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Being able to upholster furniture at home is a valuable skill. Once you know how to reupholster a chair, you can transform discarded thrift store finds into stylish, functional pieces for your home.
Essential Tools for Upholstery
While a manual staple gun can help secure fabric in a pinch, it's better for light tasks like tacking wires or general home improvement. Manual models often require two-handed operation, which can be cumbersome and tiring when working on furniture.
For upholstery projects, a powered staple gun is the ideal tool. It allows for easy stapling through fabric and hardwood, making the job quicker and less exhausting. You can choose from electric or pneumatic (air-powered) upholstery staple guns, both of which offer superior efficiency.
Electric Staple Guns
Electric staple guns offer great convenience. They're easy to transport without the need for a bulky compressor, and setup is as simple as plugging them in. Plus, without a compressor, they operate quietly, avoiding the loud noise typical of other models.
However, electric staple guns fall short in terms of power compared to pneumatic models. While they can drive staples through particle board, they often require extra force when working with hardwood to ensure a proper grip. Sometimes, the staples don’t go in fully, leaving you with the task of either pulling them out or using a hammer to push them in, which can slow down the process and make upholstery harder.
The highest-rated electric staplers, like the DuoFast and Maestri models (the latter being rare in the US), deliver the best performance but come with a hefty price tag of around $200.
Pneumatic Staple Guns
Pneumatic staple guns are powered by air and require a separate air compressor to function. These staplers are affordable, with prices ranging from $23 for a basic Harbor Freight stapler to $80 for a reliable Porter-Cable model. However, an air compressor will add at least $100 to the cost. The compressor is versatile and can also power other pneumatic tools, such as impact wrenches, brad nailers, and spray guns.
If portability isn’t a major concern, a pneumatic stapler is your best bet. It’s the go-to choice for professionals and is the most efficient tool for driving staples quickly and effectively.
The video below offers an excellent comparison between electric and pneumatic staple guns. Pay close attention to the superior power and speed of the pneumatic stapler.
When choosing an upholstery stapler, keep these three features in mind.
Extended Long Nose: This feature allows you to staple in hard-to-reach areas and is only available on pneumatic staplers.
22 Gauge Stapler: This is the standard staple size used for upholstery, though 18 gauge can also be used. The smaller staples are easier to handle.
Narrow Crown Staples: These staples are 1/4” wide and provide greater flexibility when working on upholstery projects.
How to Choose the Right Chair for Reupholstery
There are various reasons you might decide to reupholster a chair, but the most common is sentimental value. If you have a piece that has been passed down through the family and shows signs of wear, it’s likely worth saving. Also, furniture that fits perfectly into a specific space is often worth the effort of reupholstery.
You can start by practicing on an old chair you already have or visit a thrift store, Salvation Army, or Goodwill to find a solid, fabric-covered chair. The older the better—chairs that are 15-20 years old or older and still in good shape are often a sign of quality.
Examine the chair carefully, checking the legs and frame for any cracks or splits in the wood. A sturdy foundation is crucial, and a chair with damage will require extra time and effort to repair.
Look for coil springs in chairs and sofas. Press down on the seat to feel for springs, and check under the seat to visually inspect them. A well-made sofa should feel heavy and difficult to lift, indicating the presence of solid wood construction.
It's Time to Reupholster
The most effective way to learn how to reupholster is by tearing down (disassembling) chairs and sofas. Once you understand the construction of older furniture, you'll gain a better sense of how to repair, re-stuff, and recover these pieces.
A key decision during reupholstery is selecting the right fabric. After choosing your material, this chart will guide you on how much fabric you'll need. Typically, a sofa requires around 13 yards of fabric, while a chair uses about 7 yards. Upholstery fabrics range from $20 to $70 per yard or more, depending on the quality. Keep in mind, reupholstering a sofa could cost anywhere from $260 to $910 or more for the fabric alone. Visit your local Jo-Ann or fabric store to feel the fabrics firsthand.
When reupholstering your furniture, tackle one section at a time. Lay the new fabric down on the piece and secure it with a staple gun. Ensure there are no gaps, and fold and tuck the edges tightly to make sure the fabric is smooth and secure. Add extra batting or cushioning if needed. You can also check out the video above to see a professional handle the process.
You can also learn reupholstery by taking a group class. Students get to work on a variety of furniture pieces and gain hands-on experience with different types. Tools are typically provided, saving you the initial cost, especially if it turns out reupholstering isn’t for you. Check with your local community colleges or continuing education centers, or reach out to local upholsterers for recommendations.
Images courtesy of ModHomeEc, Wikipedia Commons, Porter-Cable, Kathryn Esposito, and Ann Dabney.
