How to Use Elasbelt for Seats in Upholstery Projects
Reupholstering a Chair and Creating a New Seat
A few years ago, I built this chair for The Design Confidential and I upholstered it. This is the chair I use at my desk any time I am on the computer. Because this chair is built with a plywood seat, it becomes horribly uncomfortable after a few hours of sitting on it. I discovered an upholstery webbing called Elasbelt that takes the place of springs in seats and decided to give it a try. I created a video on how to use Elasbelt for seats in upholstery projects to share how easy it is to create a comfortable seat in upholstered chairs!
Elasbelt is an upholstery webbing with stretch that takes the place of springs. It comes to two different types – with a red stripe for seats and a green stripe for backs. It is sort of stiff and really hard stretch by hand. A pair of webbing pliers are a must when using this product! The Elasbelt is stapled to the frame of the chair on one side then stretched and stapled to the other side. Take a look at the video:
The seats of any of the chair plans on DbSC can be adapted to use Elasbelt. A 1×2 frame can be nailed to the top of the front legs, and side and back aprons to give a foundation for the Elasbelt. Note that the seat will have to be upholstered in order to cover the Elasbelt but it is super easy to do and I can be contacted at any time for help!
I am also planning on changing the seat of the Carlsbad chair to make it more comfortable. This will require disassembling my chair but I think it will be worth it in the long run – I love that chair!
Have any questions on how to use Elasbelt for seats in upholstery projects? Leave a comment below or email me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!
Originally posted 2015-05-18 08:00:44.
[…] Cut the pieces of the Elasbelt for the seat. Secure the Elasbelt to the back framing piece using upholstery staples. Stretch the opposite end with the webbing pliers and secure in place with staples. For a how-to video, click here. […]