How do I update upholstery of a the nail-on cushion of a dining chair?

Hi Rosann, you will need to remove all of the nails so you can replace the fabric. Usually you can go right over the old fabric with new but you can totally remove the old fabric and use it as a template for your new. I would put your new fabric on with staples and then replace all of the nails.

You can remove all the decorative nails--sometimes they are on a strip. Then you remove the fabric and make a new cover. You should be able to remove the entire seat part--there is wood underneath the fabric and the foam cushion. The seat is usually screwed in from underneath. The nails are replaced when you are finished or you may not want to replace them at all.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/modern-upholstered-dinette-chairs-17769191?expand_all_questions=1

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/reupholster-chair-upholstery-nails-55714.html

What a fab forum! So appreciative of your time ladies. This is my first project and at my age, i need that kind of "wind" to get me started. Blessings...!

Hello. Usually changing the upholstery on dining chairs is quite easy and exciting upgrade but the fact of the nail head trim makes it a little more complicated I would suggest to remove the nail head trim and then replace your fabric and potentially the padding.

Just an added piece of advice. Invest in an inexpensive staple puller. It will save you aggravation and broken nails. I have two in my toolbox, and they pop those nails, tacks, staples, etc. right out! Have an open container to put them in so you don't "misplace " any! They are not fun to step on. Good luck and stay safe!

Hi Rosann. Begin by taking all of the nails out. Then remove the seat. Remove the old fabric and use it as a pattern for the new fabric. Put the new fabric on the cushion and staple it down to the bottom of the seat. Cut away any excess. Attach the seat back on to the chair. Now comes time to decide if you want to put the nails back in, or glue a pretty trim in its place. I hope this helps you Rosann. Good luck.

Here is a video https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=how+to+uploster+dining+room+chairs#kpvalbx=_OjYNX6uRBYLr_QaQn4rgDA34

Hello Rosann,

Pull out the nails. Take off the top fabric. Cut new fabric to shape, and fix back into place as you found it.

Remove all the tacks and then you can use the existing material as a pattern to replace. If you can't save all of them, buy new ones at JoAnn's or somewhere similar.

You could re-upholster, but if fabric is cound, you could paint it and seal it with Mod Podge.

Hello, hope this helps you out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RkSXohrQxM

Remove the nails gently and then the material from the chair. You can use the old pieces as a pattern when cutting out new pieces.