You are here:

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Frame for Pirelli webbing

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/10/2010


Question

Frame Design
Hi Mark,
I'm building a window seat / sofa.  After looking at your answers to other questions and other sites, it seems like Pirelli webbing is the way to go for the seat.  I have the webbing spaced at 2" centers and woven.  I plan to use 6" dense foam for he cushions.  My question concerns the frame.  I've made it quite sturdy but it is some what wide where the sections of the seat meet each other.  The frame as designed is 1" thick by 3" wide.  The wood species can be any poplar, maple or any hardwood.  What would you recommend for the size of the frame members.  Also, what is the best way to attach the webbing to the frame. I'm open to any suggestions regarding the upholstery.  I know woodworking but not upholstery.

I'm attaching a drawing that shows one end section.  There will be four sections all together.  This allows me to raise and lower the back.  Unfortunately, I can only attach one drawing.  

Answer
Hello Ron,

I suggest that you increase the width of the wood
to 1 X 4 or to 1 1/4 X 3,  alder wood or similar will be fine.  There should be two round dowels or one biscuit dowel at the joints as well as four small corner blocks at least 3 inches against each side - corner blocks should be screwed into place.

The webbing should be attached on top rather than on the bottom of the frame just opposite of your drawing - staples work best 1" legs or more is fine.  Otherwise a #8 upholstery tack or carpet tack is good also.   To stretch the webbing, stretch it by hand - which should be only a couple of inches - don't use a webbing stretcher.  

The thickness of the foam is determined by the height of the frame,  finished seating height should be no less than 18 inches and no more than 19.  so if the foam and frame are 7" total then the box can not be more than 12 - if you want to increase the storage space then for each inch less foam you can increase the box height.  I think 4 inch foam is the most you should use - 6" foam is too much.  A layer of bonded Dacron over the foam is best but can be eleminated - don't include the Dacron in your height measurement.  

The upholstering is perfect for a beginner - start the upholstering fabric in the center of the front and back then the centers of the two sides and work the fabric toward the corners.  You will have to put a pleat on each corner,  the fabric should be folded inside so that the corner pleat is just a straight line that faces toward the side - I hope that makes sense.

If you need further pointer please ask, I think you will do just fine.  A great project.

Mark Miller.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentJust the kind of help I was looking for.


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

Mark H. Miller

Expertise

custom furniture upholsterery. Became journeyman custom upholsterer in 1969. Certified by Upholsterers Intl. Union. Worked at San Francisco`s most prestigious upholstering shop as senior upholsterer. Am now president of Domar Upholstered Furniture Inc. Have upholstered for Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Clinton and the Queen of England. formerly taught classes in custom upholstering at the San Francisco Community College. Happy to answer all your upholstering questions.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.