved back chairs.

The canning process involves weaving strands of pre-woven cane through the holes drilled around the perimeter of a chair seat. One hank of 1000 feet is sufficient for two to four chair seats, and a finishing strip of binding cane is needed to cover the holes in the final weaving course.

2. Materials

Chair caning repair requires a variety of materials. Some of them are more useful than others, so consider your needs before purchasing.

Usually, caning material comes in long strands, woven together to form a pattern of knots and loops. These strands can be threaded through the holes of the seat or back frame and pegged to secure them in place.

The caning material should be long enough to cover the entire drilled hole, and the strands should be on the same level when they are woven together.

This makes it easier to weave the caning, as well as to ensure that the strands are of equal length.

You can purchase ready-woven cane for a lower price than hand-woven cane, but the quality of this material will not be as good. Pre-woven cane costs $4 per inch across the widest seat or back of your chair.

3. Preparation

Chair caning repair is a simple yet effective way to revitalize old chairs and bring them back to their original beauty. But it does require some preparation and tools before you begin.

To begin, you need a cane-ready chair that has drilled holes all around the perimeter of the seat frame. This type of chair is hand caned, or "laced" with strands of cane that are woven or pegged through the holes.

To prepare a strand of cane for use, soak it in a bowl filled with warm water for about 20 minutes. This will make the strand soft and pliable.

4. Caning

Chair caning repair is a craft that's been around for centuries. It uses rattan palm cane from the genus Jardin wicker, which grows in Albany California, and is incredibly durable and flexible.

The cane is woven into a seat frame or other area, forming a six-way pattern of strands that is similar to wicker furniture. It's also used for other types of furniture, such as basketry and humorous-clothed benches.

Usually, the cane is threaded by hand through holes drilled into the seat frame. The strand cane used should be the correct gauge and size for the chair's drilled holes and must be evenly spaced.

Start your chair caning repair project by cleaning out the drilled holes to remove any old cane. Using a measuring tape, measure the diameter of the drilled holes from the center hole to the center hole of each neighboring hole.