What you need to get started
A drop-in seat pad is the ideal first upholstery project. It lifts out, is worked off the chair, and requires no sewing: just cutting, padding, and stapling. The principles transfer directly to more complex work.
A staple gun, electric or pneumatic
£20–45 for a reliable electric staple gunA heavy-duty staple gun is the primary tool of modern upholstery. Electric staple guns (Ryobi, Workzone) are quieter and easier to control than pneumatic (air-compressor) guns. 10mm staples are the standard for fabric. Do not use a light-duty craft staple gun: it lacks the power to drive staples into hardwood frames.
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A tack remover (ripping chisel)
£5–12For removing the old fabric and staples before you start. A wide, flat screwdriver can work in a pinch, but a proper tack remover (also called a staple remover or ripping chisel) gets under staples cleanly without damaging the wood.
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Upholstery foam: 50mm depth, medium density
£8–20 depending on chair sizeFoam density is measured in kg/m³. For a dining chair seat: 35–40kg/m³ (firm) or 25–30kg/m³ (medium) are appropriate. Cut to the shape of the seat using an electric carving knife or a serrated bread knife. Online retailers (Simply Foam, Foamite) cut to size if you provide measurements.
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Fabric: minimum 140cm wide, at least 0.5m
£8–25 per metre (charity shop, remnants, or fabric suppliers)Upholstery fabric is heavier than dress fabric: it's made to withstand daily use. Look for fabrics rated for domestic upholstery (15,000+ double rubs on the Martindale test). You'll need the seat dimensions plus 10–12cm wrap allowance on all sides. Canvas, linen, velvet, and medium-weight plain weaves all work well for a first project.
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Wadding (Dacron / polyester wadding)
£3–8 for enough to cover a seatA thin layer of Dacron wadding wrapped over the foam before fabric softens the look and feel, and prevents the fabric from feeling the hard edges of the foam. One layer of 2oz or 4oz wadding is enough.
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