A Quick and Easy Guide to Reupholstering a Stool

×

A male carpenter works on reupholstering a stool by turning it over to attach new fabric with a tool.

Do you happen to own an old stool or spotted one at the thrift and thought you could make it look better? You’ve got the right mindset! Reupholstering is an enjoyable and simple project that can revitalize furniture. No matter if you are an experienced or novice DIYer, this guide on reupholstering an old stool will lead you through each step of the process.

Materials Needed

Don’t disregard materials and equipment! You can’t complete this project without them.

  • New fabric for the seat
  • Screwdriver or power drill
  • Fastener tools
  • Measuring tape
  • Upholstery foam (optional)
  • Fabric glue (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Choose Your Fabric

Measure the stool seat, and choose a durable, easy-to-clean fabric that complements the room where you’ll use the new stool.

Unscrew the Seat

Use a screwdriver or power drill to remove the seat from the stool base. Keep the screws together for reassembly.

Remove the Existing Fabric

If the stool already has fabric and padding, use pliers and a flathead screwdriver to remove them.

Assess the Padding

Check if the current padding is reusable. If it looks worn out, cut new upholstery foam to size.

Cut the New Fabric

Lay your fabric flat, place the seat on top, and cut the fabric, leaving a few extra inches on all sides.

Attach the New Fabric

Center the fabric over the seat. Start stapling at the midpoint of each side using your staple gun, and make sure to hold the fabric tight as you go outward.

Trim Excess Fabric

After stapling, trim extra fabric but leave enough to cover the staples.

Reattach the Seat

Screw the newly upholstered seat back onto the stool base.

Optional - Fabric Glue

For extra security, apply fabric glue along the edges of the material on the seat’s underside.

Inspect and Enjoy

Double-check for loose staples or fabric, then proudly display your revamped stool!

Tips and Tricks

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Get the precise amount of fabric needed for your project to prevent running out or ending up with too much.

Use a High-Quality Staple Gun

This tool makes the job easier and ensures the staples are secure; it provides an efficient way to fasten fabric onto the stool base. It also saves you time and effort, making it a valuable addition to your workspace!

Check Alignment

Periodically check the fabric’s alignment to ensure it remains taught and even. Make adjustments if you notice skewing or misalignment.

Take Your Time

Rushing often leads to mistakes, so work methodically. Taking your time to approach tasks with a clear and organized plan reduces errors and enhances the quality of your work. By focusing on each step, you’ll end up with a reupholstered stool that looks like it was done by the pros!

Following this quick and easy guide to reupholstering furniture like a stool will make you confident. Ready to get started? Don’t forget your tools! If quality and precision matter to you, check out our fastener tools. They can make any furniture reupholstering project possible and leave you with confidence to keep DIYing!