The Upholstery Tear Down Sequence.

When you are reupholstering a piece of furniture do you just jump into it, ripping and tearing and pulling out nails as fast as possible? If we did it that way we would be truly exhausted in no time. Not to mention there would be a huge mess that won't be much fun to clean up.

If you are attempting to complete some upholstery for yourself, then here is a system for you, that will make things a little bit easier and minimize the mess (there will be some mess, sorry.) (Thanks to Kimsupholsteryblog.com for the steps.

The Steps

1. Grab a camera and take lots of photos of your piece from many angles BEFORE you take anything off. Then take photos after each step to help you remember where to put the new pieces back on.
2. Get the right tools. It will make life that much easier if you invest in some decent tools, but depending on your piece you might be able to make do with tools you have in the shed.  I would recommend a Staple Puller, Chisel, Wire Cutter, Awl and Bent Nose Pilers.
3. Now the sequence of getting the old off:
1. Lay the chair on it’s back
2. Begin by removing the dust cover
3. Pull all staples from fabric on the bottom of the chair frame 
4. Stand the chair up
5. If you think you may need to copy patterns or you just want a reference, mark all panels: Suggested marks - OAL= out side arm panel left, IB = inside back etc
6. Remove the outside back
7. Now you will see where the inside back, deck, and inside arms are attached – remove all staples
8. Remove out side arms
9. Remove  inside arms, back and the deck
10. Remove all burlap
11. Inspect spring system, remove or replace

So is this a useful system for removing eveything from your old piece? Or have you tried a different system?