Sometimes a woodworking project requires branching out into other materials. Such is the case when making a chair or seat, if upholstery is added to the mix. Whether you plan to upholster on your own, or employ a professional, understanding the basics is important.

The Basics:
• Building furniture frames: Constructing a fully upholstered piece of furniture, such as a sofa or wing chair, requires a slightly different approach to woodworking.
• Quality supplies: From foams, to fillings, to fabrics, a well-constructed piece of furniture deserves upholstery of equal quality.
• Weaving a seat or back: Choose from Shaker tape, cane, bark, and a variety of other materials.

Building furniture frames
If you’ve ever watched an episode of PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” you’ll know that the value in upholstered antiques isn’t in the fabric, but rather the quality of the woodworking and lumber used. Building upholstered furniture — whether it’s a seat frame or a sofa frame — still requires designing an ergonomic, stable, and attractive piece of furniture. The only difference is that much of the woodworking goes unseen. Expensive hardwoods are not essential. In fact, because upholstery is stapled to the furniture frame, woods like soft maple and even pine are usually a better option than oak or ash.

Quality supplies
Historically, slip seats and upholstered cushions were padded with horse hair, muslin, and batting. While true to the period, upholstery done in these materials would be considered uncomfortable by today’s standard. Additionally, modern materials, such as polyurethane foam, are easier to find and less expensive than period-accurate materials. Most fabric and upholstery supply dealers carry upholstery fillings and foam in a variety of densities.

Weaving a seat or back
Woven seats are made from a range of materials, including cane, fabric tape, and bark. Again, working with these materials usually requires a skill outside the traditional domain of woodworkers. These skills are easily learned with the right instruction if you’re willing to invest the time.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

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Jorgensen 6 inch Bar Clamp Set, 4 Pack

Small light-duty clamps are best bought in quantity. These clamps are a great balance of affordability and quality—so stock up!

Buy at Amazon