Asked on Sep 05, 2015

Seeking advice on how to replace seats & backs on iron patio chairs.

Emma
by Emma
I have 4 wrought iron patio chair "frames" -- vinyl strap seats and backs long gone. Of course they need to be sanded and painted first, but I'm looking for ideas and advice on materials and methods for new seats and backs. We have welding equipment, so metal is an option.
One of four iron patio chairs in need of new seats & backs.
  14 answers
  • Z Z on Sep 06, 2015
    Here's an idea another Hometalk did that might work for you with a little altering for the difference in how yours and their arms are attached. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-2445917
  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on Sep 06, 2015
    first find out what kind of metal it is then find some one that can sand blast and paint for you, I had some (4 ) chairs and a table and it only cost me 35.00 dollars then I did my seats and back with all weather cloth .get you some ply wood and cut the back and seat out foam padding for seat and back cut material out to fit ( a larger than wood ),staple can't tell if there are screw holes or not ,if there are screw on to the chair . good luck
  • CK CK on Sep 06, 2015
    Of course I know you're planning to clean/get the rust off....maybe repaint then too. But since you have welding equipment, to me this sounds like a no-brainer ;-) Find chairs you like the styling of to use as your inspiration for the backs and bottoms on your chairs, then go to town welding new pieces! What fun to have wrought iron to work with! Much sturdier :-)
  • Carolyn Carolyn on Sep 06, 2015
    i saw were someone used old belts weaved like old time lawn chairs hook 2 together. if one int long enough \
  • Susan Susan on Sep 06, 2015
    I know you're asking for advice on re-doing your chairs...but if you decide to start fresh and ditch them after-all, I have a similar one painted a bright turquoise and use as a stand to keep my tall garden flowers from falling over. They would make a great garden gift for gardener friends, just saying...It is adorable in my front garden. Cute chairs by the way. Good luck.
  • Teen Teen on Sep 07, 2015
    Depending what style you like,you can use wicker,reforge iron back on,belts,rope,ply wood with of course cushion etc,just outdoor/indoor fabric..good luck.....
  • Emily Emily on Sep 07, 2015
    I just recently bought a settee that is iron. It is in good condition. The seats and backs have kind of flat metal (or iron) straps that hold the cushions. Maybe if you can weld something like that would work for this set? Otherwise (and probably easier) would be to weave webbing made for backs and seats to hold the cushions. Yet this all seems like a lot of work and you still have to have the pieces sanded and painted.
    • Emma Emma on Sep 07, 2015
      @Emily I do like the idea one gal submitted about bolting wood slats on -- easy care and I like the kindler, gentler aesthetic of wood. But first... the sand blasting/painting...
  • Sheila Jones Sheila Jones on Sep 07, 2015
    fibre rush chair weaving!! it would look fantastic Since you have a welder, weld two more square tubes across the front & back then weave, with a nylon cord, last forever, looks great! super sturdy!
  • JennB JennB on Sep 10, 2015
    The curve of the arms could be inspiration for sheet metal welded into a curved form on the metal chair base if you want to go for an sleek look. You could add cushions for comfort. Here's a picture of 1 idea I found on Google. If you want to go with the hand crafted look the belts & wood ideas are 2 great looks. You can also search on Pinterest for additional ideas.
  • 4715886 4715886 on Feb 21, 2016
    I can make you a 1 piece polycord fish-net seat (2" squares) that is easily tied on. Cord last for years. Your choice of colors.
    • See 1 previous
    • 4715886 4715886 on Feb 20, 2019

      My prototype, More like a hammock style, attached to back and front rails. This cord gives some, so you sink into it. Email me. Northga@yahoo.com


  • Leesa Osborne Leesa Osborne on Apr 12, 2019

    I’m having a similar issue with my chairs and table top. I have no clue what kind of metal it is. I got the whole set for $10 at an EstateSale. What would y’all recommend? Wood for the seats and seal it for weatherproof? Then add cushion covered in outdoor material. I want to make a wood table top. I’ve never restored anything like this. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I just blank on what to do and where to start.

    • CaseyJ CaseyJ on Jun 10, 2020

      Google “no sew method” for covering chairs. Super easy. Plywood, foam, fabric and a staple gun.

  • P P on Apr 12, 2019

    I tried wood for the seats with foam & a outdoor upholstery vinyl - they worked great for a while- except the underside of the seats rotted! So I suggest you waterproof BOTH sides (& edges)

  • Sonya Sonya on Jul 29, 2022

    I need to replace the seat before I start doing the upholstery. The particle need to be replaced.