Can you post some pics of the chair and the bottom piece? Is this an indoor or an outdoor chair?

>>>Is there a name for that kind of cushion? What is the hardboard bottom piece called?

This is a plate or a plated cushion. Use it for your pattern to cut a new one out of plywood. Pre check your fit before you pad and cover it... and trim as needed. Cut your foam/padding so that it is 1/2 inch larger all the way around. So a 15 X 15 inch chair plate would have a 16 X 16 inch foam pad.

>>>Without a sewing machine, is it possible for me to make simple ones
myself? We have the ability to cut the material for the cushion
support/bottom.

Measure for fabric up, over and down with extra added for your puller. On the 15 inch plate, with a 3 inch piece of foam you would need a fabric piece 24 X 24.

It is easier to work if the padding is tacked to the plate with spray glue or elmers.

Attach front edge of fabric to underside of front edge of plate by stapling. Do only the center 5 or 6 inches. Then smooth over with your hand and pull as tight as you can to the under back edge and staple. Again, only the center 5 inches or so. Then do each side the same. Don't pull the first side too tight or you will be removing staples.

Next pull in the corners. Pull right off the points, tight, tight , tight and staple at the point. Work each side in from the points back to the previously secured place. Some adjustment may be necessary if there are waves and dimples.

>>>Or make a base with wood and foam and use a purchased chair 'pad' or cushion?

That would work. So, as described above... your padding would only be about 1 inch thick and your fabric piece would 20X 20 inches. If this could get damp, then polyurethane the wood on both sides and edges.

If your purchased cushion is a little over sized you might be able to get away with a painted plate only. Make it darkish so it won't be seen.

Thank you for replying. I can guess what you mean by "puller" but could you explain the term?

I get lost at "Next pull in the corners. Pull right off the points, tight, tight , tight and staple at the point. Work each side in from the points back to the previously secured place.' I

If I had the chair pad in hand, it would probably make sense of it. I'll look on the web and see if I can find a step by step instructions with photos....

Thanks again. I'll probably have more questions later.

Marie

In upholstery, the pullers are the place you pull on and staple in. They are frequently sewn on the cover fabric and made from a utility type fabric. More cost effective.

Re the corners: Once you have gotten to that point in your work, (sides, front and back centers stapled in) it will basically be apparent how to work in the corners.

The easy way is to paint your new plates a dark grey or black, (wrought iron, right?) and use a purchased cushion.

Singer Upholstery Basics is a good book that has helped me out on several projects. It has many good photos & descriptions. I bought mine several years ago at Jo Ann's Fabrics, but you can get it at several places online & possibly at your local library.

Try and post pics for us to see.

http://www.target.com/p/singer-upholstery-basics-plus-paperback/-/A-11337043?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=11337043&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=pla_entertainment+shopping&adgroup=sc_entertainment&LID=24pgs&KID=64f96033-dbbb-4162-9998-ff4fb08e3041&kpid=11337043&gclid=COfD-_Tc9McCFQpDaQod3p4ATw