Cane furniture and its advantages

Cane has been in use in India as early as the 2nd century AD and furniture’s are made by stretching mesh of split canes over parts of the framework, principally on the backs and seats of chairs. Cane is used in every type of furniture, like chairs, tables, sofas, stools, cabinets, beds, couches, recliners, etc. Traditionally, Cane furniture’s were prepared in small scale by carpenters as cottage industries. These artisans transfer their know how from generations to generations and also adopt new requirements as Canes can be designed according to modern trends and styles to enhance both indoor and outdoor decor. This environment friendly furniture’s doesn’t deplete the forest areas as canes can grow fast quickly rejuvenating the forest areas.

Cane furniture’s are better than wooden furniture’s due to its durability as it can last decades at both indoor and outdoor areas without weathering and breaking off. These are also low cost in comparison to other furniture’s as infrastructure expenses were very low and need very minimum maintenance. Cane furniture’s are also environment friendly as they regrow quickly in comparison to wooden trees and have less impact on environment by harvesting of full grown canes only. Cane furniture’s can be molded hence it can be given different shape and size in comparison to wooden furniture’s.

Canes are actually a grass variety and easier to harvest than timber and grows faster than trees. Harvested canes have to be stored for month before they are send to processing units. Prophylactic treatment on freshly harvested canes improves their color and quality and avoids fungal infections. Treated canes have to sorted and dried before sending to manufacturing units.

Cane sticks have to be heated to make different shape and by hand molded parts are attached together using glue, screws to make a frame. Upon the frame split or whole cane are bonded to make it look elegant. Prepared furniture’s are dried and lacquer is applied to making it a shining look. Cane furniture’s are also treated against parasites.

Cushions and covers are used on cane furniture’s to make it more comfortable and give a glamorous look. It also keep the furniture’s neat and clean. From offices to homes, restaurants, farm houses cane products have taken a fast pace in substituting wooden furniture’s as it give a modern and trendy look. Cane furniture is available in different price ranges, suiting almost every budget in India. The flexibility, strength, abundance, firmness and quick maturity of canes make it a popular choice for artisans to make furniture’s of all shape and sizes.

Compiled By Monalisa Baruah based at New Delhi working towards empowerment of artisans from Assam. Contact : monalisabaruah.dmp@gmail.com.