How to Upholster Dining Room Chairs

Covering dining room chairs with new upholstery material is an inexpensive way to give worn-out, ripped or stained chair seats a fresh, clean look. Fabric classified as upholstery material works best; however, any sturdy fabric that is resistant to stains is suitable.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure Fabric Philips-head screwdriver Standard blade screwdriver Scissors Staple gun and staples

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the length and width of the chair seat. Add four inches to each side to determine the approximate size of the fabric square.

2. 

   Flip the chair over. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the seat in place. With a standard blade screwdriver, pry out staples holding the old fabric to the seat base.

3. Cut the new fabric square, using the old fabric square as a pattern. If the new fabric has a design, ensure that it is centered and any stripes are lying straight.

4. Place the new fabric on the seat. Fold the excess fabric over and onto the bottom of the seat.

5. Staple the fabric to the seat base, keeping the fabric taut. Place one staple every three inches along the sides of the seat. Ease the fabric to fit around the corners, stapling more closely to avoid bunching of the fabric.

6. Place the newly covered seat onto the chair frame. Replace screws to hold the seat to the chair.

Tips & Warnings

• When stapling fabric, always keep your fingers clear of the point at which the staples are ejected from the staple gun.