25 inch wooden reels

Kathy Hall
by Kathy Hall

I would like to make outdoor chairs out of wooden reels that I got from work. But I want them to be nice looking and also comfortable to sit on.

Any idea's or suggestions?

  3 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on Jul 13, 2018

    Hi Kathy. I'm Cindy. I would attach a back on the reels. Either with wood or by using half of another reel. Make a big cushion to sit on. This reminds me of a papasan chair.

  • Delicia Ambrosino Delicia Ambrosino on Jul 14, 2018

    Items needed: Outdoor paint AND outdoor weather coat, long staples or long upholstery tacks, weather resistant upholstery such as Sunbrella, heavy duty plastic, batting and heavy duty dense foam. Suggestion: if the cost is not budget friendly buy something each month and make this project over the winter. You will need to know the thickness of your upholstery, plastic,batting and foam combined together for your seat PLUS the height of that seat so it can comfortably be tacked down and look neat.

    Sand your wheels smooth. Coat with poly, let dry. Measure out your upholstery, batting foam and plastic. The plastic will be at the bottom~ this will give extra protection to your wood so it doesn't rot. Sand, wipe clean, and paint your reels in any color you choose. Don't forget painting or staining UNDER the seat part. You can even distress them for a nice touch or just stain. In any case you will want to coat them several DIFFERENT times letting dry thoroughly between coats. Place your cushioning material on top allowing for overhang allowance and a folded edge and either tack along the reels edge or tack underneath the seat. Wahlah!!! You're done. It seems like a lot of work. I'd say it falls in between hard and easy actually. Just an idea, think Alice in Wonderland mushrooms and grow a fairy garden or a tea garden nearby. Good Luck!!!

    • Kathy Hall Kathy Hall on Jul 14, 2018

      Thank you for helping me on suggestions. I will definitely try this out.