Easy Chair Remodel...

For the do-it-yourselfer, there may be no satisfaction so great as that which comes from turning something old and funky into something fresh and new. Here we are going to show you how to bring an old neglected chair back to beautiful… for almost free. You can apply this to chairs whose upholstery is outdated or no longer suits your tastes, as well.

"Knowing how easy this is has opened my eyes to old furniture I might have otherwise overlooked."

Materials used:

• Fabric - enough to cover your project
• Screw driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Staple gun and staples
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Sander

1Start by removing the seat. In this case, it required flipping the chair upside down and removing 4 screws.

2Then remove all the staples which are fastening the old cover.

3Now, you are ready to sand the frame. If you are going to be painting, sand any inconsistencies first. If you will be leaving it natural, sand it thoroughly. We opted for natural here.

4Let's move back to the seat. Decide if the cushion needs to be replaced or enhanced.

5Once you have chosen your new material, trace the seat onto it, then include a couple extra inches around the whole perimeter and cut. A little excess is better than not enough. You need to be able to wrap your fabric around the cushion and seat edges, with enough left over to firmly fasten it down to the bottom.

6Staple all the way around, making sure to pull the fabric tightly, for a smooth, taut finish. If you like, you can neaten it up with a trim piece that covers the raw edge.

7Now turn your seat over, and admire your handiwork!

Next up I'll be showing you how to finish your beautiful new chair, naturally!