How to Upholster the Back of a Wooden Dining Chair

Upholstering the back of a wooden dining chair can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to refresh your dining room’s look. Whether you’re aiming for a modern style or a classic touch, updating the upholstery provides an opportunity to add personal flair and comfort to your dining area.

This guide on how to upholster the back of a wooden dining chair will walk you through the essential steps and tools needed to achieve a professional-looking finish, even if you’re a DIY novice. By following the instructions carefully, you’ll be able to transform your chairs into stunning focal points that elevate your dining experience.

Why Upholster the Back of a Wooden Dining Chair?

There are many reasons why you might want to upholster the back of your wooden dining chairs. Here are some common ones:

To Update an Outdated or Worn-out Look:

Over time, wooden dining chairs can become scratched, dented, and faded. By adding new upholstery, you can give your chairs a fresh new look and make them feel brand new again.

To Add Comfort:

Wooden dining chairs are often not the most comfortable seating options. By adding padded upholstery to the back, you can create a more comfortable and inviting dining experience for you and your guests.

To Incorporate Personal Style:

Upholstering the back of a wooden dining chair allows you to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and colors. You can customize your chairs to match your personal style and complement your overall dining room decor.

Needed Tools and Materials

Tools:

• Staple Gun
• Scissors
• Screwdriver

Materials:

• Fabric of Your Choice (1/2 Yard Per Chair)
• Batting or Foam Padding (1/4 Inch Thick)
• Plywood Cut to the Size of Your Dining Chair Backrest
• Upholstery Batting (2 Inches Larger Than Plywood on All Sides)
• 3m Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive Spray

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Upholster the Back of a Wooden Dining Chair

Step 1: Remove the Seat of Your Chair

Begin by flipping the chair upside down to access the screws that hold the seat in place. Using a screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove the seat from the chair frame. Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place for reattachment later.

Removing the seat is necessary to ensure you have full access to the backrest, making the upholstering process much easier and more efficient. Once the seat is detached, set it aside until you’re ready to reassemble the chair.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric

With the seat set aside, measure the dimensions of the chair’s backrest to determine the size of the fabric needed. Be sure to add approximately 2 inches on each side to the measurements for allowance, ensuring you have enough material to wrap around the edges and secure it properly.

Once measured, lay your chosen fabric on a flat surface and use scissors to cut it according to your measurements. It’s important to cut the fabric precisely to ensure a snug and smooth fit. After cutting, set the fabric aside in preparation for attaching it to the backrest.

Step 3: Cut the Plywood and Batting

Use the backrest as a template to trace and cut a piece of plywood to the same size. The plywood will serve as a solid base for attaching the fabric. Next, use the plywood as a template again to trace and cut a piece of batting or foam padding that is 2 inches larger than the plywood on all sides. This extra padding will provide cushioning for added comfort.

The batting or foam padding can be easily cut with scissors to match the shape of the plywood. Once both are cut, set them aside along with the fabric.

Step 4: Attach Batting to Plywood

Begin by placing the piece of plywood on a flat surface. Then, position the cut batting or foam padding on top of the plywood, ensuring it is centered and extends evenly beyond the edges of the plywood. To secure the batting, use a staple gun to attach it to the back of the plywood. Start in the center of one side, pulling the batting taut and stapling it down, then work your way outwards towards the corners.

Repeat this process on the opposite side before stapling the other two sides. Finally, neatly fold the corners of the batting, pulling them tight to create smooth edges, and secure them with additional staples on the back. Trim any excess batting to create a clean finish. This step ensures the padding is securely in place, creating a comfortable and cushioned surface.

Step 5: Attach Fabric to Batting-covered Plywood

Lay the cut fabric on a flat surface, with its right side facing downwards. Place the batting-covered plywood on top of the fabric, with the padded side facing down and centered on the fabric. Begin by stapling the center of one side, pulling the fabric taut and attaching it to the back of the plywood.

Continue stapling along that same edge before moving onto the opposite side. Repeat this process for both remaining sides until all edges are neatly attached to the back of the plywood.

Step 6: Fold the Corners of the Fabric

To achieve a neat and professional finish, it’s essential to carefully fold the corners of the fabric. Start by gently pulling one corner of the fabric towards the center of the back of the plywood. Tuck the fabric in, creating a smooth, angled fold that mimics wrapping a present. While holding the fold in place, staple it securely to the back of the plywood.

Repeat this process for each of the remaining corners, ensuring that the fabric is pulled taut and any extra material is tucked in neatly. This will result in crisp, clean corners that enhance the overall appearance of the upholstered backrest. Once all corners are secured, trim any excess fabric to create an even and tidy edge.

Step 7: Attach the Upholstered Back to the Chair Frame

With the backrest fully upholstered, it’s time to reattach it to the chair frame. Begin by flipping the chair over and positioning the backrest onto the designated area of the chair frame. Use a staple gun to secure any excess fabric on the back of the plywood to the underside of the seat, keeping it hidden from view.

You can also use screws or nails for added reinforcement if desired. Make sure that all edges are neatly attached and free from wrinkles or creases. Once secured, flip your chair right-side-up and admire your newly upholstered dining chair with its updated and refreshed look.

Step 8: Reattach the Seat

Finally, it’s time to reattach the seat of your chair. Line up the screw holes on the seat with those on the chair frame and use a screwdriver to reinsert and tighten the screws. Once all screws are in place, flip your chair over once again and give it a final inspection to ensure everything is securely attached.

Congratulations! You have successfully upholstered the back of your wooden dining chairs, giving them a fresh new look that adds personality and style to your dining room. This step-by-step guide on how to upholster the back of a wooden dining chair can also be applied to other types of chairs, allowing you to easily update and revamp any seating in your home. Have fun experimenting with different fabrics and patterns to create unique and eye-catching backrests for all your chairs. With a little bit of time and effort, you can transform the look of your furniture and give it new life. Happy upholstering! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How Much Fabric Do I Need for Upholstering the Back of a Wooden Dining Chair?

The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size and dimensions of your chair’s backrest. A general rule of thumb is to add approximately 2 inches on each side for allowance.

Q2: What Type of Fabric Should I Use?

The type of fabric you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall style of your dining room. However, it’s recommended to choose a durable and easy-to-clean fabric such as cotton or linen blend for everyday use.

Q3: Do I Need Any Special Tools for Upholstering?

While a staple gun is recommended, you can also use a hammer and upholstery tacks or even glue in place of staples if necessary. Other tools that may come in handy include scissors, a screwdriver, and pliers for removing staples if needed.

Q4: Can I Upholster a Chair with Curved Backrests?

Yes, you can still upholster a chair with curved backrests by following the same steps outlined above. You may need to make some adjustments when cutting and attaching the fabric and padding, but the process remains the same.

Conclusion

Upholstering the back of wooden dining chairs is a rewarding project that not only breathes new life into your furniture but also allows you to express your personal style and creativity. By following the detailed steps provided, you can achieve professional-looking results with some basic tools and materials.

This guide on how to upholster the back of a wooden dining chair empowers you to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and patterns, transforming ordinary chairs into unique and eye-catching pieces that enhance your dining space. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With time and experience, you’ll gain confidence and proficiency in the art of upholstery. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun crafting a dining room that truly reflects your taste and personality. Happy upholstering!