Add New Life to Cane Furniture
Finding artisans to replace or repair the cane on furniture is is getting more difficult every year, especially here on Cape Cod. Making your cane furniture last as long as possible will save lots of time and particularly lots of money. On Cape Cod, to cane a simple seat can cost as much as two hundred dollars.
Cane is in the grass family, grown in moist soils, mostly in Asia. Like any grass, cane loves water and is naturally flexible. Most cane seats and backs fail because they simply dry out and crack. Where you live and the humidity of your home has a lot to do with how fast or slow cane will crack.
Cane usually has two sides. The front is smooth and hard, the back rougher and porous. A few times a year, simply take a wet rag or spay bottle and wet the back side, the rough and porous side, of the cane. Don’t be afraid to get it wet. You’ll notice the color of the cane will get darker as it gets wet. Try not to let the water run onto the wood portion of the furniture. If it does, dry the wood right away with a dry towel. This “wetting” method works on both hand and sheet style cane.
Cane is naturally flexible. Keeping it moist keeps it flexible. Keeping it flexible keeps it from cracking. This simple procedure could double the life of your cane furniture.
I’m a local chair caner here on the Cape. There are very few of us, and it is very much a lost art. Your suggestions for care of the cane are spot on, and I’d like to also suggest lemon oil after the cane has dried, but on the back side or underside of the cane.
Some really good tips, this will make the furniture look new again! thanks for the post.
This is very nice Blog. I really it. It is very Interesting to read.
muebles de oficina
Need to make some repairs to my cc house furniture. Sofa needs reupholstering- considered buying, but think better to reupholster a good sofa then buy a new cheap one. Dining room chairs need the Cane on one chair fixed — so, I’ll be calling you end of August when I get to the Cape. Don’t think I’ll ever rent the house again.
Lil
It’s getting to the end of August with Hurricane Irene on the way. Take care!!!
It is always good to find new ways to make your furniture last longer. Buying a furniture cover or bringing into the garage or a covered area when it is bad weather can also help maintain the look and quality of the furniture. Thanks for the awesome post!
Thanks Tracy!