FAQ

Here you will find some of our most frequently asked questions.

If you have a question that you would like answered on re-upholstery that is not already here, then please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.

Is my furniture worth reupholstering?

In most cases it will be. If it has a good frame, is constructionally sturdy, has lasted for 15 years or more and is comfortable, then re-upholstery is a good choice.

Isn't it cheaper to buy new furniture?

You get what you pay for! Re-upholstery can cost as much as moderately priced new furniture. When comparing make sure they are of similar quality and that the fabric is of a comparable quality. It is doubtful that you will find a new piece of similar quality to your old piece and if you do, the cost would be far greater than re-upholstering.  Beware of cheap new furniture.  It is cheap because the fabric and the construction is cheap.

Within a very short time you may well regret buying this cheap furniture.

Can I supply my own fabric?

We will work with your fabric. But we cannot be responsible for the condition or quality of your fabric. We take the utmost care to provide you with the best possible results with the fabric that you provide.

Do you supply fabric?

Yes. We have a good range of samples from leading fabric houses. All fabric supplied by us is guaranteed.

How much does it cost to re-upholster an Arm Chair or Lounge Suite?

All furniture is different. In size, shape, comfort and components.

The easiest method would be to phone us here. We will be delighted to help you.

What fabric should I look for?

Depends on your needs. If your going to use the fabric for scatter cushions, then a light cotton should do the job. If you have heavy traffic on your furniture  then a good quality fabric that is durable, will wear well and last. There is no right or wrong way in looking for fabric. It's all about personal choice. Do you prefer patterns?

What colours make you happy? What textures feel right to you? On the practical side; how durable do you need the fabric to be?  On the maintenance side; how cleanable is the fabric? Does it show up dirt and lint or stains? Mid tone fabrics with patterns show dirt less than a light coloured fabric. Dark colours will show dust and lint more easily, while solid fabric with no texture will show stains more easily.

Ultimately the choice is yours. You must live with your choice. We will happily assist and advise you on choosing the fabric that meet your needs.

What is Railroaded fabric?

Conventional upholstery fabric has the pattern going up the fabric roll. In other words, it runs on the length of the fabric, not the width.

Railroaded fabric has the pattern running on the width, that is sideways up the roll.

What is pattern matching?

All patterned fabrics have a repeated pattern down their lengths and match horizontally across their width. The interval at which a pattern is duplicated or repeated on a piece of fabric is known as the repeat.

This is calculated from a point in one pattern to the same point in the next pattern. This means that all the cut lengths have to start at the same point in the pattern so that they match where they are joined.

What are rubs?

To test the durability of fabric, the number of rub cycles undergone before the fabric shows an objectionable change in appearance, is counted and this determines the fabric's abrasion rating. For example:
15,000 - 20,000 rubs = light contract upholstery.
30,000 - 40,000+ rubs = heavy duty upholstery.

How do I care for my fabric, thus increasing its lifespan?

Vacuum all fabric and in the crevasses at least once a week. This helps to remove soil and protect fabric from the embedding of dirt or grime between fibers which can increase abrasion and wear.

Keep your furniture out of the sun if possible. If you have vinyl, a damp cloth wiped over it weekly and vacuuming will do the job.

Rotate the cushions if you can. If not, fluff to help them retain their shape. This weekly reversal of loose cushions will allow even distribution of wear over a long period of time.

How much fabric do I need?

Does the fabric have a pattern repeat?  Does the finished piece have deep buttoning?  How will the fabric run - railroad or straight up?  Is the fabric from the same dye lot and if not, will the colour of the fabric be acceptable and consistent?

These are some of the questions that an upholsterer has to take into account when determining the quantity of fabric. To measure for a dining seat, is easy. To measure for a lounge suite with the least possible wastage, takes skill and experience.

So to answer the question of how much fabric you need, give us a call here and we will gladly give you an estimate on the required meterage.

What should I look for when buying new furniture?

When buying new furniture, most of what you will pay for is not readily visible. Sit on each piece of the set.

Make sure there is ample seating space and that it is comfortable.

Make sure there is adequate padding on all the underlying wood edges.

Lift cushions and check under these as well.

Check the seams for tight stitching and that the patterns match as well as neat, tidy corners.

The cushions should fit snugly, evenly together and flush with the support base.

Ask how the frame was made and what guarantee you have.

Ask lots of questions on everything, fabric content, where are they made , who made them etc.

Your choice should be one that fills all of your requirements, including life expectancy, durability, maintenance, cost, look and feel.

If the furniture does not meet your requirements or does not meet the standards above, or you do not receive the answers to your questions to the sales person, you are well advised not to buy their furniture.

Go to an up market store to see if you can find better quality. It is well worth  the effort to check all available options.

Do you strip the furniture before you recover?

Absolutely. We strip the furniture to the frame. All woodwork, springs, fillings, webbing and padding are thoroughly checked before we begin the re-upholstery process.

If you find broken framework do you repair it?

Yes we do. Not only does the frame give support to the inner parts of a chair and covering, but to the person sitting on it.

A broken frame can cause injury to the person sitting on the chair. So it is important that the frame is structurally sound.

Before any upholstery work is done, we check the frame very carefully and notify you if a repair is needed to be carried out.

What is involved in re-upholstery of my furniture?

Briefly; we remove old covering and filling to the bare frame. We check the frame for motion and stability and if necessary replace worn joints or repair them. We inspect springs, webbing etc and replace if required. We retie coil springs, replace the fillings and padding with new if necessary.

We trace, cut and sew fabric components and apply these to your frame. We add finishing trims and finally the finished product is inspected for quality and workmanship.

Do you collect & deliver?

We would prefer you bring and collect your own furniture. If you are in a bind, we can collect and deliver your furniture. We do charge for this service.

Do you give a free quote?

We can give you an estimate of the costs involved. We can give a quote once we have seen and examined your furniture for all obvious faults and measured for fabric.

Do you repair woodwork?

Most woodwork repairs are undertaken by us. There are those woodwork repairs that we cannot do and will contract the work out to experts in that particular field.

How long will I be without my furniture?

On average, a lounge suite will take 1-2 weeks. Smaller items such as dining chairs, foot stools, office chairs etc; take about a day.

Do I need to book my job in?

Yes. Once your fabric has been ordered, we book you in so that when your furniture arrives, we are ready to start your job.

Of course, we are accommodating and if we are able, we will fit you in.

How do I find you?

We have a Google map with directions on our site or just phone us and we'll give you directions.

I have a holiday home and would like to have the work completed before I arrive on holiday?

No problem. Just advise us in plenty of time and we will arrange with the security company or the person who has the keys, for the removal and return of your furniture.

Do you make up cushions?

Yes we do. All sizes, shapes and types, with or without stuffing, inners, piping, zips, velcro etc.

Do you replace riempie?

Yes.

Do you repair canework?

Yes

Can you replace a zip in my cushion?

Yes

Can you recover or make up a headboard?

Yes we do.

Can you replace a zip in my handbag?

Mostly yes. We also make new quality fabric bags.

My couches coil springs have moved. Can you fix them?

Yes. We retie using the traditional method of the 8 way hand-tie.

Can you make my chair more comfortable?

Yes, we can rebuild to your needs.

Do you make up curtains?

No. We will put you in touch with people that we have worked with and are happy with their professionalism.

Can you re-upholster all types of furniture?

Yes.

Can you supply foam & fillings?

Yes, but we do not stock them in large quantities and order only as needed.

Do you do deep buttoning?

Yes we do.

end faq