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 repeats must be centered on inside back, outside back, arms & seat cushions if repeat is:additional fabric: 3-14 inches10% inches15 % inches20% inches25 % over 36 inches30%

cost & time estimating cost 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