Expert: Mark H. Miller - 8/11/2007

Question
We are able to remove the upholstered back of our Scandinavian dining chair, but unable to see how we can reupholster it.  The curved wood back is covered with foam and then upholstery cloth.  It is stretched over the top and the wood apparently divides at the bottom where the cloth goes and is stapled & glued inside.  It seems we would need to be able to open that up to tuck the new cloth in and don't see how we can.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi,  it just occurred to me that maybe there is a row of staples in a groove along the bottom.  If that is the case maybe all you need to do is pry the staples out, with a much smaller screw driver and that the front and back are sewn together like a sleeve.  In fact if you are not successful at prying the two pieces apart you could probably reupholster by making a tight fitting sleeve, sewn on two sides and the bottom and just pulling that over the existing piece and stapling or hand sewing the bottom shut.

When you pry the pieces apart they should all of a sudden release with a loud pop.  If it does that you are on the right track.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of more help.


Mark Miller.