Reupholstering Square Bar Stools

Turn the square stool over and remove the screws to loosen the seat pad from the frame. Collect the screws in a small container for later use.

Place the seat face down on a work table. Use a staple remover to remove the staples holding the existing fabric to the back of the seat. Lift the fabric and set it aside. Also inspect the foam padding and remove with a blunt knife if it is worn out.

Center the seat pad face down on high-density, 2- to 3-inch-thick foam. Outline the edge of the square seat pad on the foam with a marker, keeping the lines as straight as possible. Cut along the lines with a utility knife. Apply glue to the seat pad before lowering the foam over it. Press the foam lightly so it adheres to the glue and leave it to set for the time specified on the label directions.

Spread new upholstery fabric on the worktable and lower the fabric pattern over it. Insert pins around the edges of the old fabric to hold it in place while you outline its edge. Include 1 inch of fabric around the outline to give you more room to work with before cutting it with scissors.

Lay the fabric cutout face down and center the padded seat pad over it. Pull the fabric along the edge of the seat away from you and extend it taut to the middle. Insert a row of staples to secure this edge of the fabric to the frame.

Pull the fabric along the opposite side of the seat, the one closer to you, and extend it taut over to the middle. Insert a staple in the center of the fabric to hold it in place. Turn the seat right-side-up and check that it has no creases before resuming. If it does, remove the staple from its back and pull the fabric taut. Insert a row of staples to secure the fabric to the lower middle of the seat. Repeat the process along the remaining two edges of the seat, but leave 2 to 3 inches of fabric free on each side of the corners.

Fold the extra fabric on each side of the corner neatly, forming a flat triangle. Align the fabric so the fold is neat before stapling it down. Repeat the process with the opposite side.

Place the upholstered square seat over the frame and replace the screws into the holes.