Recently I bought one from a second hand store for a whopping $3. Nobody else wanted it because it had a rip in the vinyl on the seat. I knew it could be restored, but how? I snapped a pic, sent it to my mom, asked her if she thought buying it would be a good idea and if she had any clue how to reupholster them, she didn't. Whomp whomp whoooomp...
Crushed, but not defeated I looked all around the seat for the answer and that's when I saw it. Tabs! Glorious inconspicuous metal tabs that would allow me to turn this chair into something fabulous!
Materials:
- Cosco Step stool
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillip's screwdriver
- Pliers
- Scissors
- 1/2 yard of oil cloth
- Spray adhesive
- Damp Cloth, for cleaning
- Clothes pins (optional)
- Dixie Cup for keeping the screws and nuts in one place.
First thing is first, you gotta take it apart. But JUST the seat and back. They come off easily and you don't have to fuss with the actual structure of the chair. Unscrew the back cushion and you'll need to use pliers to loosen the nuts on the bottom of the seat in order to take it off. Easy, but kind of awkward to do.
Lay out your fabric. I used cherry oil cloth (it's not vinyl, it feels more like a table cloth and it wipes clean) that I found in a remnant pile at Joann's (50% off, score!) Then lay your seat and cushion on the fabric and cut it to size. I improvised, so I don't have exact measurements for this step, sorry!
You'll probably also need that flat head to pry the metal back from the actual cushion side. After about 40 years in granny's kitchen, that cushion is mega besties with that metal plate on the back and is not going to want to go anywhere.
It's okay, cushion, a little space is healthy for any relationship. Now, seriously, quit being so dang clingy!
If the original sheet of foam under the vinyl is in good shape, by all means, use it! If not, medium loft quilt batting will do the trick!
Repeat these steps for the seat.
I didn't have an extra set of hands, that's why I used the clothespins. In the end, I preferred the clothespins over someone complaining that they had to help me in another crazy project.
This particular Cheery Cherry Cosco Step Stool sold in my vendor booth at a vintage store.
Thanks for checking out my tutorial and if you reupholster your own Cosco step stool, I'd love to see it!