: Ususally with caned seats like that, what you get is a machine-made mat that
: is tucked/tacked/glued into a routered groove in the wood frame. To dress
: it up, another piece of cane is laid over the top to cover up the groove
: and any raggedy edges that might be seen. This kind of seat won't be as
: durable, because the cane can pull out of the groove.

: If you cane your own seats, you build a frame and drill a series of holes
: around the perimeter, then lace/weave the cane through them. This makes
: the seat much stronger and more durable.

You are right about the construction. The cane is prewoven, and held in place by a combination of glue and a tightly wedged spline. But then my entire boat is held together by glue (and a cover of resin coated glass)

I'm not too worried about the durability, though. After 5 or 6 years of light use they still look like new. Refinishing them, should they need it, is not a major chore -- and I expect to be able to put that off for another 5 to 10 years. Hand caned seats may indeed last longer, but I suspect the difference in life span to be trivial. If cared for, both last a very long time! I have a set of cane-backed dining room chairs that are made with the woven mat/spline which are at least 30 years old -- and they are still in daily use.

the difference in cost and time needed to hand cane a seat, versus buying one, is something to be considered. Another point is that many people here really want to do all the work themselves -- regardless of time or cost.

So, for those who wish to have caned seats, but want to have a hand in their construction, I'm glad you brought up the OTHER way of constructing them: woven mat an spline. The materials are available from the same places that sell rush and cane. As you point out, the difference is that the frame is constructed and a groove is routed in it, rather than individual holes being drilled. The mat is soaked in water to make it pliable. It is laid on top of the frame and then forced into the routed groove. The spline is then forced on top to hold the cane in place. Let it dry and varnish it. No weaving. It is similar to the process of assembling a window screen. No weaving.

PGJ

PGJ