Refinishing a dining table and chairs

Page [1] [2] [3]

17th May 2010

After a few months, six to be precise, I found some time to work on this project again. I bought 2 dark red goathides from ebay for £25 inc shipping. I estimated this to be enough to do four chairs.

A few days later it arrived and it looks great. Nice grain, pretty thick and I set to work within minutes of it arriving.

I had already bought some upholstery tacks so away I went.

Firstly I laid out 1 of the hides on the floor face down and then laid 1 seat on it. I drew an outline around the seat giving myself about 2 inches extra all the way around. This of course will give a little more as I pull it tight over the padding of the seat.

Next I cut the outline using some normal paper scissors which worked surprisingly well.

Once I had the basic shape I lined the seat up and put a tack in the centre of the front side. Then I pulled the hide tight to the back and then put another tack in. I did the same on each side and took a look at the top. I was already pretty sure this was going to look really good as long as I didn't mess it up.

Next I used a Stanley knife and cut the hide from the outside to where it met the seat at 2 inch or so intervals. This was so that I could pull the hide into the shape of the seat without getting any ripples or folds on the edge. I worked outward from the centres tacking each 2 inch section. until I got to the corners which needed overlapping.

After an hour or so the job was done and the chair suddenly looked absolutely stunning. You can see the chair next to another that I've yet to finish in the pictures below.

All I have to do now is 3 more chairs and the table. Should be fun.


























Page [1] [2] [3]