Expert: Mark H. Miller - 4/15/2008

Question
Is there a replacement for a cain seat? It's a 15 1/2" round piece that's cain with the slots for weaving. My dad doesn't want to spend the money to replace the cain, so I'm wondering if there's a fiber or leather replacement that would fit.

Answer
Hi,

There is a very simple way to remedy your problem.  Cut a piece of 1/4 inch thick plywood large enough to cover all the caning holes,  on top of the plywood place a piece of 1 inch thick foam, then pull a piece of soft pliable upholstery material over that and staple on the bottom of the plywood.  Use soft pliable fabric so that you can pull it over without any wrinkles.  It should look like a mushroom cap.

Then place that on the chair seat and from the bottom, going through the holes for caning screw the plywood seat to the chair.

Doing it this way has the added benefit that if you ever want to reverse the process and replace the caning you have not damaged the chair and can do so.

I hope this information helps you, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Mark Miller.