Expert: Mark H. Miller - 1/10/2008

Question
I need to re-upholster my dining room chairs.  The seat is simple and I understand how to do it.  The backs of the chairs are oval in shape with wood going all the way around the oval.  The center of the oval is upholstered with fabric padded on the front and unpadded on the back.  There is welting around the edge that touches the wood in the front.  There are no screws around the entire oval in front or back.  How do I get the fabric section out to work on it?  How do I replace it when I get the new fabric on?

Answer
Hi,

Most likely there is a groove around the perimeter of the oval.  The fabric is stapled into the groove and then the welt is glued over that.  To remove it grab the welt with a pliers and give it a good tug, it should come out.  Look carefully at the bottom center the welt should be butted together, start removing it there.

After the welt has been removed you can then pry out the staples that hold the fabric with a small screw driver or ice pick.  Pls. remember that to put it all together again you will need an air staple gun, you can not place staples into the groove with a hand stapler or with tacks.

I hope this helps.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need more information.

Mark Miller