INTD 54 estimating upholstery upholstery basics custommade oneofakind

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

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