Rubber Webbing & Clips

Rubber Upholstery Webbing and Clips for Sofa and Chair Repairs

Shop rubber upholstery webbing and compatible metal clips for repairing sofa seats, chair seats, furniture backs and suitable vintage or modern upholstered furniture.

Livedale supplies genuine Pirelli webbing, reinforced Atlas rubber webbing and two clip systems for securing compatible webbing to furniture frames.

Rubber furniture webbing is also commonly known as:

• Pirelli webbing
• Ercol-style webbing
• Rubber seat webbing
• Sofa seat straps
• Chair seat webbing
• Elastic rubber webbing
• Furniture support straps
• Replacement upholstery webbing

Rubber webbing creates a flexible support foundation beneath seat cushions or fixed upholstery. It can provide a useful replacement where the original furniture was constructed with rubber straps rather than jute, woven elasticated webbing or metal springs.

The correct product depends on:

• Original webbing width
• Furniture-frame span
• Required fitted tension
• Existing clip or hook system
• Seat or back application
• Condition of the furniture frame
• Original furniture construction

Shop Pirelli and Atlas Rubber Furniture Webbing

2″ Atlas Reinforced Rubber Upholstery Webbing

The 2″ Atlas Reinforced Rubber Upholstery Webbing – Per Metre or 50m Roll is a reinforced rubber furniture webbing with a non-slip surface.

It provides a high-quality alternative to genuine Pirelli webbing and can be fitted using many of the same general methods.

It may be suitable for:

• Sofa seat repairs
• Armchair seats
• Dining-chair seats
• Upholstered benches
• Footstools
• Replacement furniture support straps
• Furniture originally fitted with 2″ rubber webbing

The 2″ width is approximately 50mm and is compatible with suitable webbing clips designed for this size.

Atlas rubber webbing is available:

• By the metre
• As a 50-metre roll

Buying by the metre may suit individual furniture repairs, while a full roll is more appropriate for regular upholstery work and furniture production.

Genuine Pirelli Black 2″ Rubber Upholstery Webbing

The Genuine Pirelli Black 2″ Rubber Upholstery Webbing – Per Metre or 50m Roll is original-quality furniture webbing manufactured in the UK.

Pirelli rubber webbing is widely used in quality upholstered furniture, including many Ercol chairs and sofas.

It may be secured using:

• Compatible Pirelli webbing clips
• Two-part hook clips
• Suitable rivets and dowels
• Upholstery tacks
• Upholstery staples

The appropriate fixing method depends on the original furniture-frame design.

Potential applications include:

• Ercol-style chair repairs
• Sofa seat foundations
• Armchair seats
• Dining chairs
• Furniture backs
• Replacement rubber seat straps
• New furniture constructed for rubber webbing

The black 2″ webbing is available:

• By the metre
• As a 50-metre roll

Where the original furniture uses a clip or hook system, retain the same fixing arrangement wherever practical.

Genuine Pirelli Beige Rubber Webbing – 1½″ or 2″

The Genuine Pirelli Beige Rubber Upholstery Webbing – 1½″ or 2″ provides a choice of two widths:

• 1½″
• 2″

It is available by individual length or as a 50-metre roll.

The narrower 1½″ option may suit furniture originally built with slimmer rubber straps, while the 2″ version provides a wider support area.

Potential uses include:

• Vintage chair restoration
• Ercol-style seating
• Sofa and chair seats
• Upholstered furniture backs
• Replacement rubber support straps
• Furniture manufacturing

Do not replace 1½″ webbing with 2″ webbing solely because the wider size appears stronger. The frame slots, clips and original strap spacing may have been designed for a particular width.

Rubber Webbing Clips and Hook Fixings

2″ Metal Pirelli Webbing Clips

The 2″ Metal Pirelli Rubber Webbing Clips – Each or Pack of 100 are designed for use with compatible 2″ furniture webbing.

They are available:

• Individually
• In packs of 100

These metal end clips are fitted to the cut webbing before being located in the corresponding slots or fixing points within a suitable furniture frame.

They may be used with compatible:

• Genuine Pirelli webbing
• Atlas rubber webbing
• Other verified 2″ rubber furniture webbing

Before ordering, check:

• Webbing width
• Clip profile
• Furniture-frame slot
• Existing clip dimensions
• Direction of fitting
• Required number of clips

Each strap normally requires a suitable fixing at both ends.

Two-Part Hook Clips for 2″ Rubber Webbing

The Two-Part Hook Clips for 2″ Rubber Upholstery Webbing – Each or Pack of 100 consist of a C-shaped webbing clip and a separate hook.

To assemble the fitting:

1. Feed the end of the 2″ webbing into the C clip.
2. Position the separate hook inside the clip.
3. Crimp the C clip securely around the webbing and hook.
4. Check that the webbing is retained evenly.
5. Fit the hook into the compatible furniture-frame fixing point.

The hook-style system may suit furniture constructed with rails, slots or brackets designed to receive a separate hooked end.

The clips are available:

• Individually
• In packs of 100

Do not substitute a hook clip for a standard Pirelli clip unless the furniture frame is designed for that fixing style.

Choosing Atlas or Genuine Pirelli Webbing

Choose Atlas rubber webbing where:

• A reinforced 2″ rubber webbing is required
• A high-quality alternative to Pirelli webbing is suitable
• The existing clips and frame accept the replacement
• A non-slip surface is beneficial
• Webbing is required by the metre or in a 50m roll

Choose genuine Pirelli webbing where:

• The furniture originally used Pirelli straps
• Original-quality replacement webbing is preferred
• Ercol or similar furniture is being restored
• A choice of black or beige webbing is required
• 1½″ webbing is needed
• The existing clips or hooks match the Pirelli-style system

The product name alone does not guarantee compatibility. Measure the original strap and check the complete fixing arrangement before ordering.

Choosing 1½″ or 2″ Rubber Webbing

Choose 1½″ webbing where:

• The original furniture uses 1½″ straps
• The frame slots or clips suit the narrower width
• The existing strap spacing is based on 1½″ webbing
• Wider webbing would not fit the frame correctly

Choose 2″ webbing where:

• The original furniture uses approximately 50mm straps
• Compatible 2″ clips are already fitted
• A wider support strap is required
• Atlas or black Pirelli webbing is being used

Webbing width affects:

• Clip compatibility
• Frame-slot fit
• Strap spacing
• Support coverage
• The number of straps required

Match the original width wherever possible.

Measuring Replacement Rubber Webbing

Before removing the old straps:

1. Photograph the complete webbing arrangement.
2. Count the straps.
3. Record the direction in which they run.
4. Measure the spacing between straps.
5. Identify the clip or hook type.
6. Check whether the straps are interwoven.
7. Inspect the frame slots or fixing points.
8. Measure an undamaged strap where possible.

To measure the webbing:

• Record its width
• Measure the relaxed length of an intact strap
• Measure the clear distance between fixing points
• Include the material enclosed within each end clip
• Check the fitted tension
• Compare several straps where possible

Old rubber webbing may have stretched permanently, so a failed strap should not always be copied exactly.

An undamaged original strap from the same piece of furniture provides a better guide.

Determining the Required Webbing Length

Rubber upholstery webbing must normally be fitted under tension.

The cut length will therefore usually be shorter than the clear distance between the fixing points.

The precise reduction depends on:

• Webbing type
• Manufacturer
• Seat or back application
• Frame span
• Required support
• Original furniture specification

Avoid applying a universal percentage reduction to every type of rubber webbing.

Where possible, follow the original furniture construction or compare the new material with an intact strap.

A replacement strap that is too long may provide insufficient support. One that is too short may be difficult to fit and could overload the webbing, clips or frame.

Fitting Metal Clips to Rubber Webbing

The webbing end must be inserted squarely and evenly into the clip.

Before crimping:

• Cut the webbing squarely
• Check the clip width
• Centre the webbing
• Insert it to the correct depth
• Confirm the clip orientation
• Keep the rubber free from folds
• Compare the arrangement with an original strap

Crimp the metal fitting securely using a suitable tool.

The clip should hold the webbing across its full width without:

• Cutting into the rubber
• Sitting at an angle
• Leaving loose edges
• Distorting the hook
• Slipping under tension

A poorly attached clip can detach suddenly when the strap is stretched.

Installing Rubber Seat Webbing

A typical replacement process is:

1. Remove the seat cushion and upholstery layers.
2. Photograph the original webbing layout.
3. Remove the failed straps and clips.
4. Inspect the timber frame and fixing slots.
5. Measure and cut the replacement webbing.
6. Attach the correct clips or hooks.
7. Secure one end to the furniture frame.
8. Stretch the webbing evenly.
9. Fit the opposite end.
10. Check the tension before replacing the upholstery.

Where several straps are fitted, keep the tension consistent across the seat.

Unevenly tensioned straps can create:

• A low area
• Uneven cushion support
• Excessive strain on neighbouring webbing
• An inconsistent sitting surface
• Premature failure of clips or frame fixings

Interwoven Rubber Seat Webbing

Some furniture uses rubber straps in crossing directions to create a woven support platform.

This arrangement may run:

• Front to back
• Side to side
• In both directions as an interwoven grid

Interweaving can help:

• Spread body weight
• Reduce gaps between straps
• Improve cushion support
• Keep the webbing aligned
• Create a more connected seat foundation

Follow the original strap pattern and over-and-under sequence wherever possible.

Do not add extra straps without considering the effect on seat firmness and frame loading.

Repairing Ercol-Style Furniture Webbing

Genuine Pirelli rubber webbing is commonly associated with Ercol chairs and other furniture using visible or concealed rubber support straps.

Before ordering replacement Ercol-style chair webbing, check:

• Strap width
• Strap length
• Number of straps
• Clip or dowel system
• Frame slots
• Original webbing colour
• Whether the seat and back use different lengths
• Condition of the timber frame

The furniture name or model alone may not provide enough information, particularly where earlier repairs have altered the original construction.

Use an intact original strap and clip as the main reference wherever possible.

Clips, Hooks, Dowels, Tacks or Staples?

Rubber upholstery webbing can be secured in several ways depending on the furniture.

Use metal webbing clips where:

• The furniture frame has compatible slots
• The original straps used end clips
• A removable clip-in system is required

Use two-part hook clips where:

• The frame has compatible hook fixing points
• The original straps used separate hooked ends
• A hook is required between the strap and frame

Use rivets and dowels where:

• The furniture was designed for a dowelled fixing system
• The original construction can be replicated
• The correct components are available

Use tacks or staples where:

• The frame was originally designed for direct fixing
• Sufficient sound timber is available
• The fixing can spread the load safely
• The webbing manufacturer permits the method

Browse:

• Upholstery Staples
• Upholstery Tacks & Gimp Pins
• Upholstery Staple Guns & Tackers

Match the original fitting method unless the furniture is being professionally modified.

Cutting Rubber Upholstery Webbing

Use sharp Upholstery Shears to cut rubber webbing cleanly across its width.

Before cutting:

• Confirm the required finished length
• Allow for the material held inside each clip
• Mark the webbing squarely
• Check the orientation
• Avoid damaged or perished sections
• Keep the surface clean
• Cut one test strap before preparing the complete set

A clean square end helps the webbing sit evenly within the metal clip.

Rubber, Elasticated or Jute Webbing?

Choose rubber upholstery webbing where:

• The original furniture used rubber straps
• Compatible clips, hooks or slots are fitted
• Ercol-style furniture is being restored
• Flexible seat support is required
• Pirelli or Atlas webbing is being replaced

Choose Elasticated & Polypropylene Upholstery Webbing where:

• The furniture uses woven elasticated straps
• A specific level of stretch is required
• Synthetic webbing is stapled directly to the frame
• Modern seat, back or arm support is being replaced

Choose Traditional Jute Upholstery Webbing where:

• Traditional furniture is being restored
• Double cone springs require a webbed foundation
• Firm non-elastic support is needed
• The furniture originally used natural jute webbing

Matching the original support system is usually more straightforward than converting the furniture to a different type of webbing.

Return to Upholstery Webbing to compare the complete range.

Upholstery Materials Used Above Rubber Webbing

Once the rubber webbing foundation is securely installed, the furniture may require suitable layers above it.

These can include:

• Foam seat cushions
• Fibre cushions
• Upholstery felt
• Polyester wadding
• Hessian
• Platform cloth
• Upholstery fabric or vinyl

Browse:

• Foam & Fillings
• Foam Cut to Size
• Upholstery Felts
• Polyester Wadding
• Platform & Base Cloth
• Upholstery Vinyl & Fabric

The completed build-up should reflect the original furniture design and provide even support across the webbing.

Safe Installation

Rubber webbing stores energy when stretched and can move suddenly if a clip or fixing slips.

Wear suitable eye and hand protection.

Take care when:

• Removing old clips
• Cutting failed webbing
• Crimping metal fittings
• Stretching a replacement strap
• Securing hooked ends
• Using tacks or staples
• Working near damaged timber
• Releasing webbing tension

Keep hands and face away from the expected path of a released strap or clip.

Do not reuse clips that are:

• Cracked
• Badly distorted
• Corroded
• Loose on the webbing
• Incorrect for the frame
• Damaged during removal

Trade Rubber Upholstery Webbing and Clips

Livedale supplies genuine Pirelli webbing, Atlas reinforced rubber webbing, metal end clips and hook-style fittings to professional upholsterers, furniture restorers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.

Choose from black and beige Pirelli webbing, 1½″ and 2″ widths, reinforced 2″ Atlas webbing and compatible clip systems.

Webbing is available by the metre or in 50-metre rolls, while clips can be purchased individually or in packs of 100.

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Measure the original webbing, frame span and fixing system before ordering.