Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/15/2007

Question
I want to reupholster my dining room chairs.  The backs are upholstered where there is fabric on the front and back.  I can't find any screws along the back to remove the upholstered parts.  Do I just hammer them out with a rubber mallet?

Answer
Hi,

There should be a decorative trim glued on, such as gimp, braid or decorative nails.  Remove that first.  Underneith that there should be staples or tacks, those are easiest removed by using an ordinary screw driver by wedging it out or hitting the back of the screwdriver with a small mallet.

If that fails, then yes, remove it any way you can even if you just have to pound the old materials away.  From doing that you should be able to see how it was put together.

Just make certain not to crack or damage the frame.

I hope this helps,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Mark Miller.