Project #1

Back in November, I found some dining chairs on Craigslist that were from a hotel in Wilmington.  The designer of the dining room at the hotel was remodeling the room and therefore, selling the old furniture no longer wanted.  I on the other-hand, really wanted these chairs.  I've been looking for a new dining room set for a long time but hadn't settled on a particular style.  The chairs are traditional but I have seen them in several more "modern" rooms.  It depends what type of fabric is on them and the table they are paired with, to get a particular style.

I like the dining set we have now but it's too small for us (seats 4).  Yes, there is only 2 of us but we like to entertain.  Our space is too small for something bigger than a 6 top, so that's what I've been looking for.  Anyhow, I bought 6 of the dining chairs the designer had for sale.  They definitely weren't "ready to use".  The wood had some scratches and spots where the finish was rubbing off.  The fabric was old and dingy looking.  My husband and I took them to a few upholsters and wood-workers but got quotes that were far out of our price range right now.  We'd only be able to get one done at a time.  The good thing that came out of going to those places though is that we found out the chairs are really well made and it is hard to find 6 of kind in this style.  We decided to save some money and un-upholster them ourselves.  My husband actually completed this process... and complained most of the time (but it was his idea!)  He did feel very accomplished afterwards no matter what he says.  We also decided to refinish them ourselves.  We are still working on this process.  We have to strip the current finish that is on them, and then do a little sanding, and then of course stain them again.  Once we're done with that, then it's time to reupholster them.  I haven't settled on a fabric yet.  I've been to all of the fabric stores in the area and haven't found anything that jumps out at me.  I may end up
buying on the internet.

Any of you ever complete a project like this and maybe could offer some tips?