Antique chairs need help!

Debbie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:04:02 GMT

I recently bought some gorgeous antique shield-back mahogany dining chairs whose seats need some help. Adding new fabric is no problem (I've done that before.) My concern is the foundation...the seat underneath has an opening with burlap and springs as the support system for the seat. Some of the springs are missing....Should I add a thin piece of plywood to the top of the seat to provide adequate support? If so, how thick should the plywood be? What kind of batting & how thick should it be to make it a comfortable seat? Your help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Debbie

RE: Antique chairs need help!

bonestructure — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:09:09 GMT

If you want the chairs to retain their value, don't add plywood. Talk to a professional upholsterer. It's fairly easy to replace the burlap and springs.

RE: Antique chairs need help!

DebDeeGeorge — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:45:41 GMT

First of all, you want to restore the integrity of the chair. Any missing springs need replaced. The springs should be re-tied. This needs to be done with hemp which will not stretch. providing a solid seat. 2nd, the springs need to be covered with a thick batting. They used to use horsehair for this purpose. The purpose of the batting is to keep the springs from breaking down the foam. 3rd, the foam seat will need to be a dense foam, usually 3-4" depending on your preference of seat height and the structure of the chair frame around it. If this sounds too involved for your skill ability, an uphosterer will gladly do this for you. Then, cover with your desired material. Plywood has no place here. Good Luck!

RE: Antique chairs need help!

jumpnalake — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:20:58 GMT

Plywood will make the chairs uncomfortable..Why not have a professional replace the missing springs and retie them? The burlap webbing must be dryrotted for springs to fall out.