Square Cane Webbing Roll (Radio Weave), Natural Rattan, 14 to 24 in

Square weave uses the same kind of flat strands of natural rattan cane as classic open weave, but here they cross only at right angles. The result is a neat grid of small square holes, also sold under the name radio weave. Next to the traditional round-holed pattern it looks more graphic and modern, and it is a popular choice for cabinet doors, sideboards and wall panels.

Where it works well:

• Cabinet and sideboard doors, where the grid lines up with the rails and stiles of the frame
• Wall panels, room dividers and the front of a media console
• Chair seats and backs, pressed into a routed groove and locked with spline, just like open weave

Because the pattern is a grid, any twist shows. Before the first staple or wedge goes in, line one strand up with a straight edge of the frame, then work from the middle of each side out toward the corners, checking that the rows stay parallel. Open weave hides a slight angle; square weave turns it into a crooked line that catches the eye.

The material handles like any natural cane. Soak the piece about 30 minutes in warm water so it bends without cracking, keep the shiny side out, and fix it while it is still damp. It tightens as it dries. On a flat door, glue and staple it to the back of the frame and hide the staples under a strip of trim. In a seat, wedge it into the groove and glue in reed spline.

Natural cane changes color a little from roll to roll. For a pair of doors or a run of matching panels, cut every piece from the same roll. Each roll is measured before it ships.

Square weave comes in five sizes: 14 in x 3.3 ft, 18 in x 5 ft, and 24 in wide in 3.3, 5 or 10 ft. For a door, take the size of the frame opening and add at least 1 in on every side for stapling. For a seat, add at least 2 in each way to the groove-to-groove opening.

Pick a width that covers the short side of your pieces, then lay the long sides end to end to find the length. Example: a pair of doors with 12 x 20 in openings needs two 14 x 22 in pieces, 44 in of length in all, so the 18 in x 5 ft roll is the one to choose. A long console with three or four doors is easiest to plan on the 24 in x 10 ft roll.