Expert: Mark H. Miller - 8/27/2008

Question
We would like to have firmer support than the webbing offers on our dining room chairs.  Is there a way to add a piece of wood, then put the foam around the wood, then cover it with material, then have it fit correctly into the space allowed on the chair?  We have recovered our chairs before and even tried rewebbing, and now are thinking we need a firmer base to sit on.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi,  yes, that is exactly what you should do.  Use 1/2 plywood, rather than the standard 1/4 plywood since doing that will give you even more firm support.  

Also, it might help you to be aware that the distance from the floor to the center of the seat should be no less than 18 inches and no more than 19 inches.

Doing what you propose will give you extra firm seating and is the correct thing to do if the chairs are too soft the way they are now.

Mark Miller.