What can I use to cover old chair bottom any ideas?????

Pam
by Pam
I found this cute old chair in a yard sale for 1$ years ago ,it had a bad ugly pink and white paint job ,I finally got around to stripping sanding and repainting, now just wondering if anyone has any ideas on a bottom I think it had a rush bottom ,the back seat board is a little lower than the rest, I don't see how to add a board. Thanks!
these are small nails that hold sides on
that back bottom rail is lower
  62 answers
  • Emma Dorsey Emma Dorsey on Jan 24, 2014
    I would re-cane them. They are beautiful chairs!
  • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
    Thanks Emma, I was thinking of trying to find someone, maybe it wouldn't cost much for one chair.
  • You could try to see if you could pad it? Cut a piece of plywood/wood to fit within the confines of the outside trim piece of the seat, add foam (or an old pad or pillow form), then cover with a beautiful fabric & staple. You could drill holes in the wood frame of the seat and screw the new padded seat on. Just a thought...
  • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on Jan 24, 2014
    @c renee fuller i agree completely with everything you have said it is exactly what i would do.Find a beautiful piece of fabric and pad a piece of thick ply board tack the fabic over the board and foam then turn upside down and screw the seat to the chair through each corner
  • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
    Thanks Renee And Felicity I may just try I was worried about the gap where the back side rail is lower, maybe I could put a board under that part( painted white)...I sure don't want to pay allot of money to have it re-caned
  • Kathie Anderson-Conway Kathie Anderson-Conway on Jan 24, 2014
    Go to a 2nd hand clothing store and buy old neck ties or leather belts. That would make a great conversation piece.
    • Pam Pam on Feb 06, 2014
      Pictures posted of chair with ties...Thanks!
  • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
    hmmm I see them all the time at thrift stores...that's a thought
  • Barbara R Barbara R on Jan 24, 2014
    You can use leather belts (measure size you need around, put buckles underneath) from a resale shop...then put a pillow / cushion on top of it if you like. Here's a picture of one done. Sweet!
  • Lezlie Lezlie on Jan 24, 2014
    Yes - old belts! My kids and I made this belt stool for my Dad for Christmas and he loves it. All the belts we used have been worn by us over the years, which makes it more personal for my Dad.
    • See 2 previous
    • Lezlie Lezlie on Jan 26, 2014
      @Beverly Parsons ... we used #8 3/4 screws and washers to fasten the ends of the belts underneath the stool frame. It worked nicely, leaving the finished end of the belt in tact and drilling into it, and then cutting the buckle end off to whatever length fits across.
  • Kathie Anderson-Conway Kathie Anderson-Conway on Jan 24, 2014
    Whatever you decide to do please put a picture on here of the finished product.
  • Betty Stine Betty Stine on Jan 24, 2014
    I would suggest the plywood covered with foam and fabric but, it looks like there would have to be corner cut outs for the front and little curve cut outs at the back. I would suggest you make a pattern. I have covered any number of chair bottoms but they generally lay flat and may get a little more narrow toward the back. So you or someone else would have to be a little handy to do this. I also had 4 chairs re-caned about 15 years ago. It could get expensive for a $1 chair. It is a pretty chair with a nice shape.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
      @Betty Stine yes it will be a challenge the way the seat is made not only is the back seat support lower ,but the inside side boards have a slight curve ,and of course those corners..Thanks!
  • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
    O.K. kathie I will,allot of good things to think about
  • Pam Pam on Jan 24, 2014
    OMGosh! Barbra and Lezlie those are too cute ,I'm really going to try this first,thrift stores here I come..Thank you all...very good ideas.....I love the chair and stool with the belts
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 24, 2014
    You could purchase chair webbing at your local hardware store (or even JO Anns) to weave a support then purchase the foam, cover etc. for its seat. Caining is expensive but it can be worth it if willing to pay for it.
  • Kendra Loftus Kendra Loftus on Jan 25, 2014
    Something my mom did with a chair she had like this one was, she went and got a whole bunch of leather belts and weaved them onto the chair. She nailed them into place and it held up very well.
  • Gretchen Gretchen on Jan 26, 2014
    I believe those "slots" are there to allow for caning or rush (or even webbing). My father did caning and I remember small holes in his chairs, However, they do sell pre-caned sheets. I think you could cut that and fit it into the slots, turn it, and nail it underneath. I cannot figure out why the back is lowered. You might add painted furring strips there to build it up before doing anything else. Please show us finished pictures!
    • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
      @Gretchen I think I saw this in the van dykes restorers book I wasn't really sure how to apply it ...Thanks I'll find my book and look at the sheets and furring strips,never heard of them,learned something new...Yay
  • Cherrie Heikes Cherrie Heikes on Jan 26, 2014
    I think that hemp would make a durable and unique seat.
  • Karen Rossman Clark Karen Rossman Clark on Jan 26, 2014
    I have a similar chair hanging out in the garage so thank you for asking for me too!
  • Carolyn Hoxton Carolyn Hoxton on Jan 26, 2014
    A piece of plywood, cut to the exact size, would be easier, and cheaper, than buying all the leather belts. I would do this, add a nice foam padding covered in a pretty fabric.
    • See 4 previous
    • Cheryl @ Artzzle Cheryl @ Artzzle on Jan 27, 2014
      @Pam Thanks. Nice job. Will you do the back in the same fabric or a coordinate?
  • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
    Karen, I think I'm gonna try the ties for now or look to see what colors the strapping comes in ,cause They can be removed later without any damage so if I don't like it I can do plywood with foam or re-canned,the belts are to thick to fit between the slats and I don't want to wrap them on the outside and cover the front decorative edge,gonna take a little time to find some,will post picks when done. <3
  • Clare Koontz Clare Koontz on Jan 26, 2014
    woven old neckties makes a colorful chair
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jan 26, 2014
    pallet boards! Cut back piece shorter or yard sticks with a base below would be cool
  • Melinda Doster Melinda Doster on Jan 26, 2014
    my mom has an old cane-bottom stool that the seat had long since been gone. She wanted to salvage it and use it in her home. She took it to a local quilt shop and they weaved it with fabric strips in colors to match the room she was going to use it in. It is really lovely and what a great idea. You could use any color, any pattern. And it is very tight/firm and safe to sit on. I have a photo of hers. If you would like to see it, email me at medoster@comporium.net. I've been keeping my eye out for an old chair or stool that I could use as well.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
      @Melinda Doster you know that was the thought I first had before I posted ,I was thinking of braided fabric because I thought it would make it strong enough even tried it but with it braided was to thick to go threw the slats, never thought that single strips would work, I really would like to see the chair.
  • Leona G Leona G on Jan 26, 2014
    We had a rocking chair that we did the re-cane ourselves. This company sell the cane by the foot and any and all associated materials to do the job yourself. Good luck. http://www.chaircaningandsupplies.com/cane_webbing.php
    • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
      @Leona G Thank You! ,this site prices are very reasonable I see some needed tools and wicker knobs
  • Sheree Hughes-Irwin Sheree Hughes-Irwin on Jan 26, 2014
    Wood with foam padding and fabric of a pattern you like. With the foam, use batting and spray adhesive to join them, then fabric is easier to make smooth on top of the batting. Upholstery tacks or I used staple gun. The batting really helps!
  • Annette C Annette C on Jan 26, 2014
    they beat me to it, I used plywood & spray painted them until I found fabric I liked.
  • Jim L Jim L on Jan 26, 2014
    I have a set of eight of these (unpainted). They have "rush" seats and need to be woven. A "pre-caned" seat would not be a good idea. Fine someone who can do it and have it done.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
      @Jim L Thanks! I would love to see a picture of yours
  • Cheri Dittler Cheri Dittler on Jan 26, 2014
    same answer..different way...have home depot cut boards to fit the width of your chairseat. attach with nails and make a foam cushion seat and cover it with fabric and staple or nail it underneath.
  • Ginnie Ginnie on Jan 26, 2014
    Chicken wire stapled for the seat, fill with sphagnam moss, soil and plants.
  • Melanie Melanie on Jan 26, 2014
    If this was my chair I would have a pot of flowers in it on my deck or porch would look very pretty
  • Melinda Doster Melinda Doster on Jan 26, 2014
    the strips are not just single. They are doubled/folded over twice, I think, so that the edges are clean/neat. But that is still thinner than what you were trying with the braid, I guess.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
      @Melinda Doster yes I think that would be allot thinner than what I was doing , I tried to send you a email for a pic did you get it?
  • Pam Pam on Jan 26, 2014
    you can see pictures of my other chair redo if you click on comments under Carolyn Hoxton
  • Susan G Susan G on Jan 27, 2014
    I had a chair like that. I stapled chicken wire around the seat edges (after making it into a bowl shape) lined it with burlap & planted flowers in it. It was really cute. P.S. I sprayed the chair first with a sealer so it could stay on my deck.
  • Nancy S Nancy S on Jan 27, 2014
    I do not know if this was made for a board. It looks like the slits on each side, back, and front were meant for something woven to go thru them. My granddaddy use to replace bottoms of chairs with something that we southerns were familiar with. It was made in our cotton mills a long time ago. It looks like strapping, I think that is what they called it. The slits on the front, back, and sides looks like it is suppose to have something woven in between them to connect to the back.. I have no idea what to weave it with. But I think that is what this is used for. These type chairs are popular in the South. At least, that is the only place that I have ever seen them. Raffia could be used that most of the oak chairs have in them that you buy. I would like to see this when completed..
  • Pam Pam on Jan 27, 2014
    I think they call it rush, the chair is very old,I like the style,this is the only one I've seen but others on here have them or have had them,I'll post a pic here when complete,Thanks!
  • Pam Pam on Jan 27, 2014
    same I have it started,just need to go get upholstery needle...Thanks!
  • Carolyn Hoxton Carolyn Hoxton on Jan 27, 2014
    I think you should do it in whatever fabrics you love.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 27, 2014
      @Cynthia Walker good info. Thanks I didn't know rush was made from cat tails I see them growing in deep ditches all the time.
  • Beverly Parsons Beverly Parsons on Jan 28, 2014
    Leslie Thnk you great idea!
  • Jacie1948 Jacie1948 on Jan 28, 2014
    i saw someone use old belts and make a weave pattern with different kinds of belts. I think it was on HOMETALK.
    • Pam Pam on Jan 29, 2014
      @Jacie1948 Yes and they are super cute,but I tried a few and the ones I liked were to thick to fit threw the slats,I'm in the process of using neck ties and am 1/2 way threw ,it's looking good and then I have this idea to do it in burlap strips and make a little flat burlap pillow for the seat with hand painted white polka dots and I'm trying to ignore this idea,idk....What do you think?
  • Kelley Towler Kelley Towler on Jan 29, 2014
    I;m redoing one my great grandfather built. I am using old leather belts
  • Pam Pam on Feb 06, 2014
    Here is the pictures of the finished chair, I used ties from a local thrift store .25 each, I love the look, I also made a cushion out of some burlap I had and painted on some white dots, I can always make another cushion if I find some fabric I really love THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!! for all your help.
    • See 1 previous
    • Pam Pam on Mar 18, 2014
      Yes ,I was surprised they were just .25 ,goodwill and Salvation Army are 1.00 to 1.75 each, good luck!
  • Pam Pam on Feb 06, 2014
    Hmmmm I see them at the end of the post after last remark, I will add them here
    • Pam Pam on Feb 06, 2014
      @Pam Karen ,let me know if you see them...Thanks!
  • Pam Pam on Feb 06, 2014
    I just wanted to Thank Everyone You have been so helpful ,I had posted after photos some wanted to see, I received comments couldn't see the photos so I am trying here
  • Betty Stine Betty Stine on Mar 02, 2014
    It looks great, very neat. You did a super job.
  • Kara Spurlock Kara Spurlock on Mar 02, 2014
    Love it!
  • Ellen Knox Ellen Knox on Mar 02, 2014
    Looks great and so creative!
  • Robin Wright Pitts Robin Wright Pitts on Mar 05, 2014
    I have been looking for old cane bottom chairs who have seen their functional days go by, because you can use chicken wire (you staple it on so that it sags deeply where the cane would go) add moss facing downward, fill with potting soil, and put it on your porch with flowers planted in it...
  • Pam Pam on Mar 05, 2014
    Yes a few ppl shared this idea,I want to try it too,just didn't want to do it with this chair,but can't wait to try it when I find another chair
  • Diane Arnold Diane Arnold on Mar 06, 2014
    Great job!
  • It depends on what you want it to look like. I've made several chair bottoms by weaving webbing purchased from a craft store.
  • Pam Pam on Mar 14, 2014
    Thanks Robert! I've finished this project scroll down for pics of the finished chair (:
  • Deb C Deb C on Mar 15, 2014
    I would have used wooden slats then made a cushion to sit on top.
  • Barbara Barbara on Jun 15, 2014
    buckram used for reinforcing draperies could be tacked with upholstery tacks to the bottom of the chair. Prior to this, trace the seat outline to make a new seat cushion. 5-6 inch foam covered with cotton or poly batting. covered with toile or a 'vintage' type upholstery fabric and lightly tacked into place from below with upholstery staples.
  • Donna Donna on Jan 12, 2015
    Where is finished chair!
  • Pam Pam on Jan 12, 2015
    Hey Donna, go back and look at all 86 comments and you will see pictures of the finished chair using old ties,I also made a cushion out of burlap, Thanks for your interest.
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Oct 07, 2015
    My first chair rushing project for a client. Now it needs to be sealed with shellac.
  • Carolyn Hoxton Carolyn Hoxton on Oct 08, 2015
    I would have the lumber yard cut a sturdy board to fit, and then upholster it with something padded, and some pretty fabric, tacked to the bottom of it.
  • Pam Pam on Oct 08, 2015
    Thanks Carolyn! I finished this chair A year or so ago, I keep submitting that this ? Has been answered,and Hometalk sends me a message that it is marked answered,then it shows up again sometimes,The finished chair picture is in the comments somewhere, Thanks Again for your Great Idea.
  • Maureen Maureen on Sep 14, 2016
    Have you seen the chairs that people have done basket weave with old ties? I LOVE the look. A local barn sells them. Pinterest has pictures.
  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jan 31, 2022

    I would re- canned it ..beautiful chair