How to Reupholster a Bench Seat

You only need a few tools to reupholster a bench seat.

Seat coverings become worn and dirty over time. Bench seats are larger so people have a tendency to put their feet upon them, making them even dirtier. When this happens, the first inclination is to either throw the bench away, or pay for costly reupholstering. With a little cutting and measuring, you can create a new cover for the bench seat. Making the seat cover is a basic task that requires few tools to get the job done. By making your own, you can choose the fabric covering of your choice and save a few dollars.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Chalk
• Tailor's pen
• Scissors
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Remove the seat from the bench. Use a screwdriver to pry the seat up and off the bench. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the seat in place. They are located underneath the bottom of the bench, if attached by screws.

2. Measure the bench seat to get your width, length and thickness measurements. Add an additional 3 to 4 inches to your length and width measurements to allow for the extra fabric that folds over towards the bottom of the seat. This gives you an idea of how much fabric you need to reupholster the seat.

3. Lay the fabric out of a flat surface such as the floor or a table. Mark off your measurements or lay the seat upon the fabric and mark around it, considering the extra fabric required to fold toward the back. Use chalk or a tailor's pen to make your marks, marking on the wrong side of the fabric so it does not show.

4. Cut the piece of fabric out, after making your marks.

5. Place the fabric piece, right side facing down, on a flat surface such as table, making it easier for you to work.

6. Place the bench seat, top side against the wrong side of the fabric, upon the fabric panel.

7. Fold the fabric toward the backside of the bench seat, working on one side at a time. Staple the fabric in place on the backside of the bench seat. Continue folding the sides back and stapling them in place, pulling the fabric taut as you go, until you have all sides stapled to the seat.

8. Place the newly reupholstered seat back in place on the bench. Pound the sides back in place using the handle end of your screwdriver, if the seat slips in place on the bench. Replace the bottom screws to hold the seat in place on the bench, if attached by screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a heavier and more durable fabric such as upholstery, as it will last longer than thinner fabrics.

• Spray the reupholstered seat with a fabric stain protector. This will help keep stain from penetrating the fabric, making it easier to wipe the dirt away.

References

• houzz: Fun With A Staple Gun
• OnlineTips.org: Upholstery Staple Gun