how to upholster a chair with springs

Upholstering a chair is a great way to give a new look to an old chair or bring a vintage piece back to life. One of the key elements of upholstering a chair is the use of springs. Adding springs to your chair's padding adds comfort and a longer life to the chair. This article will guide you through the steps to upholster a chair with springs.

Materials Needed

Before you start working on your chair, you need to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of materials you will need:

• Upholstery fabric
• Springs
• Burlap
• Hessian (also known as jute) webbing
• Tack strips
• Tacks or staples
• Staple gun
• Upholstery needle and thread
• Foam or batting padding
• Scissors
• Tack hammer
• Pliers

Preparing Your Chair

The first step is to remove any existing fabric from your chair. Use pliers to remove any tacks or staples that are holding the fabric in place. If there is any foam or batting padding, remove it as well. Once you have removed all the old materials, inspect the chair for any damages or loose parts. Repair and tighten any weak or damaged parts before proceeding. This will ensure that your chair is sturdy and will last longer.

Adding the Springs and Padding

Take the burlap and staple or tack it to the bottom of the chair's seat. This will prevent the springs from poking through the bottom of the chair. Cut the hessian webbing in pieces that will fit along the seat's length. Starting at the front of the chair, staple or tack one end of the webbing to the underside of the chair frame. Pull the webbing tightly across the seat and staple or tack the other end to the frame. Repeat this process, leaving a gap of about 2 – 3 inches between each webbing. Cut another piece of hessian webbing and run it across the width of the chair frame, crossing over the webbing that was already stapled. Staple or tack the ends of this webbing to the frame, and repeat this process. This creates a grid that will support the springs.Next, place the springs along the grid, tying them to the webbing with upholstery thread. The springs should be placed close together to ensure even support. Once all the springs are in place, attach them to the webbing using two strips of hessian webbing that run across the entire length of the seat. Staple or tack these strips to the frame.Finally, add your foam or batting padding to the top of the springs, using a staple gun to secure it in place.

Upholstering the Chair

Use your upholstery fabric to cover the chair, making sure that the pattern is straight and centered. Start by covering the seat, cutting the fabric to size and using tack strips to hold it in place. Pull the fabric tightly and use tack strips to attach it to the back of the chair. Continue to work your way around the chair until it is entirely covered with fabric. Trim any excess fabric and hide the edges with braid trim or decorative tacks.

Conclusion

Upholstering a chair with springs takes time and effort, but the end result is a beautiful chair that will last for years. Choose a fabric that fits your personal style and enjoy your newly upholstered chair!