How to Upholster an Oak Rocker Back & Seat

Some older rockers from the 1940s and 50s had upholstered backs and seats. Over time, this fabric becomes dirty, faded and out of fashion. Replacing the upholstery on an old rocker is not difficult, but it is time consuming. Make sure to allot several days for completing the project, for the best results. You can use any kind of fabric you want, but for lasting results, use genuine upholstery fabric for the job.

Flathead screwdriver
Staple remover
Phillips screwdriver
Polyester foam
Craft glue
Upholstery fabric

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all of the original upholstery from the back and seat of the rocking chair. For some chairs, this may involve unscrewing the back and seat to get to the edges of the upholstery. Other rockers may have the fabric stapled directly to the chair seat or back. Try not to damage the original upholstery.
- 2
  Inspect the padding on the chair. If it is moldy, dirty or too thin, replace it with new polyester foam. Cut the foam to fit on the back and seat of the rocker and glue it in place with craft glue.
- 3
  Lay the original upholstery pieces over your new fabric and cut around the pieces.
- 4
  Place the fabric pieces over the foam and staple or nail the fabric in place around the chair back and seat. Pull the fabric tight to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
- 5
  Return the chair back and seat to the chair and screw it back in place. Trim off any excess fabric from under the seat.

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