How to recover a drop in chair seat

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Take the seat out

   Push up from underneath. Most drop in seats lift straight out. Number the seats and chairs, as they're often not interchangeable.

2. 2

   Step 2: Strip it back

   Pull out the old staples or tacks and remove the old cover, padding and bottom cloth. Photograph each layer as you go.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check the base

   Make sure the plywood or webbing is sound. Replace sagging webbing or a cracked board now.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cut the foam

   Trace the seat onto the foam and cut it about 5 mm bigger all round with a bread knife or electric knife. Spray glue it to the base.

5. 5

   Step 5: Add wadding

   Lay polyester wadding over the foam and wrap it round to the underside. This softens the edges and stops the fabric wearing.

6. 6

   Step 6: Fit the fabric

   Centre the fabric, pattern straight. Put one staple in the middle of each side, pulling evenly, then work out towards the corners. Fold the corners neatly like wrapping a present and trim the extra.

7. 7

   Step 7: Finish underneath

   Staple black bottom cloth underneath to hide the edges. Pop the seat back in the chair.