reupholstering-dining-chairs Archives * flexco.com

Reupholstering dining chairs can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely possible to do it yourself with a little patience and some basic tools. Not only will reupholstering your chairs save you money, but it will also give you the opportunity to customize them to your own taste. And, if you choose the right fabric, your reupholstered chairs can last for many years to come.

The first step in reupholstering dining chairs is to remove the old fabric. This can be done by carefully removing the tacks or staples that are holding the fabric in place. Once the old fabric is removed, you can inspect the chair frame for any damage. If there is any damage, it will need to be repaired before you can reupholster the chair.

Once the chair frame is repaired, you can start to reupholster it. The first step is to cut the new fabric to size. The fabric should be cut so that it is slightly larger than the chair seat. Once the fabric is cut, you can start to staple or tack it to the chair frame. Start by stapling or tacking the fabric in the center of the seat. Then, work your way around the edges of the seat, stapling or tacking the fabric every few inches. Once the fabric is stapled or tacked in place, you can trim any excess fabric.

Disassembling the Chair

1. Safety First

Before you begin any disassembly, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure you have a clear and well-lit workspace. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection. If you’re working with an electric screwdriver or drill, have a secure grip and keep your hands clear of moving parts.

2. Identifying Fasteners and Joints

Inspect the chair carefully to identify the type of fasteners used, such as screws, bolts, or nails. Note the location of each fastener and the type of joint it is securing. This information will guide your disassembly process.

3. Removing Upholstery and Padding

If your chair has upholstered cushions, remove them first. Carefully lift the fabric and examine how it is attached to the frame. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove any staples or tacks holding the fabric in place. Gently pull the upholstery away from the frame, taking care not to tear or damage it.

4. Disconnecting Joints

Once the upholstery is removed, you can begin disconnecting the joints of the chair. Use the appropriate tools for the type of fasteners you identified earlier. Start with the legs and work your way up to the backrest and seat. Carefully loosen each fastener without overtightening or stripping it.

5. Separating Frame Components

After all the joints have been disconnected, you can separate the individual components of the chair frame. Hold the pieces securely and gently pull them apart. If you encounter any resistance, check for hidden fasteners or glue that needs to be removed.

Removing the Old Fabric

Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can begin the process of reupholstering your dining chairs. The first step is to remove the old fabric. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to do it carefully to avoid damaging the chair.

Tools You Will Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by inspecting the chair to identify how the fabric is attached. It may be held in place by tacks, staples, or glue.
Use the appropriate tool to remove the fasteners. If using a tack remover, position the prongs under the head of the tack and pull it up. For staples, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them out.
Once all the fasteners have been removed, carefully peel away the old fabric from the chair. Be careful not to tear or damage the chair’s frame.
If there is any glue residue left on the chair, use a damp cloth to remove it.

Repairing the Frame

First, examine the frame carefully for any loose joints, cracks, or breaks. If you find any loose joints, tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver. If you find any cracks or breaks, you may need to use wood glue or epoxy to repair them. Once the frame is repaired, sand it smooth and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.

Tightening Loose Joints

To tighten a loose joint, simply use a wrench or screwdriver to turn the bolts or screws that are holding the joint together. If the bolts or screws are stripped, you may need to replace them with new ones. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tightening loose joints:
1. Find the loose joint.
2. Use a wrench or screwdriver to turn the bolts or screws that are holding the joint together.
3. If the bolts or screws are stripped, replace them with new ones.
Replacing Stripped Bolts or Screws

To replace a stripped bolt or screw, first remove the old bolt or screw. Then, find a new bolt or screw that is the same size and thread as the old one. Apply a small amount of thread locker to the new bolt or screw, and then screw it into the hole. Tighten the bolt or screw until it is snug, but do not overtighten it.

Tool	Purpose
Upholstery tack remover	Removing tacks that hold the fabric in place
Needle-nose pliers	Grip and pull out tacks
Flathead screwdriver	Pry up tacks or staples
Utility knife	Cut through fabric and remove staples


Material	Description
Wood glue	A strong adhesive that is used to repair wood joints.
Epoxy	A two-part adhesive that is used to repair cracks and breaks in wood.
Sandpaper	A rough paper that is used to smooth surfaces.
Paint	A liquid that is used to color surfaces.
Stain	A liquid that is used to color and protect wood surfaces.

Applying New Padding

The original padding on your dining chair may be worn or faded, so replacing it is a great way to give the chair a fresh look. To apply new padding, you will need:

New foam or batting
Upholstery adhesive
Upholstery tacks
Hammer

To apply the new padding:

Remove the old padding from the chair. You can do this by carefully prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the chair frame.

Cut the new foam or batting to the same size as the old padding. You can use a ruler and a sharp knife to do this.

Apply a thin layer of upholstery adhesive to the back of the new padding. You can use a brush or a roller to do this.

Carefully place the new padding on the chair frame. Make sure that it is centered and that the edges are flush with the frame. Press down firmly on the padding to make sure that it adheres to the frame.

Secure the padding in place with upholstery tacks. You can use a hammer to do this. Space the tacks evenly around the perimeter of the padding, about 1 inch apart.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Selecting the appropriate fabric for upholstering dining chairs is crucial for both aesthetics and durability. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

Upholstery Weight and Thickness

Weight and thickness determine the fabric’s longevity and resistance to wear. Opt for mid to heavy-weight fabrics, such as cotton velvet, plush chenille, or thick linen, to ensure resilience against spills and frequent use.

Fabric Durability

Dining chairs experience significant wear, so choose fabrics with high abrasion resistance. Consider fabrics that withstand wear and tear, such as performance velvet, faux leather, or durable cotton blends. You can also opt for fabrics with a protective finish, such as Scotchgard, to enhance stain and spill resistance.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Dining chairs often require cleaning, so select fabrics that are easy to maintain. Opt for fabrics that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or machine-washed, such as cotton canvas, microfiber, or water-repellent fabrics. Consider fabrics with stain-resistant treatments to minimize the need for frequent cleaning.

Suggested Fabrics

Here’s a table listing suggested fabrics for dining chair upholstery:

Fabric	Pros
Cotton Velvet	Soft, comfortable, and durable
Plus Chenille	Thick, plush, and abrasion-resistant
Performance Velvet	Stain-resistant, durable, and stylish
Thick Linen	Natural, durable, and easy to clean
Faux Leather	Waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and easy to maintain
Durable Cotton Blends	Comfortable, durable, and machine-washable

Cutting and Sewing the Fabric

Measuring and Cutting the Fabric

Before cutting the fabric, measure the entire chair, including the seat, back, and sides. Add at least 2 inches to each measurement for overlap and stapling. Cut the fabric accordingly, using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.

Folding and Ironing the Fabric

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides facing each other. Iron the folded edge flat to create a crease. This will help you align the fabric correctly when sewing.

Sewing the Fabric Pieces Together

Sew the fabric pieces together around the edges, using a sewing machine. Leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance for a secure hold. Start and stop the sewing machine several times to reinforce the stitching.

Trimming the Excess Fabric

After sewing the fabric pieces together, trim the excess fabric close to the seam. This will prevent the fabric from fraying or bunching up when stapled to the chair.

Tying the Fabric in Place

Tie the fabric to the chair using twine or upholstery thread. Start by tying the fabric at the corners of the seat, and then work your way around the back and sides. Tighten the twine or thread to secure the fabric in place.

Stapling the Fabric

Staple the fabric to the chair using a staple gun. Start by stapling the fabric around the edges of the seat, and then work your way around the back and sides. Use 1-inch staples for a strong hold. Pull the fabric taut as you staple to prevent wrinkles or sagging.

Upholstering the Seat

7. Re-install the Seat Base and Cushion:

Flip the chair back over and place the seat back into the frame.
If you used a staple gun, use long staples to secure the fabric and foam to the seat base.
If you hand-stitched the fabric, use a needle and heavy-duty thread to sew the edges securely to the seat base.
Once the fabric is secured, add the cushion back to the seat base and insert any buttons or studs as desired.
Finally, flip the chair back over and secure the cushion to the seat frame using screws or nails.

Tool	Purpose
Staple gun	Secure fabric to seat base
Needle and thread	Hand-stitch fabric to seat base
Screws or nails	Secure cushion to seat frame

By following these steps carefully, you can easily and effectively reupholster your dining chair seat and give it a fresh, updated look.

Upholstering the Backrest

Once you have the fabric and foam cut to size, you can begin upholstering the backrest. Start by placing the foam on the back of the chair frame, and then center the fabric over the foam. Pull the fabric taut and staple it to the frame around the edges, starting in the center and working your way out. Be sure to pull the fabric evenly so that there are no wrinkles or creases.

Once the fabric is stapled in place, you can trim any excess fabric around the edges. You can also use a nail gun to add additional support to the upholstery, if desired.

Adding Buttons or Trim

If you want to add buttons or trim to the backrest, now is the time to do so. Buttons can be added by sewing them through the fabric and foam, and then securing them on the back of the frame with a washer. Trim can be added by gluing or stapling it to the edges of the fabric.

Here is a table with some additional tips for upholstering the backrest:

Tip	Description
Use a staple gun with a fine-tooth staple	This will help to prevent the fabric from tearing.
Pull the fabric taut as you staple it	This will help to prevent wrinkles and creases.
Trim any excess fabric around the edges	This will give the upholstery a clean and finished look.
Add buttons or trim to customize the look of the chair	This is a great way to add your own personal style to the chair.

Reassembling the Chair

9. Place the New Fabric:

Center the new fabric carefully over the seat cushion and pull it tautly over the edges.
Secure the fabric temporarily with upholstery tacks or staples along the edges, ensuring it is evenly distributed and free of wrinkles.
Fold the excess fabric under and begin tacking or stapling it to the underside of the chair. Start from the center and work outward, creating a tight and evenly spaced seam.
Upholstery adhesive can be applied to the fabric’s edges for added support. Simply brush the adhesive along the edges and press them securely against the chair frame.
Allow the glue to dry completely before using the chair.
Repeat the same process for any additional cushions or parts that require reupholstering. Ensure that the fabric is smooth, free of wrinkles, and securely attached.
Once all the cushions and components are reupholstered, reattach them to the chair frame using the original screws or other fasteners.
Check for any loose screws or fittings and tighten them accordingly.
Your reupholstered dining chair is now complete and ready to be enjoyed again!

Finishing Touches

10. Handle and Finish

Once the new fabric is secure, it’s time to add any handles or finishing touches. If your dining chairs have wooden handles, you can repaint or refinish them to match the new upholstery. Alternatively, you can install new handles that complement the fabric. For a unique touch, consider using antique or vintage handles. Finally, add finishing touches like decorative tacks or nailhead trim to enhance the chair’s aesthetics.

Table: Finishing Touches

Type of Finishing Touch	Description
Handles	Add handles for easier maneuvering of the chair
Refinishing	Repaint or refinish existing handles to match the new upholstery
New Handles	Install new handles that complement the fabric
Antique/Vintage Handles	Use antique or vintage handles for a unique touch
Decorative Tacks	Add decorative tacks to enhance the chair’s aesthetics
Nailhead Trim	Install nailhead trim to add a touch of elegance

How to Reupholster a Dining Chair

Reupholstering a dining chair is a great way to give it a new look and extend its lifespan. It’s a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps to reupholster a dining chair:

Remove the old upholstery. Start by removing the seat cushion. Then, use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the tacks or staples that are holding the fabric in place. Once the fabric is removed, you can remove the old padding.
Prepare the new fabric. Cut the new fabric to the size of the seat cushion. Then, fold the edges of the fabric under and press them down with an iron.
Attach the new fabric. Place the new fabric on the seat cushion and align the edges. Then, use a staple gun or tack hammer to attach the fabric to the cushion. Be sure to pull the fabric tight and evenly.
Replace the seat cushion. Once the fabric is attached, you can replace the seat cushion in the chair.
Finishing touches. Once the seat cushion is replaced, you can add any finishing touches, such as trim or tassels.

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5 Simple Steps to Reupholster Dining Chairs