How to Remove the Seat of a Chair for Recovering

Are the seats on those dining room chairs looking old or stained? Maybe you've painted or wallpapered the room and you want to cover them with a matching fabric. Follow these few simple steps to easily remove the seats so that you can work on them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the chair upside down on a table or a workbench. If you are using the dining table, cover it with a clean drop cloth or an old blanket to protect the surface.

2. Label the underside of the seat so that you reposition it correctly after it has been recovered. Write a "1" on the wood of the seat near the front, and another "1" inside the front rail of the chair. Make sure these marks don't show, or damage any finished parts. Write distinctive marks on each chair so you put the correct seat back on its frame.

3. Locate the screws that hold the chair seat in place. On a square chair, look for holes in the corner braces. You may have to use a hand screwdriver with a long shank to reach the screws. On chairs with round seats there may be brackets or clips that fit into a notch around the rim of the chair.

4. Remove the screws that hold the seat covers in place. You may have to use a hand screwdriver with a long shank to reach the screws. Place the brackets and screws from round chairs in a plastic bag.

5. Lift the chair from the table and turn it upright on the floor. Watch for the screws. They'll probably stay with the frame and drop out when you turn it over. Keep these screws in a plastic bag, or drop them back into their holes from the top and hold them in place with small pieces of tape. Use a removable tape and be careful of the finish on the chair.