How to Install Upholstery Webbing

Installing the First Layer of Upholstery Webbing

Upholstery webbing is used to make furniture sturdy and comfortable.

1. Cut the end of the webbing straight across, removing any frayed, uneven spots, using scissors. You do not have to cut the webbing end if it is already cut straight.

2. Place the webbing's cut end in the center of the frame, so the end extends 1 inch past the frame.

3. Tack or staple the webbing to the frame every 1/2 inch, using the staples and stapler or tacks and tack hammer.

4. Fold the cut end over the long part of the webbing back over itself. Tack or staple the folded part down, with the tacks or staples offset just enough to avoid hitting the first row of tacks or staples.

5. Pull the webbing across the frame until it is snug. With the webbing stretcher on the underside of the webbing, hook the stretcher's teeth into the webbing 2 inches beyond the frame's edge. Pull the stretcher's teeth toward your body, using the frame to create leverage to pull the webbing until it is tight.

6. Staple or tack the webbing the same way you did when you set the first row of staples or tacks. Cut the webbing 1 inch past the frame, fold the webbing end back over itself and tack the end down flat.

7. Place a strap every 1 inch across the frame, until the frame is covered, with all of the straps going the same direction.

Weaving and Attaching the Second Layer of Upholstery Webbing

1. Slide the webbing's cut end under the first webbing strap, then weave over and under all the way across until you reach the frame's other end.

2. Pull the cut end 1 inch beyond the frame, then tack or staple of webbing to the frame. Fold the end back over itself and tack or staple it down.

3. Pull the other end of the webbing until it is snug, hook the webbing stretcher into the webbing and pull the webbing until it is tight. Tack or staple the webbing to the frame, cut the strap off 1 inch past the frame, fold the end back over and fasten it down.

4. Start the next line of weaving by sliding the webbing over the first cross-strap, under the second and then under and over all the way across the frame. Tack each row of webbing down the same way. Each row of webbing forming the weaving will be the opposite of the previous one.