how to upholster a lounge chair

Upholstering a lounge chair may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and tools, it can be done easily within a few hours. Upholstery is the process of covering or padding furniture with fabric or leather. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of upholstering a lounge chair, including preparing the chair, removing the old fabric, cutting and attaching the new fabric, and finishing the chair with staples or decorative tacks.

Step 1: Prepare the Chair

Before you start upholstering your lounge chair, remove any screws or bolts that may be holding the cushions or fabric in place. This will make it easier to remove the old fabric later on. Make sure to keep the screws and bolts in a safe place so you can reuse them later. Next, examine the condition of the foam padding inside the cushions. If the foam is disintegrating or worn, you may need to replace it with new foam padding. Measure the width and thickness of the foam padding so you can purchase the correct size later on. Finally, clean the chair with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust.

Step 2: Remove the Old Fabric

Begin by removing the old fabric from the chair. Use a seam ripper or scissors to cut the stitches that hold the fabric in place. Be careful not to damage the foam padding or any of the chair's wooden frames. Once you have removed all of the old fabric, take note of how it was attached to the chair. This will help you when you attach the new fabric later on. If the old fabric was stapled to the chair, use a pair of pliers to remove the staples.

Step 3: Cut and Attach the New Fabric

Measure the dimensions of the chair and add an extra inch to each side. This will provide you with enough fabric to wrap around the edges of the chair. Cut the fabric according to your measurements, and lay the fabric over the chair to make sure it fits correctly. If the fabric is too large, trim it down to size. If it is too small, you may need to purchase more fabric. Once you have the correct size, use a staple gun or decorative tacks to attach the fabric to the chair. Start by attaching the fabric to the bottom of the chair and work your way up.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once you have attached the new fabric to the chair, it's time to add the finishing touches. This includes covering the staples with decorative trim or tacks, or painting the legs of the chair to match the new fabric. If you replaced the foam padding, make sure to put the cushions back in place and secure them with the screws or bolts you removed earlier. Finally, take a step back and admire your newly upholstered lounge chair!

Conclusion

Upholstering a lounge chair may seem overwhelming, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done with ease. Remember to prepare the chair beforehand by removing any screws or bolts, examining the foam padding, and cleaning the chair. Be careful when removing the old fabric and take note of how it was attached to the chair. Cut and attach the new fabric, and finish the chair with decorative trim or paint. Follow these steps and you'll have a fully upholstered lounge chair in no time!