5 Signs Your Cane Chair Needs Restoring

Cane chairs are built to last, but the seat material does wear over time. Knowing when to act can mean the difference between a straightforward restoration and a much bigger job.

1. Sagging in the centre

The most obvious sign. If the seat dips noticeably when you sit down — or even when you press on it by hand — the cane has stretched beyond its working limit. This is completely normal after years of use and doesn't mean the chair is ruined. It's exactly the kind of thing we fix.

2. Broken or snapped strands

Individual cane strands can snap, particularly if the chair has been stored somewhere dry or has taken a knock. A few broken strands in a non-structural area can sometimes be patched, but if there are multiple breaks it's usually better to replace the whole seat.

3. Fraying edges

The spline (the strip that holds the cane in the groove around the frame) can crack and separate over time. Once the edge starts to lift, the integrity of the whole seat is compromised and it won't be long before strands start pulling loose.

4. Discolouration or brittleness

Cane that has been left in very dry conditions — or in direct sun for years — becomes brittle and discoloured. It loses its flexibility and is more likely to crack under normal use. If strands feel dry and snap easily, the seat is at the end of its life.

5. The chair wobbles

This is a frame issue rather than a cane issue, but it's worth mentioning. If the frame joints are loose, get those sorted before investing in new cane work — a restored seat won't last long on an unstable frame.

If your chair is showing any of these signs, request a quote. Prices from £30.