* Please note, some chairs are constructed in such a way that the seat frame or chair back has to be disassembled to do the work. For this reason, an additional cost for caning or weaving will be involved.
Hand lace cane became popular when Europe and America opened trade with the Far East in the 1500-1600’s. It is very common on 19th century Victorian era chairs. Cane is actually very thin strands cut from the bark of the rattan plant which grows to 40 feet in length. Individual strands are hand woven in multiple layers and directions through small holes drilled in the frame. The result is an open mesh appearance. About seven different widths of cane have been used for hand caning. The width of cane is determined by the distances between the holes in the frame. Hand caning typically last 20 to 30 years with normal use. Cost is determined by the total number of holes drilled in the frame to be woven. It usually ranges from $145 to $295 per seat and double that if both seat and back are rewoven. The current price is $4 per hole that is drilled in the frame. If the seat or the back has to be removed in order to cane the piece, the charge is $5 per hole due the extra work involved.