How to Upholster a Bench

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Creating a customized upholstered bench is easier than it looks. Because of the rectangular shape and versatility, it is ideal for interior rooms, porches or outdoor seating. Always use caution when working on upholstery projects with a powerful staple gun.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Making the Bench Base

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  1. If you are reupholstering an existing bench, you will need to unscrew the legs and reattach them later.
    • If you are reupholstering a bench, you will also need to remove staples at the back of the base with needle nosed pliers. Then, remove the fabric, batting, and foam so that you can replace them. It is a good idea to replace them unless they are relatively new.
    • Keep your piece of fabric to use as a template for your fabric bench cover.
  2. If you are creating a bench from scratch, you can customize it to the space you want to fill. Measure the area in inches. [1]
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  3. Ask the store to cut it to the exact size that you measured.
  4. Your foam core should be at least three inches (7.5cm) thick to assure comfort. Purchase one and a half times the size in upholstery or outdoor fabric.
    • Just as home improvement stores will cut plywood for little to no cost, large fabric stores can cut foam core to size.
    • Use an electric knife to cut foam core at home. [2]
  5. It is easiest to upholster a bench if you are able to slide the fabric and batting along a smooth surface.
  6. Practice attaching them before you start upholstering to ensure they work for your piece of furniture. You will need a drill and screws for this process.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Attaching Foam and Batting

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  1. You will need two and a half times the amount of batting as you need foam core.
  3. Then, get ready to layer your foam and batting.
  4. Make sure to apply an even, thin layer atop the wood base. Let it sit according to package directions. [3]
  5. Apply an even layer, and then wait for it to dry. [4]
  6. Lay and center a large piece of batting on the table. It will need to wrap around the base and foam to create the upholstered look.
  7. Center it on the table so that you will have more than enough batting on every side to wrap around the back of the base.
  8. Plug in the staple gun, as needed, and refill it with staples. [5]
  9. Starting at the center of one side, fold the batting around the bench and onto the back of the base, pulling fairly hard to create tension. Affix the batting to the base with staples within the first inch and a half of the edge of the base.
  10. Work from the center of each side out toward the corner. Use a hammer to knock loose staples into the wood. [6]
  11. Create square corners by folding one side of the batting in toward the other side of the corner. Then, pull the batting up on the second side and affix it with several staples to the base.
  13. Make sure not to cut below the staple line.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Covering the Bench

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  1. Place your material upside down on the table. Center it. [7]
  2. Center it as well.
  3. Pull it taught before you staple it.
  4. Fold the corners in either by creating two darts on each side or by doing a square fold. Staple at least every inch, with more staples in the corners.
  5. Use fabric scissors to ensure a straight, even cut. [8]
  6. Cut a piece of fabric that is one inch smaller than your wood base on all sides. Choose interfacing, cotton or synthetic fabric. [9]
  8. [10]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why have a layer of batting between the foam and the fabric? Why not just cover the foam with fabric?
    Community Answer
    You don't really need to have it. And you don't even really need the foam. They are both there for comfort. The batting is softer than the foam, but the foam is more supportive.
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  • Question
    Why do I use batting and not just foam?
    Community Answer
    It softens the corners of the foam and gives it a rounder, more polished look.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Cut wood/plywood
      • Thick foam
      • Electric knife
      • Batting
      • Foam glue
      • Scissors
      • Staple gun
      • Hammer
      • Upholstery/outdoor fabric
      • Fabric scissors

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxW_pOXGpq4
      2. ↑ https://www.thechroniclesofhome.com/2012/10/tutorial-how-to-upholster-bench.html
      3. ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/home-decor/how-to-upholster-a-bench-part-1/
      4. ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/home-decor/how-to-upholster-a-bench-part-1/
      5. ↑ https://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2012/05/diy-how-to-upholster-bench.html
      6. ↑ https://www.thechroniclesofhome.com/2012/10/tutorial-how-to-upholster-bench.html
      7. ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/home-decor/how-to-upholster-a-bench-part-2/
      8. ↑ https://lovecreatecelebrate.com/how-to-upholster-a-bench-seat/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qF0G2Jrd8
      1. ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/home-decor/how-to-upholster-a-bench-part-2/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to make a soft seat for your bench, you can upholster it with some simple tools. You’ll need foam a little larger than your bench’s surface, and batting and fabric twice the size. First, remove your bench’s legs so you can wrap the bench fully. Then, cut the foam to the size of your bench’s surface and glue it down using foam glue. Once the glue is dry, wrap the batting around your bench, staple it to the back, and cut away any excess. Then, wrap it again with your final fabric and staple this to the back too. Finally, reattach the legs and enjoy your new upholstered bench. For more tips, including how to remove old upholstering from a bench, read on!

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