The scent of a new rush seat fades over time, unfortunately, but the memory does not have to.
In his book, The Craft of Chair Seat Weaving with Cane, Rush, Splint and Rope, Interweave Press, Colorado, 1990. George Sterns writes: “How long will cane, rush, splint or rope last?
Hand cane-15 to 20 Years, Machine cane-5 to 20 years, Natural rush-50 to 75 years, Imitation rush-20 to 50 years, Hickory splint-50 to 100 years, Paper splint-5 years, and Danish rope-20 to 40 years. (with the range due to usage from heavy to light).
So, it is well worth the effort and expense to have damaged seats rewoven. Even imitation rush (made from brown Kraft paper) lasts a long time, although it doesn’t have the scent of sunlit meadows, and it must be painted with shellac, and then varnished, which adds to the cost.
Cost Estimating.
Natural Rush or Seagrass Seat: $2.60 per inch of frame, plus approximately $55.00 materials*.
Fibre Rush Seat: $2.60 per inch of frame, plus approximately $55.00 materials*,
Danish cord seat: $2.60 per inch of frame, plus approximately $55.00 materials.*
- Material costs subject to change due to market forces beyond my understanding and control.
Repair costs
Shop Time: $40/hr ($20 minimum), plus materials
Please Call Ahead for an Appointment.
Woodside Workshop 