How to Reupholster a Chair With Upholstery Nails

Reupholstering a chair can be a great way to change a room's decor. Other reasons why people reupholster a chair may be if someone has thrown it out but the frame is still sturdy and in good condition or if the padding in an old chair is worn out and no longer provides cushioning to sit on. With a few steps and some basic materials, a chair can be reupholstered to look like new instead of needing to be thrown out.

Measuring tape
Scissors
Upholstery material
Chair padding
Hammer
Flathead screwdriver
Upholstery nails

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the surface of the chair seat using the measuring tape. Add about 4 inches extra on each of the four edges to allow for folding the the material over the chair padding and seat. Cut the material based on calculated measurements. Cut the chair padding, if necessary, to the exact size of the chair seat.
- 2
  Remove the chair seat by prying the nails out of the chair with the front end of the hammer. Pull out any staples that holds the upholstery material onto the chair seat by using a flathead screwdriver. Cut or pull off the material if it is glued in place, or use the hammer to pull out any nails that are used.
- 3
  Place the chair padding on the surface of the chair seat. Wrap the chair seat with the new upholstery fabric making sure to fold under the edges of the four corners. Use upholstery nails and nail the fabric to the bottom of the chair, making sure to pull the fabric as tightly as possible. Replace and align the reupholstered chair seat with the base. Hold the seat in place and nail each side of the seat onto the base of the chair from underneath.

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Chairs