Asked on May 14, 2016

How can I upholster this old garden chair?

Donna C
by Donna C
I found this little gem at thrift store for 10 dollars! Does anyone have a chair like this so I can see how to upholster top? Can't wait to start this project!
  4 answers
  • Gary Canada Gary Canada on May 15, 2016
    Well, it is very simple... I will try to explain as I don't have that particular chair, but the solution is universal. First off you need 2 pieces of plywood (external rated, and NOT particle board or pressed wood). They need to be a bit larger than the back and the bottom. Measure the INSIDE of the seat from side to side in front and back, and do the same from front to back on each side. Lay out the measurements on the plywood. It is ok to make SLIGHTLY smaller to allow for the thickness of the fabric you plan to use. Now do the same for the back... REMEMBER... measure twice, cut once... Carefully cut out the pieces and place them into the openings to make sure they fit loosely. OK, if you are going to use vinyl covers you might want to drill a few holes in the plywood so air can escape when you sit on it. Also mark out the holes that mount the chair seat to the frame and drill those holes out as well. Home depot has special nuts that bight into the wood and are flat, you will need to get them. They are not expensive so don't panic. These go on the top of the boards before you put padding and fabric on them. Next use thin foam (about 1 inch thick) and cut it to fit the boards. If you have contact cement it helps to glue it down but you do not have to. I also like to put a layer of Dacron over the foam... can use an old mattress pad here... Choose your fabric and cut it to fit leaving about 3 to 4 inches all the way around (making it larger than the seat). Be mindful of the pattern and make sure it runs the same way on both the back and the bottom. Lay fabric face down on flat surface, center the padding and plywood, then carefully pull the loose ends over to the back. Lightly tack each side so you can tighten the fabric and make sure there are no wrinkles in it, then staple or tack it down all the way around securely. Make sure you can get to the mounting holes... Once done, trim extra fabric off but not too close. Place the new seats in place and put the screws into the frame and seat. Last step is critical... sit chair on flat surface, park your bottom on it and smile, you are done and can be proud of your hard work! If you need more help just post and I will try to do an illustration for you... (would have done so now but am off to fix my tractor...
    • See 1 previous
    • 861650 861650 on May 16, 2016
      @Gary Canada I so want to thank you for your detailed instructions! In addition, it would be easy to change the fabric...even making slipcovers. I've got two chairs stored in my mother's basement and this is just what I needed.
  • Deborahbenton2 Deborahbenton2 on May 16, 2016
    Since the back will have both sides showing you can sew the fabric on top and sides like a pillow case. Leave the bottom open and slide it down over the plywood with the padding in place already. Then you can fold the bottom edges together to make a nice seam and tack or staple in place on the bottom so that no tacks or staples show when installed!
  • Donna C Donna C on May 16, 2016
    thank you deborah . That's what I thought.Thank you for responding
    • Deborahbenton2 Deborahbenton2 on May 17, 2016
      @Donna C You are so welcome. When I reupholstered furniture I liked for everything to be as neat as possible!
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on May 25, 2016
    Hi there. Did you ever get this chair done? I found one, similar & I'm wondering what to do with it. I can't wait to refurb it. Thanks for any help.
    • See 1 previous
    • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on May 26, 2016
      @Gary Canada Thank you. Good luck with that tractor. I'm eager to see your chairs.