Ash splints are cut to a uniform width while hickory splints are often slightly varied. The outer bark of the rattan palm is stripped into various widths and sold as cane. The core is split into round and flat strips of various widths and thicknesses called reed. Chairs on which splint is used must have side rails. These chairs may have seats of binding cane, reed, or rush.
Splint is most suitable for chairs simple in design with few turnings.
It is often used when the side rails are higher than the front. Both splint and flat reed are used for indoor furniture while flat oval reed and binding cane are used for outdoor. The style and use of the chair, along with personal preference, determines the type and size of material. Many patterns can be woven with any of these materials and often it is preferred that the new seat is woven in the same pattern as the original. In some cases, this can be quite challenging and very rewarding.