At long last, the bench is completed. I’m happy with the outcome. Got the upholstery supplies from HR Howards on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit, NY. Very knowledgeable people and had some good pointers for completing the project. I haven’t upholstered anything in 7 years, but I think it came out decent. The bench now resides in my apartment and is loaded up with records. It’s also quite comfortable and I look forward to watching some movies while perched upon it!