How can I remove the back cushion from this chair?

Karleen Adler
by Karleen Adler

I want to remove the back of this chair without damaging the wood. Is it glued or tacked on?

  5 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Aug 20, 2019

    I don't know this chair specifically, but I have a few rules of thumb when I take stuff apart that I need to be able reassemble later:

    -Apply gentle pressure to the back of the chair using a large piece of wood (to spread the impact out). Tap the wood gently with a mallet or hammer.

    - turn the chair around and look at the seam on the front. Look for separation between the cushion and the chair back. If you can, sneak a broad, flat screwdriver, or small pry bar in. Again, us a scrap piece of wood to pry against to avoid damage to the wood.

    - alternate tapping and prying, moving around the edge of the cushion to remove it. If there are nails, you'll see then pretty quickly. If it's glued, it likely will just pop out all at once.

    Good luck- hope this helps.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 20, 2019

    Look under the horizontal piece of wood that is at the bottom of the back upholstery. There may be a screw underneath for removal. Otherwise, I would begin by trying to pull out the welting. Be gentle!

  • William William on Aug 20, 2019

    I would assume it's stapled or tacked in under the welting to hold it in place. Probably pressure fit and stapled. Try prying the welting first.

  • Suellen Hintz Suellen Hintz on Aug 20, 2019

    My first step would be to inspect the crack between the welt and the cushioned back. There could be a row of staples. If the chair is an expensive one, I'd be really surprised if it is glued on...that defeats the purpose of buying quality furniture as it's expected to last your lifetime.

  • Baxter Baxter on Aug 20, 2019

    The welting (and the fabric back) is attached with staples. First, remove the welting that's around the entire back. Just pry up an edge and carefully pull. The raw edge of the fabric will be exposed. If you plan on reupholstering, carefully remove the fabric panel and use the panel as a pattern for your new fabric. Otherwise just tear it away any way you can. Then remove all those staples. FYI...The "X" wooden slats on the inside back will not be finished---it will be natural color wood. Good luck!