How to Repair a Canoe Cane Seat

Cane seats are comfortable and attractive. They add a rustic look to canoes that evokes the feeling of wilderness exploration. Over time, however, the cane may begin to sag or holes may develop. Repairing a canoe cane seat is best done by purchasing a sheet of cane cut to fit the opening in the seat frame. This is not a difficult project, but it requires attention to details and an hour or so of your time.

Things You'll Need

  • Cane sheet
  • Spline
  • Tub of water
  • Flat screwdriver of dulled chisel.
  • Utility knife
  • Rubber mallet
  • Block of wood about 3 or 4 inches long
  • Piece of wood cut to the size of the hole in the seat frame
  • Waterproof wood glue
  • Seat frame
  • Damp rag
  • Optionally, Spline chisel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the spline in the tub of water, letting it soak until you need it.

    • 2

      Remove the old spline and cane, cleaning out the groove with the chisel or screwdriver. Use care not to enlarge the groove. A spline chisel will make this easier.

    • 3

      Soak the cane sheet in the tub of water for a few minutes. While you are waiting, put the seat frame over the piece of wood that is sized to the hole. The wood will support the cane sheet while you are installing it.

    • 4

      Put the cane sheet on the seat frame centered over the opening. Trim it with the utility knife if needed.

    • 5

      Use the dull instrument to press the cane into the groove. Start with two places in one corner, moving to the opposite corner. The four corners should be pressed in at eight places.

    • 6

      Press the cane into the groove with the dull instrument, starting with the long sides. Do about three inches, then switch to the opposite side for about three inches. Go back and forth like this until finished with the long sides. Press the cane into the short sides using this same method of going back and forth to opposite sides.

    • 7

      Run a bead of water proof glue in the groove until it is about one-third full.

    • 8

      Remove the spline from the water and place it along the groove in the frame. Hammer it in by holding the block of wood on the spline and striking with the mallet. The wood block will protect the spine from marring and denting.