How to Recover Chair Backs

Remove the chair back from the frame of the chair. Typically, you will need to remove four to six screws or small nuts and bolts to accomplish this. Gradually apply pressure to turn them, being careful not to 'strip' the screws. Chair backs often consist of two parts; one main piece that faces the front and a thin covering which fits against the back of the main piece and is designed to conceal the staples and fabric edges that are visible from the covering.

Measure the dimensions of the main chair back. Add five inches to the overall perimeter and cut two sections of fabric and one section of batting to fit this measurement. It is not necessary to remove the material currently covering the chair back unless it is in disrepair.

Lay one cut piece of fabric face down on a flat surface. Place the cut batting on top of the fabric. Place the main chair back face down on top of the center of the batting.

Begin on one side and fold the fabric and batting over the chair back and staple in place, beginning in the center of the folded side and working your way to each edge. The fabric should be tight, but not straining as it covers the chair back. Repeat this process on all sides of the chair back, being careful not to conceal the holes where the screws or bolts will reattach the chair.

Place the thin back face down on top of the remaining cut section of fabric. You do not need batting for this covering. Insert a marker through the holes of the thin back where the screws will be inserted for re-attachment. Remove the thin back and make a small cut in the fabric where the screws will be inserted. Replace the thin back and pull the cut fabric through the holes. Attach the pulled fabric to the thin back with staples or fabric adhesive. Fold the fabric over the edges of the thin back and attach with staples.

Place the main chair back face down and run a light bead of fabric glue two inches from the edge all the way around the perimeter. Place the thin chair back face up on top of the main chair back, being careful to line up the openings for the screws.

Insert the screws through the chair frame and then through the thin side of the recovered chair back. Tighten the screws until the chair back fits snugly against the frame.