How long have you been in this operation?
My first task, at 15, was at a furniture studio in New Zealand, where I matured. So I've gone to this for 25 years. I have actually had my own workshop for 12 years.
Exactly how can a person inform if an item is worth reupholstering or not?
There's a great deal of furnishings today that's not constructed momentarily life-- it's not structurally seem enough to buy. If you have a piece with a well-made frame, it's probably worth it. Older furniture oftens be greater quality-- something that was your grandmother's in the 30s or 40s is much more likely to have dowel joints than be glued together. That deserves investing in.
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Why is reupholstering so expensive?
It's a time- as well as labor-intensive procedure that entails specialized skills. A well-done task could consist of stripping an item to the frame, enhancing the frame and the joints, changing coil springs and zigzag springs-- and that's all before the cost and complexity of fill, padding, and also fabric. The most usual misconception is that reupholstering is just about fabric.
Is there a less expensive method?
If the springtimes, extra padding, and framework are in great form and all you're looking for is new fabric, it's a lot less expensive. But in my experience, by the time people are ready to have something reupholstered, it's beat up on the inside.
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Any sort of suggestions on cushions and filling?
There's a massive difference when it comes to price. A down-and-feather sofa cushion costs about $650; foam could be $75. Down is quite comfortable, yet it compresses quickly and also doesn't hold its form for long. It requires continuous refluffing to look good. That's why a combination is so popular: A foam core with a down-and-feather wrap is soft and keeps its shape.
Is there some magic ratio of feathers to down in good sofa cushions?
This is important. For both seat and back cushions, the ratio should be about 60 % to 40 % feathers. A too-high percentage of plumes is bad-- they'll poke via the fabric. If you're uncertain what percent your existing pillows have, unzip the covers and also check out the tags. Cushions can be identified "down as well as feather" as well as actually have a ratio of 5 to 95. If you replace your pillows, ask the upholsterer for 60 % down and 40 % feathers.if you have to get more ideas, just visit this Window Treatments link.
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Exactly what's a common mistake individuals make when shopping for materials?
Picking red stripes or patterns for rounded pieces. The stretching of the fabric needed for proper application will pull the stripe or pattern out of whack and you'll end up with crooked stripes or a warped pattern. A good upholsterer should be able to tell you what will certainly function-- and should be willing to state no if your choice isn't right.
Is any kind of textile resistant to children or pet dogs?
Unfortunately, pets like every type of fabric. In my experience, though, felines do not such as mohair, and also they stay off it. As for kids, I have two-- and, yes, upholstery is going to get damaged with youngsters around. There's no way to avoid it.
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How do you know you're paying the right amount for reupholstering?
Get a bunch of bids. If you're hearing $3,000 from five places and afterwards somebody says $1,200, run the other method. That's what I call a chop shop. They're not going to do a good job.
What constitutes a bad job?
When upholsterers put the new fabric right on top of the existing fabric with a layer of cotton between, instead of removing the old stuff. Many people cannot tell right away, but in a couple of months they'll feel the cotton bunching up on the back of the piece.
Thoughts on slipcovers?
Whatever your upholsterer informs you, wash the fabric prior to you have slipcovers made. I assure you: It will shrink massively. Otherwise, the minute you take the covers to be dry-cleaned-- which entails fluid-- they won't fit any longer. As well as if the upholsterer claims you need 10 backyards of fabric, get 15.
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Is there a method to know if re-covering a flea-market find will be cost effective?
The main point to focus on is the spring action. If you hear an eee-eee-eee noise when you sit down, that's not good. And it will cost you.
How do you care for upholstered items?
Don't remain on them. Seriously, however, I don't do anything unique-- I have actually never vacuumed my sofa.
What's one request that doesn't sit well with you?
Two-tone upholstery. Like a sofa where the front and the back are different colors. You might be sad that you did that in a few months. If you intend to take a big style risk, do it with throw pillows. Keep the sofa basic.
Any last words?
Sometimes people come to our studio wanting to preserve things for simply sentimental reasons. And that can be perfectly valid. In a time when many people live far from our families, and when a lot is disposable, it behaves to have a truly personal piece of furniture in our homes.
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