Chair Restoration vs Buying New: Which Makes More Sense?

You’ve got a cane chair with a sagging or damaged seat. Do you get it restored, or replace it? The answer depends on a few things.

The case for restoration

If the frame is solid and the chair is a piece you actually like, restoration almost always makes more sense than replacement. A good cane seat restoration costs from £30 and will last decades with reasonable use. Buying a comparable quality chair new — one with a decent frame and proper cane work — will typically cost significantly more.

Beyond cost, there’s the environmental argument. Keeping a chair in use is inherently less wasteful than discarding it and manufacturing a replacement.

The case for buying new

If the frame is damaged, wobbly, or structurally compromised, restoration may not be the right answer. There’s little point investing in a new seat if the chair underneath it isn’t solid. Similarly, if the chair has no sentimental or design value to you, sometimes it’s just easier to start fresh.

How to tell if a chair is worth restoring

Check the joints — are they tight, or does the frame rack when you push it? Check the legs for cracks or splits. If the frame is fundamentally sound, it’s almost certainly worth restoring. If multiple joints are loose, get those repaired before investing in new cane work.

Getting a quote

Not sure? Send us a photo and we’ll give you an honest assessment. We’d rather tell you a chair isn’t worth the cost than take your money for something that won’t hold up. Request a quote here.