How to Reupholster a Dining Chair

Reupholstering dining chairs is one of the best-value DIY projects you can do. A set of six chairs with worn or dated fabric can look completely new for the cost of a few yards of fabric and an afternoon of work. Whether you're updating the seat only or tackling the back as well, this guide walks you through the full process.

What You'll Need

• Upholstery fabric: TinaKim Upholstery Fabric, Linen Type, 1 Yard
• Staple gun: Metabo HPT Narrow Crown Stapler, 18 Gauge
• Upholstery foam: GoTo Foam 2" x 24" x 72" Firm Upholstery Cushion
• Batting: PLANTIONAL Natural Cotton Batting, 47"x59"
• Upholstery repair kit: PLANTIONAL Upholstery Repair Sewing Kit, 47-Piece
• Screwdriver set: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
• Putty knife: Rerdeim 5-Piece Putty Knife Set
• Rubber mallet: YIYITOOLS Rubber Mallet, 24 oz

Step 1: Assess the Chair

Determine what type of dining chair you have. Most dining chairs fall into one of two categories: drop-in seat (seat board screws out from underneath) or fully upholstered (fabric is stapled directly to the chair frame). Drop-in seats are much easier to reupholster. This guide covers both.

Step 2: Remove the Old Fabric

For drop-in seats: unscrew the seat from underneath and remove. Use a flathead screwdriver or putty knife to pry out all old staples. Remove the old fabric and batting completely.
For fully upholstered chairs: carefully pry off any decorative trim or gimp, then remove staples from the underside of the frame to release the fabric.

Step 3: Inspect and Replace Foam

Press the existing foam — if it doesn't spring back, it's time to replace it. Cut new GoTo Foam to match the seat shape. Use the old foam as a template. Attach to the seat board with spray adhesive.

Step 4: Add Batting

Wrap the foam with a layer of cotton batting, pulling it around to the underside and stapling in place. Batting softens the foam edges and gives the seat a fuller, more professional appearance.

Step 5: Cut and Position the Fabric

Cut your upholstery fabric 4–5 inches larger than the seat on all sides. Center any pattern on the seat. For a set of chairs, cut all pieces at once from the same section of fabric for consistent pattern placement.

Step 6: Staple the Fabric

Place the fabric face-down, center the seat foam-side down on top. Pull one side taut and place 2–3 staples in the center with the Metabo HPT stapler. Pull the opposite side taut and staple. Repeat for the remaining two sides. Work around the perimeter, pulling firmly and stapling every inch. At corners, create neat hospital-style folds and staple flat.

Step 7: Handle the Chair Back (If Applicable)

For chairs with upholstered backs, the process is similar but requires more care around curves. Use the upholstery sewing kit for any hand-stitching needed to close seams at the back. A rubber mallet helps tap decorative tack strips into place without damaging them.

Step 8: Reattach and Finish

Screw the seat back onto the chair frame. Trim any excess fabric from the underside. Add new felt pads to the chair legs to protect your floors.

Pro Tips

• Buy 10–15% more fabric than you think you need — pattern matching and mistakes require extra.
• Durable upholstery fabric (at least 30,000 double rubs) is essential for dining chairs that see daily use.
• Do all chairs in a set at the same time for consistent results.
• A pneumatic staple gun is much faster and easier than a manual one for a full set of chairs.
• Take photos of the original construction before disassembling — they're invaluable during reassembly.