Cane Webbing Roll, Open Weave Natural Rattan, 14 to 36 in Wide

This is the cane you see on bentwood chairs and bistro seats: thin, flat strands of natural rattan cane, machine woven in four directions so they leave small octagonal holes. In the trade it is called pressed cane, and it is also sold as open mesh or hexagonal weave. Ours is undyed, with the honey-blond color of the glossy outer skin of the rattan palm.

The same roll goes in two different ways:

• Chair seats and backs with a routed groove: press the cane into the groove with wooden wedges, then glue reed spline into the groove to lock it.
• Cabinet doors, headboards and screens: stretch the cane over the back of the frame, glue and staple it, and cover the edge with a thin strip of trim.

Either way, soak the cane for about 30 minutes in warm water first. Wet cane bends into a groove or over a frame edge without cracking. As it dries it shrinks and pulls tight, which is what makes a new seat firm. Keep the shiny side facing out; the back is duller and slightly rougher.

Every roll is measured before it ships, so you get the full length you ordered. Rattan is a natural material, and color and grain vary from roll to roll. A few loose strands at the cut ends are normal and disappear when you trim the piece to size.

Spline, wedges and glue are not included. Measure your groove first and add the matching spline size to your order, or look at our bundle that pairs a roll with #8 spline for 3/16 in grooves.

For a chair seat, measure across the opening from groove to groove at the widest point, then from front to back. Add at least 2 in to each number; that extra goes down into the groove and gives you something to hold while you wedge it. The shorter number decides the roll width, the longer one tells you how much length each seat uses. Example: an opening of 15 x 17 in needs a piece at least 17 x 19 in, so the 18 in roll fits, and 3.3 ft is enough for two seats.

For a cabinet door, measure the opening in the frame and allow at least 1 in extra on every side for staples. For a headboard or screen, check the short side: an opening up to 34 in fits the 36 in roll. When several doors must match, buy one longer roll rather than several short ones.