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.