Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Antique Chair Restoration Services
Established in 2013, Suzandy Caning & Furniture is a family-run business specialising in traditional chair restoration and heritage craft materials. Our expertise lies in historically accurate caning techniques, with particular focus on Thonet and bentwood furniture restoration. We combine academic qualifications in furniture restoration with decades of practical experience, offering both professional repair services and DIY materials. Our commitment to sustainability drives our promotion of antique furniture reuse and responsible sourcing of natural materials like seagrass and riempies.Based in Devon, we serve clients across the UK and internationally through mail order, while maintaining strong local connections through the Blackdown Hills Business Association. Our work has been recognised for exceptional craftsmanship, and we actively support the preservation of traditional craft skills through education and collaboration with heritage organisations.
Services
Chair Restoration
Riempie Supplies
Antique Furniture Sales
DIY Materials Supply
Structural Repairs
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer historically accurate 6-way caning patterns verified by heritage standards
- Our team holds formal qualifications in furniture restoration from Buckinghamshire New University
- We maintain traditional craftsmanship while embracing sustainable practices
- We provide both professional restoration services and DIY materials for enthusiasts
- We have established trusted partnerships with other heritage craft professionals
Associations and certifications
- Blackdown Hills Business Association
Services
Chair Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique and vintage chair seating using traditional techniques. We employ historically accurate methods for Thonet and bentwood furniture, including 6-way pattern caning with kisses, doubles and misses in correct sequence. Our work preserves original construction methods while ensuring structural integrity for continued use.
Riempie Supplies
Supply of authentic South African riempies in both white and raw (rawhide) finishes. Our riempies exceed 6ft/2m in length and maintain traditional quality standards. We offer both pre-cut strips and full hides for professional restorers and DIY enthusiasts, with detailed instructions available for self-installation projects.
Structural Repairs
Comprehensive structural restoration of antique furniture using traditional joinery techniques. We specialise in repairing Lloyd loom and wicker frames, with expertise in matching original construction methods. Our services include steam bending, joint reinforcement, and finish restoration to preserve historical authenticity while ensuring functional longevity.
People
Susan Routh
Lead Restorer
BA (Hons) in Furniture Restoration with specialist expertise in historical caning patterns. Holds accreditation for exacting standards in French and continental caning techniques. Pioneered sustainable restoration practices combining traditional methods with modern environmental considerations.
Malcolm Routh
Business Director
Manages business operations and client relations with focus on heritage craft promotion. Coordinates with industry professionals and heritage organisations to maintain traditional skills. Oversees mail order operations and international client support while maintaining quality control standards.
Questions
Do you still accept chair restoration commissions?
While we no longer take on new commissions, we can recommend alternative seat weavers including Brigitte Graham at Cane Corner.
Are your riempies suitable for antique chair restoration?
Yes, we supply both white and raw riempies (rawhide) specifically for antique chair restoration, including historically accurate widths of 6mm and 8mm.
Can I visit your showroom to view furniture?
Viewing is available by appointment at our Little Glebe showroom where we display antique and vintage chairs for sale.
Do you sell materials for DIY chair restoration?
Yes, we supply small quantities of cane, seagrass, and riempies for DIY projects, along with detailed instructions for self-installation.
Are your restoration methods environmentally sustainable?
We actively promote sustainable practices through furniture reuse and responsible sourcing of natural materials like Somerset rushes.
