How to Repair Cane Seats on Bentwood Rockers
Bentwood rockers are classic old chairs. Unfortunately, the caning used to make the seat is subject to breaking, and many people put the chairs in yard sales or garbage bins because they're not sure how to make the repairs. Some stores exist for the purpose of repairing the seats on these chairs, but others will sell you the supplies so that you can replace the caning yourself. Pressed cane is moderately easy to replace and comes in many different weave patterns to suit your personal tastes.
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Remove the seat by undoing the bolts that attach it to the frame on each side. Place the washers and nuts somewhere for safe keeping.
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Cut away the cane and remove the spline. Leave about 2 inches of cane around the seat's frame. It will come up with the spline once treated with some drops of hot water water. Drizzle warm water over the spline to make it pliable and loosen the glue holding it and the remaining cane in place. It may take some time to loosen, but will come eventually.
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Scrape the seat to rid it of any excess glue and bits of cane. Allow it to dry overnight to ensure that the new spline and cane will take hold when you replace it.
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Soak the cane webbing and the new spline in warm water for about 15 minutes, until it is pliable. Shake off any excess water.
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Position the cane over the seat so the shiny side is up. Tap the cane in place with a wedge. Start at the back and allow for some give in the middle of the seat because the cane will shrink as it dries. Add some wood glue to the cane and tap the spline in place.
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Cover the seat with a damp towel to regulate the drying process. Move it outside and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
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Cut any excess cane from the dry seat and reassemble your bentwood rocker.
References
Tips
- Add some vinegar to the warm water to help remove the spline.
Writer Bio
Kelli Karanovich was internationally published for the first time in "Adbusters" in 2006. She teaches online at the Christa McAuliffe Academy and contributes to the blog Mama's Musings. Karanovich holds a bachelor's degree in magazine journalism from the University of Georgia and a certificate to teach from Shorter College.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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