Breathe New Life into Old Kitchen Chairs with Easy Reupholstering

Giving worn out kitchen chairs a makeover is an easy and affordable way to update the look of your dining space without spending a lot. By reupholstering kitchen chairs yourself, you can customize them to match your style and decor. We will walk you through the entire DIY reupholstering process step-by-step.

With some basic supplies, a staple gun, and a little time and elbow grease, you can breathe new life into tired wooden kitchen chairs. Follow along as we transform dated chairs into stylish showpieces that look like you spent big bucks at a high-end furniture boutique.

Step 1: Remove the Old Fabric from the Chair

Start your kitchen chair reupholstering project by taking off the existing fabric. This will allow you to inspect the frame and prepare it for new upholstery fabric. Here are the basic steps to remove old fabric:

• Use pliers or a staple remover tool to take out existing staples, tacks, or nails that are securing the fabric to the frame.
• Carefully peel away the fabric, watching out for staples or tacks you may have missed.
• If needed, use a flat head screwdriver to pry off remaining staples or tacks.
• Remove old padding and stuffing so you start with a blank slate.

Take your time removing the old covering to avoid damaging the wooden frame underneath. Also, make sure to pull out any staples left behind - these need to be taken out along with the fabric.

Tools You'll Need

Gather these supplies which will make removing upholstery easier:

• Gloves to protect your hands
• Safety goggles
• Pliers or staple remover
• Screwdrivers
• Seam ripper
• Scissors

Having the right upholstery tools will prevent fabric from tearing and the frame getting scratched. It will also make taking out staples much simpler.

Inspect Chair Frame and Make Repairs

Once stripped down to the frame, thoroughly inspect your kitchen chair for any damage before reupholstering. Look for:

• Cracks or unsound joints
• Splinters
• Missing screws
• Loose parts

Make any needed repairs to ensure the structural integrity before adding new fabric and padding. Tighten loose joints, replace missing screws, sand rough areas, and fill cracks or holes with wood filler as needed.

Step 2: Prepare and Repair the Chair's Frame

In order to attach new fabric properly, the chair frame needs to be in good condition. Make repairs and get rid of old fabric remnants or staples so you have a smooth surface.

Sand Away Old Fabric and Staples

Use 60-100 grit sandpaper to smooth and remove leftover fabric pieces, foam, or staples on the frame. Be thorough but gentle so you don't scratch the wood. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where old fabric can still be lodged.

Sanding will prep the surface for new upholstery fabric and padding to adhere cleanly. It also gives the glue or upholstery nails something to grip when fastening the materials.

Clean Away Dust and Debris

Wipe away any dust, dirt, or debris after sanding so your frame is pristine. Use a dry cloth or tack cloth designed for use on wood furniture.

You want a super clean surface so fresh padding and fabric looks great. Cleaning also allows any glue and materials you add to stick properly.

Reinforce Frame and Repair Flaws

Before attaching new fabric:

• Reinforce joints with wood glue if needed.
• Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
• Fill small cracks and holes with wood filler, allow to dry, and sand smooth.

Make sure imperfect chair frames are sturdy by repairing defects and flaws. This prevents future cracks or breakages which can damage your upholstery job.

Step 3: Add New Padding and Cushioning

Adding fresh padding and cushioning materials makes chairs more comfortable and gives fabric a smooth look. It also helps upholstery hold its shape better over time.

Select Padding Material

Choose padding thickness and firmness based on personal preference and how the chair will be used. Common options include:

• Polyester batting: low-cost option; less dense
• Cotton batting: natural & breathable; medium density
• Foam: supportive & retains shape; cut to size
• Fiberfill: very soft; may require multiple layers

Test out foam and batting scraps on the chair before attaching anything permanently. This lets you assess thickness for desired cushioning level.

Secure Padding to Frame

Cut padding pieces to size before adhering them to the frame. Then use a staple gun or upholstery adhesive to attach.

Work in sections, smoothing materials as you go. For foam, wrap edges with batting then staple into place. Use plenty of staples placed close together for durability.

Attaching adequate, high-quality padding makes chairs cozier. It also lets fabric upholstery maintain that smooth, wrinkle-free look over time.

Step 4: Select and Prepare the New Upholstery Fabric

One of the best things about reupholstering kitchen chairs yourself is choosing fun, stylish fabric to suit your taste. Pick patterns, colors and textures that complement your decor and dining area.

Consider Durability and Cleanability

Since dining chairs get a lot of use, select upholstery fabric that:

• Resists stains
• Wipes clean easily
• Can withstand plenty of use without pilling or tearing

Performance fabrics like microfiber or crypton home are excellent choices for kitchens. Medium to heavy patterned cottons also work very well for upholstering dining chairs.

Calculate Yardage Needed

To determine how much fabric you need:

1. Measure width and length of chair's seat, arms, sides, and back
2. Record all measurements, adding them together
3. Buy 20% extra yardage to account for shrinkage and matching patterns

Overbuying upholstery fabric prevents coming up short halfway through your project. It also allows for mistakes as you learn this new DIY skill.

Pretreat Fabric Before Use

Before placing fabric on the chair, pretreat it by:

1. Washing/drying to preshrink
2. Hot ironing to remove creases
3. Serging or zigzag stitching raw edges to prevent fraying

Properly preparing fabric makes reupholstering chairs easier and gives a smooth, professional look when installed.

Step 5: Attach the New Fabric to the Chair

Work Methodically Section-by-Section

Break the chair into sections like seat, back, sides arms, etc. Cover each part systematically for the best results. Steps include:

1. Lay fabric section in place
2. Use painter's tape to temporarily hold if needed
3. Pull fabric very taut
4. Secure to frame using staple gun, working from center outwards

Taking it section by section prevents getting overwhelmed. It also lets you handle and staple smaller portions of fabric at a time.

Always keep the material very tight and wrinkle-free as you fasten it to the frame using staples or a heavy duty upholstery adhesive.

Conceal Staples for Added Polish

For a seamless upholstery finish:

• Fold edge of fabric over stapled areas
• Secure folded-over portion to frame
• Consider decorative tacks, nails, grommets or trim

Taking this extra step hides unattractive staples so finished chairs look professionally upholstered. It also helps fabric edges lay smoothly for a couture, custom look.

Step 6: Replace Buttons and Make Final Adjustments

Adding new buttons matching your fabric pattern gives a designer touch. Swap old buttons out for shiny updated ones to polish off your DIY reupholstering job.

Pick Buttons Complementing Fabric's Color/Style

Choose button size, shape and material that works with your print and pattern. Options include:

• Wood buttons
• Leather buttons
• Fabric buttons
• Clear acrylic buttons
• Metal buttons

Let fabric pattern and theme guide your button choice for a cohesive style. Contrasting colors also make buttons stand out as interesting accents.

Attach New Buttons Securely

Use a button attachment kit, available at craft stores, to affix your selected buttons. Steps are:

1. Poke wires through fabric at marked spots
2. Thread wires through button holes
3. Twist ends together to secure underneath

For stability, you can also hand-sew buttons on very securely. Just be sure to reinforce attachment points so buttons don't pop off with repeated use.

Check Alignment and Fabric Tension

Before completing your upholstery facelift, verify:

• Fabric is drum tight
• Patterns line up
• Seams lay flat

Make any last alignment adjustments and touch up loose spots to finish off your chair redo. Carefully work on problem areas until the look is perfect.

Step 7: Trim Away Excess Fabric

The final step in your DIY kitchen chair reupholstering project is cutting away excess fabric and tucking corners to complete the tailored look.

Use Sharp Scissors to Carefully Trim

Working slowly to avoid mistakes:

1. Cut away fabric more than 1/2" beyond frame
2. Trim gradually, leaving some excess first
3. Carefully notch corners for smooth fold-under

Sharp upholstery scissors give precision cuts around intricate corners. Make small snips, continually checking fit to remove only what's necessary.

Tuck Corners and Inspect for Loose Spots

To check your work:

• Use a screwdriver to tuck corners under
• Smooth down edges all around chair
• Inspect for puckers or gaps
• Re-staple loose sections as needed

Taking time on corner tucking gives upholstery a professional seamless appearance from all angles when viewed.

With some simple DIY tips, reupholstering kitchen chairs is an easy, affordable way to revive worn out seats. By following this comprehensive 7 step tutorial, you can now breathed new life into dated chairs.

The sense of accomplishment from building your own upholstery skills is very rewarding. So gather inspiration from your kitchen's decor, select exciting fabric, and get ready for a weekend reupholstering furniture adventure!