Business Details
Expert Furniture Restoration & Antique Chair Repairs in Devon
Established by Susan and Malcolm Routh, Suzandy Caning & Furniture specialises in traditional furniture restoration and seat weaving techniques. Our expertise spans over two decades, with Susan holding a BA (Hons) in Furniture Restoration from Buckinghamshire New University. We focus on historically accurate methods, including French and continental caning, Thonet bentwood restoration, and using sustainable materials like seagrass and riempies. Our commitment to preserving heritage crafts aligns with environmental principles, promoting the reuse of antique furniture to reduce resource depletion.We supply specialist materials for DIY projects and offer restoration services for antique chairs, stools, and other furniture. Our work has been recognised for exceptional craftsmanship, and we actively support the Heritage Crafts Association's mission to protect traditional skills. Based in Devon since 2013, we maintain strong connections with local artisans and provide expert advice to both private clients and fellow restorers.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Seat Weaving
Cane & Seagrass Supplies
Antique Chairs for Sale
Mail Order Materials
Highlights and features
- We offer expert restoration using traditional techniques
- Committed to environmental sustainability in materials sourcing
- Specialist knowledge of Thonet bentwood furniture
- Suppliers of authentic seagrass and riempie materials
- Recognised for exceptional craftsmanship in seat weaving
Associations and certifications
- Blackdown Hills Business Association
Services
Furniture Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique and vintage furniture using traditional techniques. Focus on preserving historical accuracy while ensuring structural integrity. Services include complete seat reweaving, frame repairs, and surface finishing for chairs, stools, and bentwood pieces.
Seat Weaving
Expert seat weaving using cane, seagrass, and riempies materials. Specialising in historically accurate patterns including the 6-way standard weave. Services cover both functional repairs and decorative enhancements for antique and modern furniture.
Cane & Seagrass Supplies
Supply of authentic restoration materials including hand beading cane, lapping cane, seagrass, and South African riempies. Available in small quantities for DIY projects with expert guidance on traditional application methods.
Antique Chairs for Sale
Curated collection of antique and vintage chairs available for purchase. Specialising in child/doll-size chairs, folding steamer chairs, and Victorian bedroom chairs. All pieces carefully restored or offered in original condition for restoration projects.
Mail Order Materials
Nationwide delivery of specialist restoration materials through our mail order service. Includes detailed instructions for DIY projects, with comprehensive support available via phone or email for technique guidance and material selection.
People
Susan Routh
Furniture Restorer
BA (Hons) in Furniture Restoration with over 20 years' experience in traditional seat weaving. Specialist in Thonet bentwood restoration and historically accurate caning techniques. Leads all restoration projects and material sourcing.
Malcolm Routh
Business Manager
Manages day-to-day operations and client communications. Supports restoration work with structural repairs and traditional finishing techniques. Coordinates material supplies and maintains industry connections.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialise in restoring?
We specialise in antique chairs, stools, and bentwood furniture. Our expertise includes traditional seat weaving with cane, seagrass, and riempies, focusing on historical accuracy.
Do you sell restoration materials online?
Yes, we offer authentic cane, seagrass, and riempies materials through our mail order service with detailed instructions for DIY projects.
Are your restoration methods environmentally sustainable?
Yes, we promote furniture reuse and use natural materials responsibly. We avoid modern synthetic alternatives and educate clients about sustainable practices in antique restoration.
Can you restore severely damaged antique chairs?
We undertake complex structural repairs using traditional techniques. For extensive damage beyond our capabilities, we provide referrals to trusted specialist restorers.
Do you offer workshops or training in seat weaving?
Currently we don't run workshops, but we provide detailed instructions and materials for DIY projects. We recommend contacting local craft associations for training opportunities.
