Expert: Mark H. Miller - 8/15/2009

Question
I also have a cedar chest that I would like to cover with padding and fabric -can you tell me how you made yours and show picture-thank you so much

Answer
Hi,

I think the picture you refer to is from someone else's cedar chest.  I recommend that you cut a piece of 1/2 inch thick ply-wood the same size as the top of the chest.  Put a 1 or 2 inch thick piece of foam on top of the plywood - depending on the comfort level you desire and upholster that by pulling the fabric over the foam and stapling or tacking it on the bottom.  Then drill 4 very small screw holes on the four corners from the inside of the lid up and attach the upholstered top with four brass screws.  That way if someone ever decides to reverse the process and go back to the original only those four small holes would need to be filled.  Additionally re-upholstering becomes very simple should you ever decide to change the fabric - and since cedar chests are meant to last several generations one day someone may decide to go back to the original - then if they do so all that would need to be done is fill a few small screw holes.

If you decide to cover the entire chest you could repeat the process for all four sides as well  except on the front, back and sides use 1/4 inch plywood with only a layer of cotton or Dacron batting for padding instead of foam.  

I hope this is the solution you were looking for,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further pointers.