How easy it is to re-upholster a chair/barstool (DIY)?
Question:I have two bars stools with badly stained white fabric on the seat. The seat comes off with a few screws, and the fabric appears to be stapled in underneath. Can I just get some fabric, cut it and re-staple (after removing old staples)? Is it that easy or am I missing something? Any tricks I should know about? Thanks!
Answers:
I would definitely use a higher quality staple and gun. it will keep the fabric from tearing or popping out when you sit on it. be sure to find fabric that is upholstery qualitly too so it doesn't tear easily. pull all four sides tight (lets say north side then south, then east then west) then the corners, tucking ripples in on themselves and then stapling. an extra set of hands is always helpful in this project. you can do it though for sure.
It is that easy. The hardest part is taking a square piece of fabric over a round stool. Depending on the material and the stain, you don't have to take off the old fabric. If you do, use the old fabric as a pattern for the new material.
Sounds like you figured it out. It really is that simple. We just recovered our dining room chairs. Was the first time we had tried it and they turned out really well. Just be sure to get the material pulled tight.
You should also get yourself some new upholstery foam. The green foam is higher density and will last longer. Use an electric knife to cut it to the proper shape. Then, cover the foam with batting (fluffy stuff that comes in a roll) for a smoother look on the seat.
Cut fabric 4-6" larger all the way around so you can get a good grip on it while stapling. Put your first staples at opposite sides, centered along the edge. Pull the fabric smooth, but not overly tight. If your new fabric has a linear pattern, make sure it is lined up well before you start stapling.
Good luck! It really is very easy.
Unless it has a back to it- it really is super easy! just do like every one else says and have fun! If it DOES have a back on it- then make a cover that ties to the back of the stool.Tie it off with a nice looking bow.
What the others said. As for the stapling, a standard staple gun with 6 - 8 mm staples will be fine. That's 3/16" to just over 1/4" for the non-metrics.
I don't recommend an office paper stapler, although I suppose you could use one at a pinch.
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