Upholstery Staples: Fine-Wire, Stainless and Galvanized

Picking the right type of upholstery staple comes down to three measurements: gauge, crown width, and leg length. Upholstery staple sizes vary across all three dimensions, and each one affects how the product performs in a specific material and frame combination.

Gauge refers to the wire thickness. Fine wire 22-gauge staples with a narrow crown are the industry standard for most upholstery work, including fixing fabric to wooden frames on furniture projects. These are commonly sold as 71 series staples, available in leg lengths up to 16mm. 

For heavier applications like attaching webbing or working through multiple layers of material, 20 gauge staples or 21-gauge options provide more holding power. These heavier staples, often sold as 80 series types, handle the higher tension that webbing and thick layered fabric put on the frame.

Crown width is the flat top of the staple that sits against the material. Upholstery staples usually have a crown width ranging from about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Narrow crown staples leave a smaller footprint, making them a better choice for visible areas or thinner fabrics where you want a cleaner finish. Wider crown staples spread the hold across more surface area, which helps when stapling heavier or stiffer materials.

Leg length determines how deep the staple penetrates the frame. Short staples (around 1/4 inch) work well for thin, single-layer fabrics where longer legs might punch through and leave visible marks. A 3/8-inch leg suits medium-weight fabrics for most general upholstery jobs. 

For thick fabric or projects with multiple layers, staples with legs in the 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch range provide the grip needed to hold everything securely. As a general rule, choose a length that penetrates at least 1/4 inch into the frame after passing through all layers of material.

Stainless Steel, Galvanized and Monel: Choosing the Right Material

The material your upholstery staples are made from matters when moisture is part of the equation. Both stainless steel staples and galvanized staples are available in this collection, and each one fits different project conditions.

Galvanized staples are the most common product type for general indoor upholstery. The zinc coating provides basic corrosion resistance, which is sufficient for furniture that stays indoors and away from regular moisture. Most furniture upholstery projects, from dining chairs to sofas, use galvanized staples without issue.

Stainless steel upholstery staples are the better option when the finished piece will be exposed to moisture, humidity, or regular cleaning. Boat seats, outdoor cushion frames, and bathroom or poolside seating are all examples where stainless steel is worth the step up. These staples won't rust or stain the fabric over time the way lightly coated options can.

Monel staples take corrosion resistance further. Monel is a nickel-copper alloy developed for marine environments, and monel staples are commonly used in boat upholstery and saltwater-adjacent projects. If the project involves direct marine exposure, monel is the most durable staple material available.

Matching Staples to Your Staple Gun

Matching your upholstery staples to a compatible staple gun is important for getting clean, consistent results. The match depends on the staple series type and crown width, and using the wrong product size creates jams, misfires, or weak holds.

71 series staples (22-gauge, narrow crown) fit most fine wire pneumatic and electric upholstery staplers. These are the most widely used staples in both professional and DIY upholstery because they provide a strong hold without splitting thinner frame stock. If you're working with a pneumatic staple gun, 71 series staples are typically the default product for fabric-to-frame work.

80 series staples (20-21 gauge, wider crown) are designed for heavier-duty electric and pneumatic guns used in commercial shops or when working with webbing, thick vinyl, or layered materials. These staples provide more holding power for high-tension applications.

T50 staples, sold by brands like Arrow, are a common general-purpose staple found at most hardware stores. They can handle some light upholstery tasks, but they're designed more for insulation, screening, and general-purpose stapling. For fine fabric work on furniture, 71 series or 80 series upholstery staples deliver a better hold and a cleaner result.

Manual staple guns are an option for small DIY projects, but they don't generate enough power for consistent results on hardwood frames or thick materials. For larger upholstery projects, a pneumatic or electric stapler drives staples flush with the material surface and produces more consistent results. For staple guns and other upholstery tools, browse the full range of upholstery supplies at Midwest Fabrics.