Reupholstering oak dining chairs adds new life to the pieces of furniture while using the existing frames. Whether you wish to update the room's design or replace old or stained chair fabric, reupholstering the chairs is a straightforward process that allows you to give the chairs a facelift whenever desired. Use comfortable yet durable fabrics that brighten the room and enhance the natural beauty of the oak's grain. Installed properly, the fabric on the oak chairs should be tight and smooth, without creases along the front.
Instructions
1. Turn the oak chair over, revealing the screws. Remove the screws holding the cushion to the seat frame using a flat-head screwdriver. Add the screws to a zipper bag or container so you do not waste time looking for them when reassembling the chair.
2. Pull out the staples or tacks holding the current fabric to the chair cushion with a staple remover or needle-nose pliers. Pry the staples up and out from the fabric and padding. Try not to damage the fabric because it will form the template for the new chair fabric. Remove the fabric and set it aside.
3. Inspect the exposed foam padding for tears and replace it if necessary. Pull out the foam, revealing the baseboard. Set the board face down on a sheet of high-density foam and trace its outlines. Cut along the lines with scissors. Glue the surface of the baseboard and lower the foam over it, pressing it lightly so it sets.
4. Set the upholstery fabric wrong-side up on the worktable and lower the padded base board over it. Ensure the glue has dried thoroughly. Allow 2 inches around the edges of the board before cutting the fabric.
5. Hold the fabric along one edge of the baseboard and extend it to its back, pulling it taut to prevent creases from forming along the front of the seat. Insert a row of staples along the corners and middle of the fabric to secure it to the board. Alternatively, use a hammer and upholstery tacks to secure the fabric to the padded board.
6. Extend the fabric along the opposite edge over the board and repeat the process of stapling it in place. Turn the board over to inspect its front for creasing in the fabric; brush them with your hands if required. Continue extending and stapling the fabric along the other two edges of the board to its back. Cut excess fabric or frayed fabric edges with sharp scissors.
7. Center and lower the covered cushion over the frame. Replace the screws you collected in the bag. Reupholster the remaining oak dining chairs the same way.
Tags: fabric along, along front, board over, chair fabric, dining chairs