SPLINT FLAT REED WEAVING

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Splint flat reed refers to long flat strips, usually from the inner bark or the woody part of the rattan plant. Flat reed widths range from 1/16th inch all the way up to 1 inch with the most common width being 1/2 inch. Dampened, pliable strips of splint reed are wrapped over typically round dowels of a chair seat or back while being woven into a herringbone or basket weave pattern on both the top and bottom surfaces. Splint flat reed weaving can be found on simple country chairs throughout American history. Appalachian chair makers still produce these seats today. 

Splint flat reed cane has a life span typically of 20 to 30 years. 

Cost is determined by the inch of material used. It usually ranges from $65 to $155 per seat for flat reed cane. The cost would be double that if both back and seat are rewoven. The current price for flat reed is $0.75 per square inch.