Chair Doc of Boone: Repairing, Caning, Antiques, Rush, Refinishing

Got chairs with loose
or broken backs?

Need a seat replaced?

Do you have an antique chair
that needs to be restored
to it's former glory?

Call the Chair Doc
of
Boone, North Carolina

We repair almost ANY chair. We can do all types and patterns of rattan caning. Several procedures of mechanical rush or sea grass. 68 different patterns of rattan reed in all sizes including porch rockers and couches. Repairing, refinishing, and top-finishing are available.

Recognized as a Master Caner by SCOB
Fast turnaround time
Over 25 years of experience
Lowest prices anywhere
Finest materials used

Here are some examples of my work. Click on any image to see a close-up.

This is an example of hand-woven rattan caning. This is a classic procedure that requires patience and attention to detail. On this antique "Federalist" chair, the first step is taking the chair apart and marking each part to make sure it will be reglued in the original manner. Stripping and light sanding are almost required on chairs this far gone. After gluing, one or two coats of stain are required, followed by two coats of the Chair Doc's handrubbed Oil Finish.

This is an example of mechanical rush. No matter what the original weave design is, it can be reproduced. Or you may choose sea grass, which give the chair a completely different look, one with more texture.

Do you think you have a chair that isn't worth saving? Pieces like this are hard to find. Underneath that ghastly blue paint a solid walnut late 19th century boudoir chair emerged.

This antique ladderback (and its five brothers) is the perfect example of an old chair that shines after a complete restoration. The owner chose a rush seat for all six.


Here we have 6 chairs with double pressbacks that weren't treated as the classy set that they are. With some TLC and someone who understands how great these old pieces are, they end up looking like a millions bucks.


The intricate weave on this regal chair was coming apart and needed a total replacement. They don't make them like this any more. It sure gave me something to do when we were snowed in. (Click one either one to see a close up image. The one on the right is a high-resolution image)

New back, new seat, repaired arm. Completely restored. The one on the left is what I feel like in the morning.

This is a Kennedy rocking chair looks like it was used as a tackling dummy for the family football games. The seat and the back in the original are machine made. When I replaced them, I used the "Exploding Diamond" pattern. All of the rest of the parts of this iconic chair were restored to their original beauty. This chair was originally made by the P&P furniture company in Troutman, NC, and recommended to a young senator from Massachusetts who was experiencing back pain in the 1950s. The rest is history.

This antique 7 spindle Federalist Windsor was very close to being used as firewood. Notice the back support spindles and the thickness of the seat. What a great old rocker! Besides caning and reed work, we'll also fix up chairs that were used to fend off a bear attack.


Old chairs such as these three are rather easily found. Most of the time they are well made and in good structural shape. Complete restoration is easily accomplished. The diamond pattern in these seats is a classic design that makes this set a real conversation piece.

Sometimes folks get started on repairing Grandpa's chair. In time, enthusiasm wanes and the "bucket of chair" comes to me. Why bother? One good reason is that it is a mid 1800's Federalist Beehive Eastlake chair. I think it turned out very pretty - even beautiful.

E-mail us at chairdoc@gmail.com

Located in historic Boone, North Carolina
Call us at (828) 264-2353.
Also available: Convenient dropoff service in the
Raleigh/Cary/Durham/Chapel Hill metropolitan areas. I promise that I will reimburse my daughters for their trouble.