Staples vs. Upholstery Tacks. Which should I use for my project?

Antonia Marino

Staples vs. Upholstery Tacks: Which Should I Use for My Project?

When it comes to upholstery, choosing between staples and upholstery tacks can be tricky. Both are useful, but they work best in different situations. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which one is right for your project.

Upholstery Staples: Strong and Fast

Staples are great for securing fabric quickly and firmly. They’re especially useful for larger projects, where speed and strength are important. You can use a staple gun to apply them, making the process easy and efficient. However, keep in mind that a staple gun (especially pneumatic models) can require a compressor, which can add extra cost.

  • Fast: Staple guns make it quick to attach the fabric.
  • Strong: They hold the fabric tightly, making them great for bigger pieces.
  • Clean: They give a neat finish and are often less noticeable than tacks.
  • Modern: Staples will give a modern, updated look to the "hidden" areas of your project, such as dustcovers etc. 
  • Cost: A hand-held stapler is reasonably priced; however, a heavy-duty one is recommended for upholstery and can be pricey. Pneumatic staple guns are more expensive upfront, as they may require additional equipment like a compressor, but are fast and easy to use.

Upholstery Tacks: Traditional and Cost-Effective

Upholstery tacks are often used for their classic, decorative appeal. They’re favoured for antique or vintage chairs, where you want to maintain an original, "like-for-like" look. Tacks give that timeless touch to furniture, perfect for projects with a vintage vibe. Plus, tacks and a hammer are often cheaper than a staple gun and compressor setup.

  • Classic: Tacks add a traditional, vintage look and finish to your work.
  • Durable: They hold up well over time, especially in low-stress areas.
  • Perfect for Detail: Tacks come in a variety of sizes, so you can easily select the right tack for different parts of the project.
  • Cost: Tacks and a hammer are usually cheaper than a staple gun, especially if you don’t need the added expense of a compressor for a pneumatic stapler. A magnetic tack hammer is a nice upgrade to consider.

Which One Should You Use?

If you want to get the job done quickly and need strong fabric hold, staples are your best bet. If cost is an issue, select a heavy-duty handgun but if you are doing a lot of upholstery work a pneumatic stapler is a must.

If you’re working on an antique or vintage chair, or you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, upholstery tacks will give you that classic finish on an affordable budget. If you are doing a one-off project, any hammer will work for most projects. However consider upgrading to a magnetic tack hammer for detailed and/or on-going projects.

 

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