Upholsterer Responsibilities
Upholsterers specialize in restoring and creating upholstered furniture. They provide aesthetic and functional improvements by padding, cushioning, and covering. Master Upholsterers offer bespoke services, making new pieces and re-upholstering existing ones with traditional or modern styles.
Upholsterer Techniques and Tools
First, study the couch to reupholster it. Upholsterers replace or repair padded coverings and cushions on furniture. Know upholstery fabrics, fibers and textiles like cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon etc, and their characteristics and proper uses. They install webbings, springs, zippers, buttons, and trim using tools like staple guns, shears, and sewing machines. Techniques include slipcovers, box cushions, piped edges, and tight backs.
Upholsterer Career Information
Upholsterers make, repair, or replace upholstery on furniture or vehicles. They work in factories, small businesses, doing repairs, antique, or custom work while standing most of the day with furniture on benches. The first upholstery shop opened in 1600s England where upholsterers were considered skilled craftsmen facing challenges like lack of materials, technology, and mass production.
How to Become an Upholsterer
The best way to become an upholsterer is through apprenticeship or on-the-job training since hands-on experience and a portfolio are important. Upholsterers make $21,860-$52,450 a year with those in Nebraska, Washington, or Idaho earning the highest salaries.