INTD 54

estimating upholstery

upholstery basics

custom-made:•one-of-a-kind•made to specific sizes, dimensions, designs•uses best materials—•strong wood frame/medium dense wood•coiled 8-way hand-tied springs•goose down & feather filled cushions•jute strapping•foam padding•muslin cover

•VERY EXPENSIVE

upholstery basics

ready-made:•manufactured in large quantities•regulated sizes, dimensions & designs•range in price and quality•top-quality comparable to custom-made•many manufacturers can customize •custom sizes, extra pillows•quilting, down cushions•arm caps, contrast fabrics•double welting, stylized skirts•sleeper units

upholstery basics

reupholstered:•saves money for design projects•good solution if original pieces are well made

material estimates—construction basics

important to have an understanding of basics of upholstery construction•frames•webbing•springs•filling•coverings•cushions•detailing

material estimates—construction basics

•frames—•skeleton•supports upholstery as well as occupant•best are birch, poplar, maple, gum, sycamore•exposed carved woods—mahogany, pecan, walnut•reinforced corners—corner blocks/double dowels and glue•should never be nailed or stapled

material estimates—construction basics

•webbing•taut strapping used as foundation to support seats, backs & arms•should be 3 ½-4 inch wide•nylon or jute•interlaced and stretched taught

material estimates—construction basics

•springs•inner foundation for seats & backs•spiral-shaped metal—high-tension spring steel•important component•better upholstery shops—8 way hand tied•4 across & 4 diagonal•sewn to webbing & stapled to frame

material estimates—construction basics

•fillings•inside stuffing of cushions and backs of upholstery•burlap covers webbing or springs•muslin covered polyurethane foam preferred

material estimates—construction basics

•coverings•most visible•wide range of materials—woven textures, cotton prints, wools, silks, etc…•most upholstery fabrics 54-in wide•as woven/railroaded—railroaded cheaper

material estimates—construction basics

•cushions•separate•high density polyurethane foam wrapped in dacron—most common/least expensive•down-filled most expensive•should have a crown

material estimates—construction basics

•detailing•finish material needed to hide raw edges•welting, buttons, nail heads, cording, braids, fringes, tassels, gimps•channeling or tufting•skirts or flounces•fabric protection•arm caps

measure and estimate for upholstery

using an upholstery chart•should include images•only “guesstimates”

measuring and laying out each section of furniture piece•safest•scaled drawing •parts list•for every 10 yards, add 40 inches extra—returns, decking, seams, folding

measure and estimate for upholstery

pattern repeatsmust be centered on inside back, outside back, arms & seat cushions

if repeat is: additional fabric:3-14 inches 10%15-19 inches 15 %20-27 inches 20%28-36 inches 25 %over 36 inches 30%

cost & time estimatingcost•factor in two costs: fabric & trim and labor•additional costs if upholsterer is building from frame up

time•depends on quantity & sizes of pieces•amount of detail work•expertise•number of workers

choosing an upholstery workroom

•most difficult to select—many degrees of competency•type of upholstery required for specific job should determine choice of upholsterer•ask for referrals

example final custom upholstery costs

example final custom upholstery costs