How to Upholster Furniture

Reupholstering furniture restores worn or out-dated furniture at a much lower cost than buying new furniture. Practice the technique on a simple piece, such as a chair seat, and then move on to chairs, sofas or any piece of fabric-covered furniture. Expect furniture with lots of curves and pleats to be challenging and probably best left to a professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Staple lifter
• Fabric
• Shears
• Air stapler

Removing the Old Material

1. Measure each section visible on the outside using the widest points.

2. Remove the old fabric and staples covering the outside of the furniture. Decide if you want to re-use the padding.

3. Loosen the inside arm and back material so you can measure the fabric. Then completely remove this fabric. Leave the padding on unless it needs to be replaced.

4. Draw out a cutting plan to help you calculate the number of yards of fabric you need based on all your measurements. Take into account fabric needed for arm covers and pillows.

5. Purchase fabric, preferably upholstery weight. Anticipate needing extra fabric for stripe, plaid and floral patterns.

Replacing the Fabric

6. Spread a new layer of bonded polyester or half-layer of cotton batting over the seat and arms.

7. Cut out the new fabric according to your cutting plan.

8. Notch the center of the seat fabric and mark the center of the front and the back of the seat. Temporarily tack or staple the fabric on beginning at the center marks. Pull the fabric taunt and permanently tack it in place. Check that no raw edges are visible.

9. Install fabric on the inside arms and then the outside arms in the same manner as Step 3.

10. Cover the back of the furniture last.