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

Question

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.

Z · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

i saw were someone used old belts weaved like old time lawn chairs hook 2 together. if one int long enough \

Susan · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

Sheila Jones · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

JennB · Answer

The picture didn't post so here's the link: https://m2.behance.net/rendition/pm/8243685/disp/2d7c320b7e12e7a932a770a1ee67e6f6.jpg

4715886 · Answer

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.

Leesa Osborne · Answer

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.

P · Answer

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 · Answer

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

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

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

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