DIY Chair Upholstery: No-Sew Fabric Upgrade

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If you have an old chair that’s seen better days — don’t throw it out! It’s easy to swap out the old foam and fabric for new, high-quality materials. With some polishing and buffing of the old wood frame, you can give your chair a second life! You won’t believe the difference that new fabric and foam can make. Transform your outdated wooden chair with this easy no-sew upholstery project. This beginner upholstery project requires just a handful of materials and tools. Boost your DIY confidence and save a well-loved piece of furniture in today’s free upholstery tutorial.
Materials List:
  • Outdura® Geo Nautical 54" Upholstery Fabric (8804) #124777
  • CushionRite® Premium Foam (Extra Firm) #124237
  • CushionRite® Foam & Fabric Spray Adhesive 16.9 oz. #125476
  • Polyester Batting 55" #124305
  • Flexible Metal Tack Strip Medium Duty (100 Feet) #106421
  • Cardboard Upholstery Tack Strip 1/2" (495 Feet) #106420
  • Jute Webbing 3-1/2" Red 11# #122521
  • 21 Gauge 1/4" (6mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Galvanized) #8006GZ
Tools List:
  • Staple Lifter #120037
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669
  • Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun #121411
  • Sailrite® Blade Foam Saw V2 with Carrying Case (110V) #121244
  • Kai Stainless Steel Bent Handle 9" Scissors #125661
  • Sailrite® Bakelite Mallet 15 oz. #123308

The first step in any upholstery project is to remove the fabric and foam. You can use your old pieces as templates to pattern your new materials. If you thrifted your chair or you’re not sure how old it is, it’s best to wear gloves in case the foam and fabric has mold and mildew growth. 

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If you thrifted your chair or you don't know how old it is, it's best to wear gloves when handling the old, mildewy fabric.

Let’s discuss our foam and fabric choices. The foam on our chair was in bad shape — not salvageable. We replaced it with high-quality CushionRite® Premium Foam. When it comes to foam’s “firmness” or IFD, it’s a personal choice. Since the foam on our chair is only 1" thick, we went with Extra Firm firmness so we wouldn’t feel the wooden frame when we sat.

On to fabric! For a worry-free fabric with built-in stain, abrasion, water and mildew resistance, choose Outdura®. We have the largest selection of Outdura upholstery fabric in the United States. And we keep everything in stock and ready to ship. With over 450 fabrics to choose from, you’re sure to find an Outdura fabric in a pattern and color that fits your style.

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We hope you enjoyed today’s quick upholstery project. How did your chair turn out? Post photos of your finished projects on social media and tag #Sailrite so we can see what you made!

If you’re looking for more upholstery inspiration, check out our blog “8 Easy Upholstery Projects Anyone Can Do.”

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