Reupholstering a Chair: Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Staples and Tools
31.07.2024

Reupholstering a Chair: Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Staples and Tools

Revive your old chair with a fresh new look by reupholstering the cushion with stylish fabric. Whether you're updating a chair you already own or a bargain find from a flea market, these practical tips will guide you through the process. Learn how to choose the right staples and staple gun to make your reupholstering project a success.

Reupholster a Chair

Old chairs can easily be made to look like new, if you simply reupholster the cushion with new fabric. Maybe you have thought about reupholstering a chair you already have at home? Otherwise, there are plenty of bargains to be had at auctions and flea markets. Here are some tips to make your job easier and show you what you need to think about, so that you choose the correct staples and staple gun.

How to Choose the Correct Staples to Reupholster a Chair

We recommend that you use fine wire staples when reupholstering with textiles. Because they are thin, they only make small holes in the fabric and do not damage the threads. For a long-lasting result, the staple must be at least three times longer than the thickness of the fabric. Bear in mind that you need extra-long staples when attaching fabric to corners, and other places where the fabric is folded into multiple layers.

Recommended Staples to Reupholster a Chair

Click on the icon to see our range of fine wire staples.

How to Choose the Correct Staple Gun to Reupholster a Chair

A manual staple gun is an excellent choice for reupholstering chairs, and for other smaller projects. If you need to reupholster several chairs at once, it is best to choose a staple gun with an easy-to-squeeze trigger. If you are going to be working with different staple lengths and attaching to wood with varying degrees of hardness, it is also useful if the staple gun has adjustable impact strength.

Bear in mind that the staple gun you choose must be suitable for the type of staple you will be using.

Some Tips for Reupholstering a Chair

  • Remove old staples
    If there are old staples in the cushion, it is best to remove as many as possible with a staple remover. This makes it easier to attach the new fabric.

  • Lots of Padding, More Staples
    When using a lot of padding, you may need to use more staples when attaching the fabric, to keep it properly stretched, and to reduce the load on each individual staple.

  • One side at a time
    Attach the fabric to one side at a time, then continue with the opposite side. This makes it easier to keep the fabric straight and taut, for a nice, even result.

  • Work from the Centre
    When you attach the fabric, it is always best to start in the centre and work out towards the corners, to avoid creases and bubbles.

  • Save the Corners Until Last
    Finish by attaching the corners. Fold the fabric into several layers. Make sure that you use staples which are long enough to get through all the layers of fabric.

 
See recommended upholstery staple guns for chairs below: