I agree with charlieinnj, take everything off & go with foam, especially since you have allergies in your home & there is a smoke smell. You've got good instructions above, you might also want to google how to do it too and it will tell you about how to pull the fabric while you are stapling to get an even job.

Good luck & have fun!

It's an easy job..you can do it. I would try Sunbrella, there are so many cool prints and it's more comfortable than vinyl.

If U google, "How to upholstser a chair seat", about 20 Utube videos come up. Watching will give you confidence that your technique is correct according to somebody! :0)

Here is a link that might be useful: Utube, How to upholster a chair video

I'm feeling better about taking this on.

Now that I have the HOW part, basically, I am concerned about what to use as far as foam and fabric. I have this image in my head of sitting on foam and creating a permanent implant of my backside. ;) Is all foam created equal?

Thanks for the responses!!!!

Foam density varies, it even comes in colors. For lining a camera case, I used high density black foam I found at a military supply store. (maybe they pack bombs for delivery! ha ha) But......for upholstery work, I buy my foam from upholstery suppliers. They generally don't give you a choice of density. I have used a layer of carpet pad for the bottom layer,that works as long as it's part of a "layer".

For mold and water proofing, I use a spray on fabric protector, but I've seen professionals use something that looks like saran wrap over the foam before applying the fabric.

Here is a link that might be useful: Upholstery supply store

Crypton Fabric - resists spills and bacteria. I think JoAnns is selling some. You shouldn't need much for your project. Measure the old cover to determine how much you need. Most decor or upholstery fabric is 54" wide. Or, if you've already picked out a fabric you love, consider having it laminated. If you can't have it done locally, you might be able to send it to a place to have it done. My recommendation would be to Google search under laminating fabric.

Kathe

Here is a link that might be useful: Crypton Fabric

You should be able to find everything you need at a local fabric store. When I did our chairs, I had to replace everything and the sales associates were a great help. Our local Joann's has fabric at 50% off this week and also a lot of other items. I just bought pillow inserts at 50% off but the things you need are usually on sale every 4 to 6 weeks or so.

I just did a set of chairs this weekend...

They were a simple slip seat (set with table bought off CL this summer for $70) and I basically did a very simple recover. First, I brought home samples of possible fabrics to use in my room. (One of the local fabric/upholstery shops lets you check out 1/2 yard pieces, so that is super helpful. DD loved this leopard chenille, and she gets these chairs later when she gets her own place. They go with a darling little table that is in storage in the garage right now.) And pick something that will work well in your room and will clean fairly easily. Sunbrella is good. Crypton fabric is good. And there are great deals on upholstery weight fabrics at Joanns/Hancock. Mine was about $24 per yard, but I only needed a little more than 2 yards. Use Scotchguard if you get something not already protected. Do not buy vinyl. Not worth the effort.

If you can do so, spend $40+ on an electric stapler. Mine is by Stanley and I bought it at a local hardware store. Wish I had done that years ago!!

I think probably 1" foam for your chairs, and regular upholstery batting. Buy a can of spray adhesive to adhere your cut foam to the bottom of the seat. It helps it stay put while you apply the batting and fabric. Like the others said, get someone in the store to help you. It's not hard, but doing it right by replacing all of the innards and cleaning the chairs very well before you begin, will give you a job you can be proud of!

Red