How to Upholster a Plywood Seat

Seats are easy to upholster by adding foam and fabric.

If you're lucky enough to know someone to build seats or benches for you, you probably already know that you get the easy part of upholstering the seat. A plywood seat is upholstered in the same way as any other wood seat, with one main exception. You provide the foam for the seat so it's cushy and comfortable for any weary bottoms that might linger a while.

Things You'll Need

• Spray adhesive
• Foam
• Batting material
• Upholstery fabric
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Lay the plywood, smoothest side down, on the foam. Cut the foam 1/2 inch larger than the piece of plywood. Purchase foam that suits your individual need and your budget for this project. For a comfortable seat, choose a dense foam at least 2 to 3 inches thick.

2. Spray the adhesive on the plywood seat and also on the piece of foam. Follow the directions given for the spray adhesive and allow the adhesive to get tacky for the recommended amount of time. Press the foam onto the plywood seat.

3. Lay the upholstery fabric right-side down, then lay the batting on top of the fabric. Use the foam-covered plywood seat for the pattern and center it on the fabric and batting. Cut both the fabric and batting at the same time at least 3 to 4 inches larger than the plywood seat on all sides.

4. Stretch the upholstery fabric and batting slightly to the back of the plywood on two opposite sides. Staple the middle of the fabric on both sides first to help hold it in place for you. At this point, check the fabric to see if the pattern suits you before continuing. It's easier to make needed adjustments now before adding additional staples. Finish securing the fabric on both sides by adding staples every 1 to 2 inches.

5. Staple the last two sides starting in the middle again. Finish securing this side with staples every 1 to 2 inches until the fabric and batting is securely in place. Gather the fabrics slightly at the corners when stapling to the plywood seat, smoothing and adjusting as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• The staples are easily removed from the back of the plywood seat with a flat-head screwdriver in case of errors when adding the fabrics or to change the fabric later.

References

• BuildEazy: How to Make a Padded Drop-in Seat