What type of fabric is attached to the back of the slats on a roll-top desk that allows it to roll?

Question

I am refinishing a small roll-top desk. The slats that make up the roll top do not have a backing material to hold them together. I need to know what sort of material to use and how to attach it to the slats.

Answer 1

You want to use cotton duck canvas. This web site has some info from people who have made thier own tambour -- that's what you call a door or screen made of slats glued to fabric, like that on a roll top desk or an appliance garage.

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Fabricating_Tambour.html

Answer 2

Mine has something like canvas and the slats are glued. Mine is from a kit, not an antique. They probably used leather way back then.