Reupholstering a chair requires basic skills and experience in upholstery material cutting, fixing, and chair surface preparation. Also, you must have professional guidelines and the necessary tools. With re-upholstery, you can add a new style, durability, and stability to your chairs with torn-out fabrication.
Reupholstering A Chair | A DIY Guide
In this instructive blog, Green Grass has come up with a complete DIY guide to reupholster a chair. If you plan to refurbish your chair, follow these step-by-step instructions for easy yet affordable covering. Moreover, we have also crafted a list of basic supplies you need to start your DIY project.
Supplies That You’ll Need
- Upholstery Fabric
- Screwdriver/Drill
- Staple Remover
- Staple Gun
- Measuring Tape/Scale
- Scissors
- Straight Pins/Staples
- Sewing Machine
- Chalk or Pencil
Steps To Follow
- Assess the Chair
- Choose Your Fabric
- Remove Old Upholstery
- Measure & Cut Fabric
- Replace or Add Batting (Optional)
- Attach New Upholstery
- Finishing Touches
1- Assess the Chair
Before reupholstering, you must assess the chair’s body and structure (legs or joints). If they’re in good condition, you can renovate the chair to craft a new look and style. If you find any damage or loose joints, repair them with a professional approach. With simple pins and easy steps, you can fix new upholstery on the chair.
2- Choose Your Fabric
Always choose the right fabric to enhance the life and elegance of the chair. In addition, you must also consider the maintenance factor to avoid frequent cleaning practices. Microfiber, velvet, cotton, or leather are durable and easily maintainable materials for chair covering.
3- Remove Old Upholstery
Turn the chair over and detach the old staples or pins with the staple remover to remove old upholstery fabric. If staples are firmly attached to the chair, you can also use needle-nose pliers to remove them. Try to prevent abrasion of old upholstery material because it can be used as a sample for taking measurements.
4- Measure & Cut Fabric
Use a measuring tape or scale to get the accurate size of the new fabric material before cutting. To determine the exact length, width, and corner patterns, you can also place the old cover on the new fabric material and mark it with chalk or pencil. Cut with a sharp scissor as per marked linings.
5- Replace or Add Batting (Optional)
During the process, evaluate the condition of the padding material. If it is in good condition, you can go with it otherwise replace it with a new one to enhance softness and durability. Always cut new foam batting or Dacron 4-5 inches larger than the seat area. Attach it to the chair surface with staples or pins.
6- Attach New Upholstery
Start attaching the new upholstery fabric from one side of the chair. As you will have been attaching fabric material to the seat, staple it with a staple gun. While stapling the fabric, tighten it to avoid wrinkles and seams. Staple all the corners at the end when it is confirmed that there are no seams and wrinkles on the seating surface.
7- Finishing Touches
To give a final and finished look, you can attach decorative welt cords at the edges of the seating area. Adding welt cords will cover the raw and undefined edges of the seat cover. Moreover, it can also give a contrasting look and eye-catching pattern to your chair.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Reupholstering A Chair
For Your maximum help, we have added the featured advantages and disadvantages of the reupholstery project.
Advantages
- You need to spend less on replacing the upholstery fabric when compared to buying a new chair.
- By reupholstering with custom materials, you not only enhance the chair’s elegance but also its durability.
- Refurbishing ensures antique revitalization by giving a new life and look to old/ damaged chairs.
Disadvantages
- Reupholstering a chair takes time and effort.
- It requires professional skills & tools for a perfect finish.
Final Words!
Reupholstering a chair with durable and finest fabric material requires proper guidance and skills. For beginners’ understanding, Green Grass has demonstrated a complete procedure in multiple yet easy steps. By following these steps, you not only replace the chair covering but also make it more durable and stylish. Furthermore, we have also enlisted the pros and cons of refurbishing a chair for your better understanding. To avoid flaws and inconveniences, you can also hire professional chair upholstery services in Abu Dhabi or Dubai..
