How to Reupholster Dining Chair Frames

Take the seat off the dining chair frame by removing the nails or screws that are holding it in place. Put the hardware in a little plastic bag so you have it to put the seat back on the chair. Remove the back of the chair in the same manner if it is upholstered.

Remove the staples holding the fabric on the seat and pull off the fabric carefully. Lay the fabric on a large piece of paper and trace around it to create a pattern. Repeat this process with the back of the chair, if applicable. Lay the pattern on the new upholstery fabric and cut out the fabric.

Inspect the foam pad on the seat to verify its condition. Pull the pad off the seat if it is compacted or falling apart, then lay the wood seat on a piece of paper to make a pattern for a new piece of foam. Place the pattern on a piece of 1-inch-thick upholstery foam and cut it out. Repeat with the chair back, if applicable.

Lay the fabric on a flat, sturdy surface so the right side is facing down. Set the foam pad on top of the fabric, followed by the chair seat. Set the seat with the attached foam on top of the fabric if you did not cut a new piece of foam. Repeat the same process with the chair back.

Fold the edge of fabric to the bottom of the chair seat on one side, and attach it with a staple. Repeat this process with one staple on each side, pulling the fabric taut without making puckers on the top of the seat. Turn the seat over to verify that the fabric looks right, then continue stapling. Work your way around the seat to secure all edges of the fabric, leaving the corners open. Repeat this process with the chair back.

Secure the corners by folding one side of fabric to the back and tacking it with a staple. Fold the opposite side of the corner to make a smooth edge, and then secure with a staple. Repeat this with all corners on the seat and back.

Cut off any excess fabric hanging on the bottom of the seat and chair back, to reduce bulk. Attach the seat to the dining chair using the hardware you removed when taking off the seat. Repeat with the chair back.