Anyone done any reupholstering?

LabRat · 10-12-2004, 10:15 AM

I know there are some woodworkers around here, but I was wondering if anyone has done any reuphostering of furniure? I will get some pics to post of the gossip bench and footstool that I acquired after my grandfathers recent death ASAP to help you see what I'm trying to do. I have fond memories of these pieces, but after years of being in a smokers home, the fabric is sickly yellow and disgusting. It looks like it will be a simple job, wrap around and staple, no tucking or anything, but I have NO experience with this. I plan on hitting the library for some books, but wouldn't mind any tidbits anyone here could share. Good/bad types of fabric, foam to put underneath etc. Thanks in advance!! --LR

glatt · 10-12-2004, 10:31 AM

I did a stint of furniture restoration for a while. I didn't do the re-upholstering, but I did remove the upholtery of many pieces to prep them for someone else to do the work.

Just pay close attention to how the thing is upholstered as you take it apart. If you have a digital camera, take lots of pictures each step of the way. Use the old fabric as a pattern for cutting the new. It's really pretty simple and fun. You are right that you basically just fold the fabric in neat ways to make it lie the way you want (copy the old fabric folds) and then you staple or tack the fabric down.

The hardest part for me would be sewing new cushion covers. I can't sew at all. Getting a tight-fitting and straight-seamed cushion would be hard for me.

Most decent sized towns will have places where you can buy new supplies for stuffing the thing. If you need new springs or other hardware, there are plenty of online resources. I can probably dig up some links if you need it.

Basically, my post is just to tell you that it's fun and easy. Just take your time and enjoy it.

glatt · 10-12-2004, 10:42 AM

Poke around this site:
http://www.upholster.com/howto/

10-12-2004, 10:15 AM	#1
LabRat twatfaced two legged bumhole Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,143	Anyone done any reupholstering? I know there are some woodworkers around here, but I was wondering if anyone has done any reuphostering of furniure? I will get some pics to post of the gossip bench and footstool that I acquired after my grandfathers recent death ASAP to help you see what I'm trying to do. I have fond memories of these pieces, but after years of being in a smokers home, the fabric is sickly yellow and disgusting. It looks like it will be a simple job, wrap around and staple, no tucking or anything, but I have NO experience with this. I plan on hitting the library for some books, but wouldn't mind any tidbits anyone here could share. Good/bad types of fabric, foam to put underneath etc. Thanks in advance!! --LR __________________ Strength does not come from how much weight you can lift, or how many miles you can run. It comes from knowing that you set a goal, and rose to the challenge. Strength comes from within.

10-12-2004, 10:31 AM	#2
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	I did a stint of furniture restoration for a while. I didn't do the re-upholstering, but I did remove the upholtery of many pieces to prep them for someone else to do the work. Just pay close attention to how the thing is upholstered as you take it apart. If you have a digital camera, take lots of pictures each step of the way. Use the old fabric as a pattern for cutting the new. It's really pretty simple and fun. You are right that you basically just fold the fabric in neat ways to make it lie the way you want (copy the old fabric folds) and then you staple or tack the fabric down. The hardest part for me would be sewing new cushion covers. I can't sew at all. Getting a tight-fitting and straight-seamed cushion would be hard for me. Most decent sized towns will have places where you can buy new supplies for stuffing the thing. If you need new springs or other hardware, there are plenty of online resources. I can probably dig up some links if you need it. Basically, my post is just to tell you that it's fun and easy. Just take your time and enjoy it.

10-12-2004, 10:42 AM	#3
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	Poke around this site: http://www.upholster.com/howto/

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