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Trash To Treasure

New seat for a garden chair?

17 years ago

I found this great metal chair while cruising the alleys this weekend -- with a coat of spray enamel it will be perfect for my little seating area in the back yard!

{{!gwi}}

Unfortunately, the seat pops out in the back when you sit in it. It's hard to see in this photo, but the previous owners put a few twists of wire on the side to hold the sides in, so I suppose I could do that to the back.

But the seat' not all that comfortable to begin with and I may as well replace it if I can. I need something weather proof, that won't retain water, or that can easily be replaced. If nothing else, I can simply cut a piece of plywood to fit, drill some holes for drainage, and figure on replacing it every season.

But I'm hoping for some prettier, more creative solutions! Whaddya think?

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Comments (2)

gw:craftylady-2006
17 years ago
Tough one Alison - but here's my suggestion - take it to an autobody shop and see if one of the guys will weld it for you - throw them $20 or whatever. Some of these guys will do it at their home after hours so they don't get in trouble at work. Have a few sheets of small paper with your phone number on it if someone will offer to do it after hours and ask them to call you - or ask for their number. All you can do is ask right, and all they can say is no. And if one shop says no, go to another.

For a seat cushion - check out the craft stores, even Walmart, Target, etc. for something on sale, and recover it with waterproof fabric. I found two wicker chairs that needed cushions and saw a lady two streets over bringing them out for trash day - asked if I could have them. They were just faded is all. I had bought some weatherproof fabic at Walmart the week before and just fitted the fabric to the seat cushions and sewed it like a huge pillow case. So I can wash the fabic if needed, I am going to close the open end of the covering with velcro. Easy on, easy off. And if after years it fades, I'll just buy more fabric, it was only $2.99 at Walmart. It is red/cream/blue/
yellow/green bright stripes. Looks great on the white wicker. For the buttons, I tried to get the old ones off to put on new ones but couldn't so I just left them on the old cushion so I didn't use plyers or whatever to get them off and rip the cushion.

Sal
mojojojogrlnj
17 years ago
hey if for some reason it cant be fixed....i would cut a hold in the seat big enough for a plant pot and make a seat planter....they look gorgeous with a plant that will wind around the chair
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