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Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Abingdon, VA – Tree Cutting & Portable Sawmill

Dining Chair Seat question

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Dining Chair Seat question

#1

Dining Chair Seat question

Barry Irby

Made my son and DIL a dining table. A massive oak table with an oval top. Now comes the chairs. they are both military and the Son's only requirements were "sturdy" and "Padded Seat". I asked the DIL if she had a picture. She sent me a picture of the ugliest chair I have ever seen. Looked like the classic teacher's chair but built out of pallet wood that had been charred. I need to find out if she thinks that is what it takes to stand up to numerous military moves or if that is what she likes. She is at some sort of training seminar for a couple of weeks. I will get more details with time.

The question is how to do a padded seat? Would you use a piece of plywood, pad it and cover it or would you make a frame and install webbing? Any specific sources of padding and webbing would be appreciated. Or would you just find and upholstery shop to do it?

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

#2

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

Jim O'Connor

I only made two sets with padded seats and used the frame method. The frame had about 3/16 inch reveal all the way around to allow for webbing and cover as the frame fit down between the rails about 1/2 inch. The clients used an upholstery shop as that was something I didn't want to get into. I guess they fit as I never heard from the client about that.

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

#3

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

John in NM

There was a very good article by Michael Fortune (I think that's who it was), in FWW magazine maybe 15 years ago or more. I'll find you the issue number if I can get back to the shop this weekend. He had a method for building slim, yet comfortable seats that used 1/4" plywood with slots cut to bend more like a webbing seat, and various types of foam making up the padding. Looked like a really good method to me.

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

#4

Thanks, I'd like to see that


Re: Dining Chair Seat question

#5

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

Jesse Cloud

Plus one on John's idea. I use that method for all my chairs. You need to build a rabbet into the frame to hold the seat.

Unless you are going to do a lot of this, I suggest just making the plywood bases and taking them to the upholsterer. Michael's method requires a few different kinds of foam which will take some running around to procure. Still better than webbing in my opinion.

And yes, its sturdy. My chairs have held up to my heavy weight for many years.

Re: Dining Chair Seat question

#6

Re: Thanks, I'd like to see that

John in NM

Looks like I may not get back to the shop this weekend (a couple hours away and work is keeping me here), so I did a bit of googling - article is in #163, May/June 2003. If you can't find it anywhere I can lend you mine.

I think Jesse probably has a point about the pro to do the upholstery on the slip, but if you do that just make sure to give them a clear idea of what you want. The foam arrangement is a little complicated and I could see an upholsterer figuring he knows better.

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