Making an upholstered stool to your taste is easier than it looks. Due to its rectangular shape and versatility, the bench is ideal as indoor seating, veranda or outdoor seating. Always be careful when working on furniture upholstery projects with a strong stapler.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making the Bench Base
Step 1. Choose to overlay an existing bench or create a new one
If you're upholstering an existing bench, you'll need to unscrew the legs and reattach them later.
- If you're lining the bench, you'll also need to remove the staples behind the base of the bench with pointy-tipped pliers. Then, remove the fabric, foam sheet, and foam so you can replace them. It's a good idea to replace it unless it's relatively new.
- Save your fabric scraps to use as pattern prints for your new bench cover fabric.
Step 2. Measure the existing frame or decide how big you want the bench to be
If you make a bench from scratch, you can adapt it to the space in which the bench will be placed. Measure the area in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
Step 3. Purchase a 1/2 inch - 3/4 inch (1.27 cm – 1.9 cm) piece of plywood from a home improvement store or lumber store
Ask the shop to cut it to the exact size you measured.
Step 4. Purchase a thick core foam and in a size greater than or equal to the size of your piece of wood
Your foam core should be at least three inches (7.5 cm) thick to ensure the bench feels comfortable. Purchase one and a half times the size at an upholstery or outdoor fabric store.
- Just as a home improvement store will cut plywood for a small fee or for free, a large fabric store can cut the foam core to the size you want.
- Use an electric knife to cut the foam core at home.
Step 5. Clear a large desk or workspace
It's easiest to upholster a bench if you can slide the fabric and padding along a smooth surface.
Step 6. Drill holes into the corners for the legs
Try fitting it before you start lining the bench to make sure it matches your furniture. You will need a drill and screws for this process.
Part 2 of 3: Installing the Foam Core and Thin Foam Sheet
Step 1. Purchase a large roll of thin foam sheet (batting) from a craft store
You will need this sheet two and a half times the size of the foam core.
Step 2. Cut a piece of foam sheet in proper size with foam core and plywood base
Step 3. Place your wooden base on the workbench
Then, get ready to layer the foam and foam sheets.
Step 4. Glue the foam to the wooden base using foam glue
Be sure to apply a thin, even layer over the wood base. Set aside according to packaging directions.
Step 5. Glue the foam sheet to the top of the foam core with foam glue
Apply an even coat of glue, then wait for it to dry.
Step 6. Lift your wooden base, foam, and foam sheet off the table
Place a large piece of foam sheet in the center of the table. This foam needs to wrap around the wood base and foam to create a layered look.
Step 7. Lay the wooden base face down (upside down) on a sheet of foam
Place it in the center of the table so you'll have more than enough foam sheets on each side to wrap around the back of the wooden base.
Step 8. Choose a mechanical stapler, air compressor stapler, or an electric stapler to nail the foam sheet and fabric
Fill in the stapler, as needed, and refill with the stapler.
Step 9. Starting at the center of one side, fold the foam sheet around the bench and behind the wooden base, pulling hard enough to create tension
Adhere the foam sheet to the wooden base with staples within the first 1 inches (3.81) from the edge of the base.
Step 10. Steples every inch (2.54 cm)
Work from the center of each side towards the corners. Use a hammer to tap any loose or loose staples into the wood.
Step 11. Make a rounded corner by pulling the foam sheet around the center of the corner and gluing it right at the corner
Make a square corner by folding one side of the foam sheet inward into the corner of the other corner. Then, pull the foam sheet on the second side and glue it with a few staples to the base layer of the bench.
Step 12. Continue stamping until the entire edge of the foam sheet is wrapped around the foam core and tight
Step 13. Cut off the excess foam sheet from the bottom of the bench base
Make sure not to cut below the staple line.
Part 3 of 3: Closing the Bench
Step 1. Lift the bench again
Place your ingredients upside down on the table. Put it in the middle.
Step 2. Place the bench base upside down on top of the upholstery
Put it in the middle too.
Step 3. Fold the fabric around one end of the bench and secure it with a stapler
Pull it tight before you glue it.
Step 4. Continue around the edge of the bench
Fold the corners either by creating two arrows on each side or by doing a square fold. Steppers at least every 1 inch (2.54 cm) apart, with more staples in the corners.
Step 5. Cut off the excess fabric beyond the staple line
Use fabric scissors to ensure a straight, even cut.
Step 6. Consider placing a bottom cover onto the underside of the bench to protect the upholstery
Cut the fabric one inch (2.54) smaller than the size of your wood base on all sides. Choose a filler for stiffer, cotton or synthetic fabric.
