Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Eileen-
I have 4 beautiful antique dining room chairs that used to have caned seats, but are now badly damaged, I believe beyond repair in that venue. I want to replace them with fiber chair seats and read your earlier posting about how to put them in (3/2/2008).  I read that fiber seats can be painted, but how?  Do I use a stain?  How is it best applied?  Also, you had said that nothing goes under the fiber seats, but I'm wondering what you think about this idea.  What if I were to create sort of a fiber "sandwich" so to speak with very minimal fill between them?  Sound plausible or ridiculous?  I just want these chairs to be comfortable enough to make it through a meal and can't imagine how comfy they'd be with just the fiber seat over a hole!  Let me know your thoughts and thanks so much for your help!

ANSWER: Hi Michelle
Nice to hear from you.
Yes these fiber seats will not be the most comfortable when first installed but they will get better as time goes on.
What I have often done to fill the holes in chairs such as this is cut a piece of 1/4 inch plywood to the hole size, pad over that then cover with fabric and install in the hole.
The cheapest way to go too. And much like your idea.
Fiber seats can be painted the same way you paint anything...just paint away LOL.
They can also be stained with wood stain. Simply brush on.
Unfortunately this type of chair is the bottom of the list comfort wise. Maybe to discourage sitting at table too long LOL.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow!  Thanks so much for your QUICK (and honest!) response!!  When you said "not the most comfortable" did you mean the fiber seat or chair itself?  If you meant the seat, do you have suggestions on anything to do that's more comfy?  (I looked at the leather seat options, but they are really expensive as you stated in an earlier posting and I'd hate it if I messed up on one!) I've got to be able to sit at the table for at least 30-45 minutes to comfortably feed my 3 children under 3 years old! (I know that's an oxymoron in itself!)LOL

Answer
Hi again Michelle
I meant this type of chair.
But you can certainly add a nice chair cushion on top of the fiber seat.
They look very nice too.
Yes the real leather is just out of the ball park price wise, but try the cushions.
Wal-mart or places like that sell them for around $5.00 each.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen