Sequencing Your Upholstery's Stuffings

by Bernie Iven

So you bought an old chair with tattered upholstery (but a good frame) at a garage sale or thrift store. You’ve decided that it needs all new stuffings. But, you ask, what comes first?…. Lets see, there’s foam, fabric, springs, deck pad, burlap, and batting. What comes last?

Observation helps. Obviously, fabric comes last. As you strip the piece you can see what’s underneath that, and what’s underneath that and so on. So take note of each layer, take measurements and buy replacements.

The following are three common sequences starting from bottom to top.

1. Webbing---Coil Springs---Spring Tie---Burlap---Deck Pad---Foam--- Batting---Fabric

2. Zig Zag Springs---Burlap---Deck Pad---Foam---Batting--- Fabric

3. Elasti-band--- Burlap--- Foam---Fabric

Webbing can be the traditional red stripe jute webbing or the grey synthetic webbing. Usually they are put into place with a web stretcher and 1/2” staples. Both coil springs and zig zag springs for seat are generally 9 gauge. Spring Tie can be traditional jute, or polyester. The book by Singer, "Upholstery Basics", does a good job of explaining the process of spring tying. Burlap can be the traditional jute or the newer synthetic. Deck pad helps to keep springs from being felt through the fabric. In the past it was often made from the fiber of coconut husks, but newer versions are made from compressed polyester. Foam is generally used next, although some still prefer the older method of numerous layers of cotton batting. Batting can be the traditional cotton, but most upholsterers now use Dacron batting as it is less susceptible to compression and can be pulled without falling apart. And the most important part of course, is the fabric. It’s worth your while to spend the time to find a good quality fabric that is appropriate to your décor.

Happy Upholstering!