When it comes to restoring or building furniture, the foundation matters. Webbing is the unseen hero beneath your seat or backrest — keeping everything firm, comfortable, and supportive. Whether you're reupholstering dining chairs, restoring a retro lounge, or tackling a custom project, choosing the right webbing is essential.
Let’s explore the different types of upholstery webbing, their uses, and which tools and accessories you’ll need to get the job done right.
🧵 What Is Upholstery Webbing?
Upholstery webbing is the strong, tensioned material stretched across a furniture frame to support seat or back cushions. It replaces or supplements springs and distributes weight evenly. Webbing types vary in material, strength, and stretch — each suited to different applications.
🪑 Types of Upholstery Webbing & Their Uses
Jute Webbing – Traditional & Breathable
- Natural fibre, non-stretch webbing
- Ideal for traditional upholstery, especially seat support beneath sprung units
- Available in:
DIY Tip: Use 10lb jute for seat support, and 9lb for backs where less tension is needed.
Elastic Webbing – Modern, Flexible Support
Often found in contemporary sofas, modular lounges, and commercial seating. Elastic webbing provides bounce and is easier to install than jute.
We stock Duraweb Elastic Webbing in a range of grades:
| Type | Width | Grade | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2-50mm | 50mm | Economy Soft | Backrests or soft seating |
| Type 3-50mm | 50mm | Regular | General-purpose seats |
| Type 4-50mm & 70mm | 50mm / 70mm | Premium | Lounge seats or deeper cushions |
| Type 6-50mm | 50mm | Heavy Duty | Commercial seating, sofa beds |
| Type 8-80mm | 80mm | Extra Heavy Duty | Wider frame support or commercial lounges |
DIY Tip: The higher the type number, the firmer and more supportive the webbing.
Synthetic Webbing – Outdoor & Utility Use
- Poly Woven Webbing: Great for outdoor furniture or utility seating. Durable and weather-resistant.
- Polypropylene Webbing: Ideal for strapping, bag making, or lightweight support.
- Polyester Seatbelt Webbing: Strong, sleek, and perfect for high-tension or decorative applications.
🔧 Tools & Accessories for Webbing Installation
Make your upholstery job smoother with the right tools:
- Webbing Stretchers (Osborne #253, Osborne #255, Osborne #205)
- Elastic Webbing Stretcher #263
- Webbing Pliers
-
Webbing Hooks & Clip Pullers
🛋️ Rebuilding Your Base? Don’t Forget the Foam
Once your webbing is sorted, you’ll want comfortable and supportive foam. Use our handy Cut-to-Size Foam Calculator to custom order seat foam in any shape or thickness.
Whether you're upgrading a bench seat, fixing sagging cushions, or restoring an heirloom chair — we can cut foam to your exact measurements.
✅ Final Tips for DIY Upholstery Success
- Choose webbing based on seat depth, weight load, and usage
- Stretch webbing firmly — sagging is a sign it’s not tight enough
- Combine webbing + foam for best comfort and structure
- Don’t underestimate the value of proper tools for safety and precision
Need Help?
Visit our Sydney showroom or contact us online — our friendly team is here to help with your DIY upholstery project.