Broken Chair - How to Repair?

[RavensFan24]

One of my theater style recliners is broken in the front. Well, nothing is actually physically broken, but the "staples" that are holding a 2" tall piece of wood in the front of the char has popped out. I was able to get it back in, but the staples went right back in the old holes, so they came right out again. I want to screw this in place, but I don't want to damage the leather and I fear if I pull the staples on the leather to get behind it to screw or nail the board down that I won't be able to staple the leather back in properly without ripping it.

Basically the part of the wood that should be facing straight down to the floor is pointing straight out to the front.

Thoughts or ideas?

Pics here:
http://prntscr.com/ghimsi
http://prntscr.com/ghil0b
http://prntscr.com/ghinkp
http://prntscr.com/ghio0x

[westend]

@Westend, That's what I was thinking. I just feared removing the leather to get to the wood to screw it in may cause me to mess things up long term, but I guess I just have to roll the dice to repair it properly or pay someone to do it. At a minimum, I could get the leather off, repair the wood and pay someone to staple the leather back on without damaging it or leaving it to the potential of ripping later. Thanks!

Yeah, I've done a bit of this with the BIL. If I had a nickel for every staple pulled....;) The BIL has a few purpose built staple pullers but a small blade and a pliers will remove most staples (especially in newer wood).

To reattach the material onto the frame, you could use 3M Spray adhesive 77 or 99 and staple where you can or use upholstery tacks. The frame is actually the easiest repair, IMO. I've repaired lot worse furniture than your chair. Just pull or cut all the staples, (drill if you can) and fasten the frame back together with glue and screws. Fancier yet, are corner blocks but your images show that that may be cumbersome and possibly interfere with the seat. If you use a good adhesive like Titebond III, any worries about additional repair should be gone.
Good luck!

[RavensFan24]

@Westend, That's what I was thinking. I just feared removing the leather to get to the wood to screw it in may cause me to mess things up long term, but I guess I just have to roll the dice to repair it properly or pay someone to do it. At a minimum, I could get the leather off, repair the wood and pay someone to staple the leather back on without damaging it or leaving it to the potential of ripping later. Thanks!

@John Wayne, I probably could, but that'd require taking the leather off and if I did that, I'd rather screw it into place, so this doesn't happen again. Clearly the straight staples didn't work very well the first go round, I wouldn't trust them a 2nd time.

[John_Wayne]

Can you get the same size staples only longer?

[westend]

Here's how my BIL, the "upholsterer to the stars" would handle it: Remove material and staples from wood frame so that you have room to repair the frame. Remove staples in frame piece that is loose or staples that are in the frame. Check fitment. Glue and screw loose piece back into frame.
If there is a poor design or there are load considerations, he will sometimes add corner-blocking.
Good luck with your repair!

[wanderingaimles]

no, my staple suggestion is to leave the staples in place on the cover piece. The toothpick, you only put in about 3/8 of an inch with the tiny part pointing out and a drop of glue. You then place a board over the area where the staple is under and tap the staples back into their original holes which are hopefully slightly tighter and let the glue dry to keep the staples in place.
My only other suggestion would to check for a local upholstery shop that works with boats and other items to let them repair it. Since the motorhome can be taken to their shop, it shouldnt be too expensive.

[RavensFan24]

Another problem is...with the leather still attached, I don't have much room to maneuver the board that's out of place. If I disconnect the springs underneath the seat I can get some movement to adjust the board and get it back in place, but that's it. Plus it took two people and a leverage bar to get the springs hooked back in.

[RavensFan24]

That might work, but I'd have to figure out how to get all the old staples out and then try and line up randomly placed holes with toothpicks in them on either side of the board. My worry is that glue won't hold due to the fact that the springs on the seat apply pressure to this piece, plus I'm 215lbs and when I sit down I'm sure it's applying a lot of pressure to that piece.

[wanderingaimles]

can you see the holes that the staples have to re-enter? If so, can you insert a toothpick and a drop of glue into the hole, press the trim piece with the staples into place (it should need to be tapped in with a hammer or a board, if not its too loose) and then use something heavy to hold pressure keeping it in place until the glue dries. (overnight)