Having a chair recaned by a professional usually costs more than the cane itself. For a typical dining seat, hand caning often runs about $150 to $350 or more, and pressed (sheet) cane often runs about $50 to $200. Prices vary by region and by shop, so treat these as rough guides and get a quote for your own chair.
What you’re paying for
Labor sets the price. Cane is inexpensive compared with the time it takes to install it, so the quote mostly reflects the caner’s hours.
- Hole count, for hand caning. A typical dining seat has about 60 to 120 holes. Hand-caning prices are usually based on the number of holes, not on the seat’s area.
- Seat size and shape. Chair backs, rocker seats, and curved or oversized seats usually cost more than a flat, standard seat.
- Seat type. Hand caning and sheet cane are priced differently, and other weaves such as rush, Danish cord and splint are priced differently again.
Typical ranges
| Seat type | Typical range for a dining seat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand caning (hole to hole) | About $150 to $350 or more | Priced per hole, often a few dollars per hole |
| Pressed (sheet) cane | About $50 to $200 | Usually faster and cheaper than hand caning |
| Other weaves (rush, Danish cord, splint) | Varies widely | Ask for a quote based on the piece |
Published per-hole rates differ a lot from one caner to another, from a few dollars to several dollars per hole. Compare quotes on the same basis: the number of holes, the seat type, and what is included.
What adds to the bill
Some jobs are billed on top of the basic recane:
- Removing the old cane and cleaning out the holes or the groove
- Repairing loose frame joints
- Refinishing the frame
- Blind caning, where the holes are not drilled all the way through. It costs more because it is slower.
- Specialty patterns, such as Star of David or spiderweb caning
A “recane” quote often leaves out frame repair and refinishing, so check what the price covers. For typical refinishing prices, see how much it costs to restore furniture.
Getting a quote
Ask for a written quote based on the hole count or the groove length. A good quote will say:
- Whether removing the old cane is included
- Whether frame repair is included or billed separately
- Whether the price is fixed per chair
- How long the job will take
Turnaround is often several weeks to months, and skilled caners are scarce in many areas, so ask about the wait early.
Doing it yourself
Materials are a small part of the cost of a DIY job. A hank of strand cane is often enough for several seats, depending on the seat size, and sheet cane kits and spline are also inexpensive. The real cost of a DIY recane is your time. A beginner may need 6 to 12 hours or more for a single hand-caned seat. For sheet cane, the work is faster. See how to replace a cane on a chair for the steps.
Is recaning worth it?
It depends on the chair.
- For an antique or a valuable chair, recaning is usually worth the cost, and it preserves the piece.
- For a low-value chair, the labor can cost more than the chair is worth. The old furniture value guide helps you judge which kind you have. In that case, a DIY repair or a different seat may make more sense.
- Switching a hand-caned seat to sheet cane usually means changing the frame. That can cost more than it saves, so do not assume sheet cane is the cheaper option.
If the seat only sags, moisture may be enough. See how to restore dried-out cane furniture before you pay for a new seat.
Questions to ask a caner
- How many holes does my seat have, or how long is the groove?
- Does the quote include removing the old cane and any frame repair?
- Is the price fixed per chair?
- How long will the job take?
- What kind of cane will you use, and what weave?
For an overview of restoring old cane furniture, including when it’s worth saving, see how to restore old cane furniture.