Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/28/2007

Question
Hi Mark
The springs in the cushion of our antique wicker chair is lop-sided.  I removed the cushion frame from the chair, and thought I could purchase a replacement frame/cushion/spring item that I could then upholster myself.  It's a common size antigue seat - as I have other wicker seats of the same size.  I took it to a local upholsterer and she didn't want anything to do with the frame and springs.  I live in rural upstate NY - near Canada.  Is there a website or catolog where I can buy the un-upholstered seat?

Answer
Hi,  

You should be able to do the job yourself.  Go on the Internet and type in "upholstery supplies"  dozens will come up.  What you need is a heavy duty cushion spring unit.  Each coil spring is encased in burlap, the ones encased in muslin will be too soft for your needs.  The height will be about 4 inches.  The unit will be about 24X24 you then remove the springs that hang over the edge.  Put cotton batting over the springs so that you can not feel them,  and cover that in muslin,  then add another layer cotton batting and upholster the piece.  It's easier to do than describing the procedure.  

If that doesn't work,  go to foamorder.com and buy a piece of foam the size you want,  you can shape it with an electric carving knife.  Buy med. firm HR foam.  Cover that with bonded Dacron for a soft feel and upholster.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions or concerns.

Good luck, have fun and then sit down and relax.

Mark Miller.

Shame on the upholsterer for not doing such a simple job.