How to Fix a Saggy Chair

Take off the fabric covering on the seat of your chair. This usually is held in place by tacks and can be removed using a chisel and hammer to draw up the tack heads.

Remove any wadding or stuffing material by hand once the cover has been removed. Put stuffing that’s not extensively frayed or worn down to one side because this can be used to reupholster the chair.

Examine the wood and webbing once all the stuffing has been taken out. If the wood is rotten or cracking, the whole chair probably needs replacing.

Cut new webbing if required. Measure the seat of the chair with a measuring tape. Count how many webbing strips you have removed, and cut this many new strands. Allow an extra 4 inches on each length because you will need some slack for tacking.

Install the webbing. Draw the webbing strips across the seat of the chair in a diagonal pattern similar to the webbing already removed. The webbing strands should cross one another where the chair springs are situated.

Secure the webbing. Staple the webbing ends to the sides of the chair using a staple gun once they are properly positioned.

Fit new stuffing. Place twice as much stuffing at the center of the chair than at the sides. This ensures that the seat remains firm and won’t sag again.

Cover the seat of the chair. Place the calico material over the breadth of the seat, and staple one edge on the underside of the seating pad using a staple gun. Draw the other side tightly over the seat and secure it in the same way. The upholstered seat should form a firm, dome shape.

Continue stapling along the seat edges using a staple gun. Leave around 1¼ inches of unstapled material at each of the corners. Pull the calico tight at the corners and fold underneath the seating pad. Secure the calico using more staples if required.

Fit the top fabric to the chair using a staple gun and the same method as used for the calico. The top fabric should be cut oversize to allow for 1¼ inches of additional fabric, which will be secured under the seat.