Do-It-Yourself Upholstery With Plywood for a Seat Cushion

Cut a piece of plywood into the desired size and shape for the seat cushion. Use sandpaper on the edges and surface to smooth any rough areas.

Set the wood seat on top of a 1/2- to 1-inch thick piece of polyester batting. Trace around the wood and cut the batting with a rotary blade to the same size as the seat.

Lay the fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down and set the wood seat on top. Trace around the wood seat with a fabric pencil or chalk. Remove the wood seat and draw a second marking 3 inches from the first to allow for extra fabric for wrapping.

Cut the fabric on the second marking line and place it right side down on a flat surface. Lay the batting in the center of the fabric and set the wood seat on top.

Grab one edge of the fabric and pull gently over the wood seat. Staple the fabric in two or three spots to hold it in place. Repeat on the opposite side, pulling the fabric without causing puckers or wrinkles on the fabric across the seat.

Flip the seat over so the fabric side is facing up. Smooth the fabric and make adjustments if it is pulling to one side. Holding the fabric on one of the remaining sides so it is taut and smooth, flip the seat over and staple the fabric in the center of the edge to hold in place. Repeat this process on the remaining side.

Secure areas of fabric that are hanging loose by pulling and smoothing it to the backside and stapling in place. Keep 1 to 2 inches of fabric loose at each corner. Space the staples around the seat at a minimum of 1 inch apart to keep the fabric secure.

Secure the corners by pulling the fabric taut on one side, making a crisp edge along the corner. Staple the fabric on this edge. Pull and fold the fabric to the backside to make a crisp corner. Staple the fabric to secure in place. Repeat this process on each corner.

Clip and remove excess fabric hanging under the seat. Flip the seat so the fabric faces up and install onto the chair.