How to Tuft a Bench
by Demand Media
Home Guides Construction Remodeling Siding How to Tuft a Bench How to Tuft a Bench by Kathy Adams Email Facebook Pinterest Reddit Google+ Tufts can be added to a previously upholstered bench.
A bench gives you a nice place to sit while you put on your shoes in the morning, but as plain wood, the seat just isn’t quite comfortable. Instead of replacing it with a more comfortable model, upholster the bench yourself to add the extra cushioning you desire. If the bench is already upholstered but simply looks too plain, give it an extra decorative touch by tufting it. While tufting may seem difficult if you’ve never tried it, it’s simply a matter of securing a fabric covered button through the seat and all the way through the wood or support material, cushion and fitflop settlement all.
1Wipe the bench seat area down with a damp sponge to remove dust and grime; this prevents potential staining substances from affecting the foam and fabric.
2Cover a work surface from a sheet of corrugated cardboard to protect the bench surface from scratches and slices when cutting the upholstery foam.
3Set the upholstery foam on the cardboard. Flip the bench onto the foam with the bench seat or top side resting on the foam. Trace around the bench top onto the foam using a permanent marker. Score the foam along the traced lines using a utility knife, pressing the bench down a bit to compress the foam as you slice. Set the bench aside.
4Slice the foam all the way through along the scored line, using a utility knife or scissors once the slice runs deep. Trim away stray bits of foam using scissors or the knife. Brush all the scrap foam pieces off the cardboard with your hand.
5Cover another part of the work area with newspaper, setting the bench atop the paper right side up. Apply a coat of spray adhesive over the bench top, following directions on the adhesive can, which may vary by manufacturer. Spray the foam as well, if the directions indicate a better grip if both surfaces are sprayed. Align the foam perfectly over the bench top, and then press the foam in place. Set several heavy books over the foam to help hold it down while the adhesive dries. Allow it to cure for several hours or as recommended by the adhesive directions.
6Spread the upholstery fabric over the cardboard face down, smoothing the fabric to remove wrinkles. Set the batting over the fabric, smoothing it as well. Flip the bench, foam side down, atop the batting.
7Pull the fabric and batting together up along one side of the bench, wrapping it along the bench as you push the bench down to compress the foam with your knee or ask a friend to help. Staple the fabric every 2 to 3 inches along the underside of the bench, half an inch or so away from the edge.
8Repeat Step 7 with the fabric and batting on the opposite side of the bench, then again with the remaining two sides, tucking and folding fabric along the corners as you work, as if wrapping a gift with paper. Trim excess fabric with scissors to neaten up the underside of the bench.
9Mark the desired location for the button or buttons on the underside of the bench using a marker. Drill a hole through the wood, but not all the way through the fabric, using a 3/16 inch drill bit.
10Cut a piece of upholstery thread or fishing line at least 12 inches long, threading it through an upholstery needle. Tie a knot joining the ends of the thread or line in a loop.
11Thread the needle through a sturdy button that has multiple holes, then back down through another one of its holes, repeating the process several times to secure the button. This button keeps the fabric covered button secure on the bench.
12Hold the threaded button near the hole on the underside of the bench, and then push the needle through the bench hole, foam and fabric. Slide the shank of a covered button over the needle. Run the needle back down through the upholstery in a slightly different location than where the thread comes through the fabric. Grab the needle as it exits the bottom of the bench and push it through a hole in the covered button, pulling tightly to tuft the upholstery. Tie a knot in the thread or line, securing the buttons and line together.
13Repeat for all the buttons to tuft the whole bench top.
Things You Will Need Damp sponge Corrugated cardboard Upholstery foam Permanent marker Utility knife Scissors Newspaper Spray adhesive suitable for foam Heavy books Upholstery fabric 5 inches larger in all directions than bench top Batting 5 inches larger in all directions than the bench top Staple gun Drill with 3/16 inch bit
Tip For a slightly different look made with a similar approach, perform the upholstering on a piece of plywood cut the same size as the bench top, securing the finished cushioned seat to the original bench top with screws or construction adhesive. If the bench is already upholstered, simply drill a hole through the bottom in each desired button location and secure the fabric covered buttons as described.
References (2) 6ABC: Mrs. Adams has ghostwritten several books and content for A list musicians websites.