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What we do with old chairs

Three stages from the first look to the final knot. Each stage takes the time it takes, and no chair leaves before it is ready.

01 Inspect
Craftsperson inspecting a wooden chair frame for loose joints

Frame check

Every joint is tested for movement. If the glue has failed, we reglue before weaving. A seat woven onto a loose frame will tear itself apart within a season.

Photo record

We photograph the original weave pattern, the frame construction, and any maker's marks. This record guides the restoration and protects the chair's history.

Honest quote

We tell you what the chair needs, what material suits it, how long it will take, and what it will cost. You decide whether to proceed.

No pressure

If the frame is too damaged to hold a new seat, we say so. Some chairs belong in a display case, not under a daily bottom.

Our craft

Rush seat weaving and chair restoration services

01

Natural rush weaving

The real thing
We weave seats from dried bulrush and cattail leaves sourced from Australian wetlands. Each strand is twisted by hand and worked into the frame with even tension. The material smells like summer hay, ages to a warm honey colour, and holds weight for decades if kept dry. This is the method used before synthetic fibre existed, and it remains the strongest and most honest way to seat a wooden chair.
  • Sourced from local harvesters
  • Ages naturally over time
  • Repairable if damaged
02

Fibre rush replacement

When natural won't work
Some mid-century chair frames were built for paper fibre rush, a twisted cellulose product that mimics the look of natural weave. When this material dries out and crumbles, we can replace it with fresh fibre or, if the frame allows, upgrade to natural bulrush. We assess the frame strength honestly and recommend the option that will last longest without stressing the wood.
  • Matches original appearance
  • Lighter tension on frame
  • Suitable for modern pieces
03

Cane and wicker repair

Pressed and hand-woven
Pressed cane, hand caning, and wicker weaving each demand a different approach and a different material. We assess the existing pattern, match the material to the period of the chair, and repair or replace damaged sections without disturbing the rest of the frame. The goal is a repair that blends in, not a replacement that shouts.
  • Period-appropriate materials
  • Pattern matching by eye
  • Frame preservation first
04

Antique restoration

Heritage pieces
Chairs from homesteads, museums, and family collections need more than a new seat. They need documentation, reversible decisions, and respect for their age. We photograph the original weave, note the frame construction, and consult with you on whether to match aged patina or restore to original colour. Every step is recorded for your archives.
  • Full documentation before work
  • Reversible techniques where possible
  • Consultation on finish choices
05

Custom pattern work

Beyond plain weave
Herringbone, checkerboard, and other decorative patterns add visual interest and can suit a chair's proportions better than a plain field. Each pattern demands a different tension and a different approach to corners and edges. We match the pattern to the seat shape so the weave looks balanced from every angle.
  • Herringbone and checkerboard
  • Proportional to seat shape
  • Unique visual character

How we work on every chair

From the moment a chair arrives at our workshop to the day it leaves ready for another generation, we follow a clear process that puts the frame first and the weave second.
1

Frame inspection and repair

We test every joint for movement and reglue where the original bond has failed. A seat woven onto a loose frame will tear itself apart.
This stage takes one to two days depending on the number of joints and the type of glue originally used.
2

Material selection and soaking

We choose bulrush, cattail, or fibre based on the chair's period, frame strength, and your preference. The material is soaked to the right pliability.
Soaking time varies by material and season. The weaver checks flexibility by hand before starting.
3

Weaving and tension control

The pattern is worked row by row with even tension. Each corner is twisted without splitting the strand. The weaver adjusts as the material dries.

A single chair takes three to five days of active weaving. Complex patterns take longer.

4

Finishing and quality check

The final rows are tucked and knotted. The seat is trimmed, checked for level, and tested under weight before drying completely.

We allow one to two days for final drying before packing or arranging collection.
5

Delivery and aftercare guidance

We pack carefully for post or arrange local delivery. Every client receives guidance on keeping the seat dry and out of direct sunlight.

Proper care extends the life of a rush seat by many years. We are happy to answer questions after delivery.

How we work on every chair

From the moment a chair arrives at our workshop to the day it leaves ready for another generation, we follow a clear process that puts the frame first and the weave second.

Why restore instead of replace

A good wooden frame deserves more than the tip. Here is what hand-woven restoration offers over buying new.

80

Extend furniture lifespan

A solid wooden frame can last a century or more. The seat is the part that wears out. Replacing the weave gives the whole chair another generation of use.

65

Restore comfort and beauty

A sagging or broken seat makes a chair unusable. Fresh bulrush woven with even tension creates a firm, level surface that looks right and feels right under weight.

90

Preserve family history

Chairs carry the marks of the people who built them and the people who sat in them. Restoration keeps those stories in circulation instead of sending them to landfill.

75

Sustainable material choice

Bulrush and cattail are renewable, biodegradable, and sourced locally. No plastic, no foam, no overseas shipping of disposable furniture.

55

Enhance home character

A restored antique or vintage chair brings warmth and individuality that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate. The weave pattern becomes part of the room.

Most wooden chairs with four seat rails can take a rush seat. The rails must be wide enough to hold the woven edge, and the frame must be strong enough to handle the tension. We assess every chair honestly before committing.

Send us clear photos of the frame, the joints, and any remaining weave. We will tell you if the wood is sound, what material suits it, and whether the cost of restoration makes sense for the piece.

Natural rush is made from dried bulrush or cattail leaves. It is strong, slightly irregular, and ages beautifully. Fibre rush is a twisted paper product that looks similar but is less durable and cannot be repaired once torn.

Most single chairs take one to two weeks from inspection to completion. Sets of four or more may take three to four weeks. Complex patterns and frame repairs add time.

Remove any loose cushions or fabric. Do not attempt to strip old material yourself, as you may damage the frame. Photograph the chair from several angles and send the images with your enquiry.

Keep the seat dry and wipe spills immediately. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which dries the fibres. Do not store rush chairs in damp or unheated spaces, as moisture and frost will rot the material.

Yes. We photograph the original pattern before stripping and replicate it where possible. For chairs with no remaining weave, we recommend a pattern suited to the chair's period and proportions.

We can arrange collection within Victoria or guide you on safe packing if you are shipping from interstate. Local clients are welcome to deliver in person by appointment.

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