Use to fasten woven natural cane and paper cane into chair or panel grooves.
Note: Determine the size you need by carefully measuring the width of the groove. It is common to butt edges together and use multiple pieces.
(1) Reed Spline
Weight | 1.0000 |
---|---|
Tech Spec |
|
4.6 / 5.0
49 Reviews
Cane
If you plan on staining wipe down with trisodium phosphate or similar degreaser. Let dry thoroughly before staining and once desired color is reached coat with sealer and wait 1 day before soaking for use.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
The spline and caning worked very well and look better than the original.
I have used both the "reed spline" and "conventional" caning on several antique canoe projects, replacing old and damaged seats, or some other replacement material bringing the seats back to original. A few years ago, while searching for someone to do the work for me, a friend said "do it yourself it's easy" A short YouTube video later, and an order to Rockler the DIY project was underway. The products are easy to work with and the instructions are simple. Preparing the area is the most critical phase. Waiting, for the cane and spline to soak and soften, can not be overlooked nor shortened. The installation is a matter of minutes. The products work very well.



- Was this review helpful? Yes (7) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (7) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
rebuilding a chair.
Had an antique chair that need a new caned bottom and this was the main ingredient to hold it all together.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Finished work came out fine. Great price
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Two down and three to go
This the second time I did some chair caning but I was able to get a better size for the reed and that made a better finished product. The actual caning was relative easy to install. The instructions supplied by Rockler were very helpful but I did not find it until I unrolled the caning. Fortunately I had a copy from a previous caning project. I started with two chairs and showed them to my daughter. She loved them so much that she is "allowing" me to cane three more.
Actually the caning is a relative easy project and it is very rewarding.
Actually the caning is a relative easy project and it is very rewarding.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Worked great!
This is the second time I have used this product with your machine cane. Complete success!!!! Thanx!!!!!
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
correct size
very consistent in sizing
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Chair like New
The chair turned out great! My Dad did all the work and said the hardest part was getting the old spine out. I stained the cane back and it turned out great. Took several coats as the cane was new. I would highly recommend this company and would buy from them again.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 21 questions
Browse 21 questions
and 45 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
Hoping to restore two torn canoe seats.
Stephen J F
on Aug 14, 2018
needed for chair seat cane edging
Charles B
on Aug 1, 2018
Hoping to restore two torn canoe seats.
Stephen J F
on Aug 14, 2018
Correct for a 3/16" (.187") wide groove
Harold M C
on Aug 12, 2018
Correct for a 3/16" (.187") wide groove
Harold M C
on Aug 12, 2018
Seat repair
Mark G
on Jul 19, 2018
I have a coil of reed spline, how do I straighten it?
BEST ANSWER: Soak it in water. If you are canning a seat, also soak the seat cane to help prevent it from breaking. Install when still wet using white wood glue. Wipe off the excess glue with a wet rag before it dries.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Marion C on Aug 9, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 10, 2015
What if I don' want pieces, will I receive a 10 foot spline intact?
BEST ANSWER: Mary, I have purchased spline from various sources of a period of 16 years. The answer to your questions is: no. Generally speaking, the spine will come in 3-4 foot pieces and pieces are joined as shown in the picture....with a diagonal or petered corner, to achieve the longer length. It may be possible to obtain a 10 foot piece, but remember, this would come from a plant of much taller than 10 feet. Sincerely, Phyllis
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Phyllis M on May 31, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 19, 2015
Can youstain the natural pressed cane to darken it?
BEST ANSWER: According to the Caner's Handbook, it can be colored with Varnish Stain. I would check that book or with simply experiment with a piece that is not a part of your project.
Ben
Ben
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Ben P on May 2, 2019
- Purchased on May 10, 2017
What's the length of the 5/16 wide spline?
BEST ANSWER: The package contained a total of 10ft in multiple pcs. I needed a 36" piece to do a continuous repair which it more than had. The lengths vary but are sizable. Remember, this is a natural product.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Wayne B on Mar 7, 2019
- Purchased on Mar 14, 2017
Have two parallel quarter inch grooves about three quarter inch apart in old rocker seat. Should I put spline in both or just outer?
BEST ANSWER: I've not seen anything like that, but will offer an opinion. It might look a bit weird, and be very tedious to use both spline grooves. I'd say use the outer one only. Best of luck with that.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Fred W on Feb 13, 2018
- Purchased on Feb 14, 2016
Is the old spline re-usable? I'm not sure what size I need without going home to measure, so I'm thinking of carefully removing the old spline and then reinserting it in the groove with new cane. Possible?
BEST ANSWER: No, I'm sorry, it's not. It gets too brittle with age. Go to Franks cane and supply website. They have a chart that will help you pick the right size. Don't get it too small.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Carole M on Sep 22, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2015
Can this be used on an outdoor rocker?
BEST ANSWER: Debbie, this can be used on a rocker but it will not have a long life expectancy. Generally, cane should be used on indoor furniture, protected from uv rays and treated with care. Life expectancy of cane can be up to 30 years but if used outdoors, weather, humidity, mold, etc will cause rapid deterioration and failure. Note: whether used indoors or outdoors, conclude any finish repair before replacing the cane. Best wishes in your endeavor.
.
.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Phyllis M on Apr 19, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 19, 2015
Towards the top corner of my chair the cane as well as the reed gradually curves down. Does the reed easily mold to adapt to curves?
BEST ANSWER: The reed spline is soaked in hot water to make it pliable on curves during instillation. The gentle curve sown in the photo is easily handled. The spline will not curve around sharp corners, though. They need to be cut and mitered at the corners.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Carole M on Jan 18, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2015
Should I stain the conventional cane fabric before I soak and install it with the spline or should I stain after installing? Is it common to finish with varnish or shellac or polyurethane and should that be done before or after installing, also?

Reed Spline

BEST ANSWER: Hello Michael, I have replaced cane weave and spline on numerous chairs over the years. Soak your cane supplies and complete the replacement procedure. Let the chair dry for completely. With the high humidity here on the gulf coast I give 24 hours. Then do your staining. When that’s dry you my use any of the sealer products you mentioned successful.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Chris M on Jun 22, 2018
- Purchased on Aug 8, 2016
How long is the reed spline per order?
BEST ANSWER: from the Rockler catalog
Technical Details
•Tapered for easy insertion
•Color: Cream
•Length: 10 ft. (may be in multiple pieces)
you can splice it
order more than a minimum
Technical Details
•Tapered for easy insertion
•Color: Cream
•Length: 10 ft. (may be in multiple pieces)
you can splice it
order more than a minimum
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- j w on Apr 5, 2017
- Purchased on May 23, 2015
Recipe of solution to remove old spline ?
BEST ANSWER: Cary,
Have not needed to use this, but should work
Steve
Removing Old Cane and Spline
1.Use a utility knife to score the old cane
along both sides of the spline in the
groove all the way around the chair.
2.Use a hammer and a spline
chisel (or a chisel that’s narrower
than the width of the groove) to cut
off the old cane and remove the
spline. Be careful not to chip
the seat.
Note:
If you have trouble removing
the spline, it’s possible it was installed
with hide glue. Mix a solution of 1/2
pint warm water and 1/2 pint
distilled white vinegar and pour on
the spline. Let the spline soak until
it’s loosened. Be sure to check that
the solution won’t harm the finish on
the piece.
3.Make sure that all pieces of old
spline and cane are removed from
the groove. If you used the vinegar
solution, be sure to let the groove
dry fully before installing new cane
and spline.
Have not needed to use this, but should work
Steve
Removing Old Cane and Spline
1.Use a utility knife to score the old cane
along both sides of the spline in the
groove all the way around the chair.
2.Use a hammer and a spline
chisel (or a chisel that’s narrower
than the width of the groove) to cut
off the old cane and remove the
spline. Be careful not to chip
the seat.
Note:
If you have trouble removing
the spline, it’s possible it was installed
with hide glue. Mix a solution of 1/2
pint warm water and 1/2 pint
distilled white vinegar and pour on
the spline. Let the spline soak until
it’s loosened. Be sure to check that
the solution won’t harm the finish on
the piece.
3.Make sure that all pieces of old
spline and cane are removed from
the groove. If you used the vinegar
solution, be sure to let the groove
dry fully before installing new cane
and spline.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Stephen S on Apr 2, 2017
- Purchased on Jul 16, 2015
I need to paint the replacement caning to match the other chairs. Do I do this before or after I replace it?
BEST ANSWER: Why would you want to paint cain? If you have to paint it - paint it after you're finished. I use danish oil on mine. After a few months the natural patina makes an almost perfect match.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- azhirise on Aug 19, 2016
- Purchased on Jul 15, 2016
Can you stain the cane material to match what I have on my other chairs?
BEST ANSWER: This cane can be stained, but it's not easy, especially if the tone has to be fairly dark. It may take more than one application of the stain. After application, the underside of the stain should be wiped as clean as possible to allow for lemon oil, etc, to be applied later to keep the cane from becoming brittle over time.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Robert E. on Mar 21, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 11, 2015
How wide is the cane that you sell for $0.59 per linear inch? My chair back cane is 14" wide.
BEST ANSWER: The 12" cane #41012 and the 14" cane #41020 are both sold at $0.59 per inch
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Rick H Staff on Aug 18, 2015
How to repair bentwood chair seat?
BEST ANSWER: There not repairable,you will need new sheet cane and spline - on average, we charge 175 - 200 to recane seats or back , plus finishing 25-45 depending on color
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TODD A on Apr 11, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 18, 2015
You do not Sell pre woven sheets to repair chairs? Only spline?
BEST ANSWER: Rockler offers Conventional Weave Cane in 12", 14", 18" and 24" widths and will cut it in 1" increments. Here is a link that will take you to the product: https://www.rockler.com/conventional-weave-cane
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- David Staff on Sep 26, 2019
What is the most successful way of smoothly cutting the Reed spline without splitting or damaging the spline?

Reed Spline

My chair seat I intend to cane has a "groove" for the spline that is 1/4" wide but 1/2" deep. Do I buy the spline for the width and just accept that groove's depth will not be fully filled?
BEST ANSWER: If you want the spline to be level with the seat, why not glue down a 1/4 by 1/4 filler strip to take up the depth? But glue this down into the groove and let it dry before you start caning. In that way you won't remove it when re-caning. Then re-cane with the 1/4 spline. Also, use something harder than pine for the filler. Otherwise, if, when re-caning, you have to chisel out the old spline, you may find you're removing some of the filler.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Donald P on May 4, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2018
I've read where some people recommend a coat of poly over new cane material (without staining). What are your thoughts on this?
BEST ANSWER: Scott, I can only tell you how I like to finish it, first off I wipe glycerin on the caning (top and bottom) and reed after installation. I let this soak in for a few days 3-5 then use a water based poly on the top of the caning and on the breeding. I try not to get too much on the bottom of the caning for the simple reason that you can still apply glycerin to the bottom once in awhile, it keeps the caning supple and helps to keep it tight. Marck S
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Marck on Nov 22, 2017
- Purchased on Nov 24, 2015
Two questions. Can I buy an instruction book from Rockler? 2. how does one cut and get the corners correct to push into the spine groove in a chair seat?
BEST ANSWER: I don't know if they have instruction books, but if you have access to the Internet, go to youtube and check out peerless rattan's video. I have done many of them, and it's pretty easy. There are lots of videos there that will help you.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Joan R on Jun 13, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 26, 2015
caning instructions?
BEST ANSWER: Check out Youtube vidoes on this topic. There are some great ones that show you set by step.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- STEPHEN R on Jun 3, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2015
More Suggestions