Expert: Mark H. Miller - 10/23/2006

Question
My husband and I want to reupholster our dining room chairs. The seats are a no brainer but the backs consist of a curved piece of wood that is free standing between the sides (Scandinavian Design circa 1978). There are 2 dowels on either side that are almost flush. We can't figure out how to remove the dowels so that we can remove the upholstered part of the back of the chair.

Answer
HI,  the backs have to come out without breaking the dowels.  I am confused when you say there are two dowels on either side because usually the dowels are on the top and not the sides.  Most likely there are screws on the bottom of the back, and they are reached from the bottom of the chair,  you need to hold the chair upside down to find them, when removed will allow the back the slip out.  Run a needle around the perimeter of the back to see if there are screws holding the unit in place and locate them that way.   

Sometimes there are wooden plugs that need to come out and the screws are underneath those plugs, you may have to destroy the plugs and then replace with new or wax.  

It is very important that you do not break the dowels, because if you do you can't get the back in.  I am certain that it is aremovable back and it is always just a few screws that are holding the back in place.  They are there somewhere, locating them with a needle may be the best way.  

I can't give you their exact location because it varies from one piece to another, just that they are there.  I hope this helps.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Mark.