Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 9/24/2010

Question
My question is similar to one you previously addressed.  I have antique dining chairs with only a wooden rim for the seat (Imagine a toilet seat) They were covered with a piece of leather attached to a shallow lip with flat decorative tacks.  Underneath the leather is another shallow lip with jute webbing pulled tight with tacks.  There was a thin layer of horsehair in between.  I did not want to replace with leather but would like to use fabric.  I believe I can use a webbing stretcher and staple webbing strips to bottom lip which would provide a bottom to the seat.  From then on I'm lost.  I planned to use a thin piece of foam with fabric on top.  I do not mind if the middle section of the seat is a bit higher than the seat rim although the leather was level with the rim.  But I don't know how to pull the top fabric tight over the foam and secure with decorative tacks.  I don't know if I can fold edge of fabric under so raw edge does not show.  Do you have any advice on how to do this?  

Answer
You are on the right track. I would suggest that instead of webbing strips, us a piece of burlap that will cover the whole area. It would be stronger and a little thinner. Another way which I would probably do, would be to cut a 1/8 or 1/4" thick piece of plywood to fit in the lip. Then do a "turn and staple" with your pad and material. Secure it to the chair by drilling 4 SMALL holes in the lip and us screws from the bottom. Drill at the 12,3,6,9 o'clock positions. This also makes it easier the change material or remove for cleaning. You could also attach them with the brass tacks if you wanted to keep that look.
 Good Luck with your project,
   Rob