How to Reupholster a Bed Bench

Separate the upholstered top from the legs and frame by looking for any “L” shaped brackets screwed into both the frame and the bottom side of the bench. Remove the screws attached to the bottom side of the bench leaving the bracket still attached to the frame.

Remove any lightweight cloth or paper that covers the bottom of the bench with a utility knife or by removing the staples or tacks that keep it in place.

Remove the current material that is covering the bench by removing any nails, staples or tacks holding it on the underside of the bench.

Remove the existing foam padding from the bench if you want to replace it. Insert a screwdriver between the foam and the piece of wood attached to it and gently pry the foam off.

Cut the foam padding to this measurement with a utility knife. Make several shallow cuts with the blade until you cut entirely through the piece of foam.

Measure the length, width and height of the bench and write them down.

Add the length of the bench to double the height of the seat and add an additional four inches. This is your new length.

Add the width of the bench to double the height of the seat and add an additional four inches. This is the new width.

Transfer these measurements to your piece of fabric and cut with a pair of scissors.

Place the fabric wrong side up on the work surface.

Center the bench seat with the foam side down to the underside of the fabric.

Fold the fabric up over the side of the seat and on to the underside of the bench. Insert pins through the fabric and into the side of the foam to keep the fabric in place. Repeat on each side.

Pull the material in the center of a long side of the bench over the underside of the bench and secure in place with upholstery tacks.

Move to the right and secure an upholstery tack in the center between the first tack and the corner. Repeat on the left side.

Turn the bench and continue to insert tacks in the same manner all the way around.

Fold excess material in the corners by pleating the fabric. Make small folds close together and secure the folds with tacks.

Add additional tacks if needed to secure the bench. Longer benches will require additional tacks. Add tacks centered between tacks already secured.

Place the frame onto the underside of the bench and re-attach the “L” brackets with the screws you removed from them.