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Three elegant chair made from Queensland maple, featuring cane seats and backs, crafted by Edmund Rosenstengel.

Cane Upholstery
Chair Seats and Frames

Cane seating, in one form or another, has existed for as long as furniture itself. The term 'cane' is a general name referring to a variety of plants with long, slender, reed-like stems. The cane used for seating comes from a group of palms known as rattan palms, which grow in the jungles of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Background

In furniture, there are essentially two types of cane techniques used. The first is woven cane, where individual strands of split rattan are woven into the seat frame through a series of holes that run along the perimeter of the piece being caned. This type of cane work is commonly seen on most antique furniture. The second technique, seen in later 20th-century furniture, is referred to as beaded cane. In this method, a sheet of pre-woven cane is placed into a groove that runs around the perimeter of the area to be caned, and is then secured with a bead pressed tightly into the groove.

Underside of the seat frame from a French provincial dining chair. Individual strands of cane woven through holes that run around the perimeter of the seat.

This photo shows the underside of a seat frame, featuring traditional woven cane. Individual strands of cane are threaded through holes in the frame.

A sheet of pre-woven cane laid out and ready to be beaded into the seat.

This photo shows pre-woven sheet cane, which is pressed into a groove and secured in place with beads. These chairs were made by Ed Rosenstengel.

Process

Cane is extremely durable, flexible, and strong. It has a naturally hard surface that repels water. Historically, cane weaving was a thriving industry, with craftspeople travelling to offer their services. This case study focuses on an elegant set of maple chairs made by Edmund Rosenstengel that needed new cane.

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  • These chairs incorporate beaded sheet cane. The first step is removing the old cane. A lot of care needs to be taken not to damage the finished surface or alter or damage the groove. 

  • The sheet cane requires soaking in water for a period of time before installation. The water will soften the cane making it easer to work with as well as expanding its size and dimensions.

  • While wet, the cane is pressed into the groove. A bead is then pressed, wedged and glued firmly in place.

  • It is critical that the cane is wet, soaked in water, but not too saturated. The cane swells and it's overall dimensions increase. It is fitted while wet and as it dries it tightens. If the cane is too saturated when fitted it can crack and split the grooves.  

  • Cane is best left unsealed. It has a natural hard outer surface that repels water. 

A photo showing the old cane and an applied decorative bead. The decorative bead was re-applied once the new can was installed.

These chairs have been refinished at some stage. A red-toned lacquer was sprayed over the cane to change its colour.

Original label, Ed Rosenstengel, 524 Brunswick street, Valley, Brisbane.

Edmund Rosenstengel (1887–1962) was a furniture maker and designer born in Toowoomba. He worked in both Toowoomba and Brisbane.

The completed chairs. New cane can appear quite stark colour, however, it ages and softens over time.

It is not recommended to stain cane, as it has a naturally hard surface that repels water. The harsh solvents in spirit stains can significantly reduce the lifespan of the cane.

A chair back with a sheet of woven cane ready to be applied.

Pre-woven sheet cane is purchased in rolls. These chairs featured a decorative molding that covered the bead. The bead was carefully removed and then re-fitted once the cane was installed.

A Cedar cane sided lounge. Completed, showing the new cane in the chair sides and backs.

This photo shows a cedar cane-sided lounge, a very popular style in the early to mid-19th century. All the cane has been replaced. Although new cane can be quite stark in color, it will deepen in tone as it ages.

Outcome

Cane is a natural material that is widely available, fast-growing, and sustainable. It suits our subtropical environment and has a naturally occurring carapace that makes it durable and easy to maintain.

 If you have antique furniture with cane seating that you need to restore, please contact Frank.
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