Please find below a selection of questions I often get asked; along with the answers - I hope you will find them useful.
Should you require further details, please do get in touch via my contact page.
Should you require further details, please do get in touch via my contact page.
MARTINDALE TEST
[FABRIC SUITABILITY GUIDELINES] |
What do you charge to reupholster?
The cost to reupholster a piece of furniture can vary drastically, based on the work involved. A rough price (for the upholstery work) is below. On top of the upholstery work (which includes stripping the furniture down and rebuilding with new materials) you then need to consider fabric costs and other features. In order to give a more accurate estimate price I like to measure furniture, discuss the upholstery work required and fabric options. Please do get in touch if you have a project in mind.
Also, if you are considering fabric, I do work with a variety of fabric companies and can supplier samples for you to consider. Please also read my guide to the Martindale test, which explains how suitable fabric is for upholstery - see the guide here.
Small footstool
Upholstery costs from £100.00 Fabric required - 1-2 metres (depends on size & design/pattern repeat) Features to consider - size, buttons, legs & finishings Large footstool or ottoman
Upholstery costs from £250.00 Fabric required - 4-7 metres (depends on size & design/pattern repeat) Features to consider - size, buttons, legs & finishings Dining chair
Upholstery costs from £35.00 (just for the base cushion; prices vary depending on how much of the chair is upholstered) Fabric required - 0.5-2 metres (per chair, depends on size & design/pattern repeat) Features to consider - size/ areas to upholster, buttons & finishings Headboard Upholstery costs from £150 Fabric required - at least 2m+ (depends on the style, design of the headboard & fabric pattern repeat) Features to consider - size, design & buttons |
Please note I am currently unable to work on items larger than an dining chairs due to the size of my workshop.
What is the Martindale test?
The Martindale test calculates how durable a fabric is and is sometimes called the "rub test" as the results are given with a rub test score. The test is done to check fabrics suitability for use; such as heavy duty commercial or light use decorative pieces. Below is a breakdown of the scores and their suggested use - the higher the number, the more suitable the fabric is for heavier usage. Regardless of the rub score it is important to look after your furniture and fabric so it will last.
Less than 10,000 rubs - Decorative use - Recommended for cushions or accents; not for furniture upholstery or general domestic furniture.
10,000 to 15,000 rubs - Light domestic use - Recommended for use on furniture that will only be used occasionally. Quite often this a delicate fabric and is dry clean only.
15,000 to 25,000 rubs - General domestic use - Recommended for use on furniture that will be used everyday, it is not recommended for furnitures that put a high level of stress on the fabric, such as recliners or furniture with a fixed seat or back. Also if the use of the furniture is very high you may consider the higher end of the rub count (25,000) or heavy domestic use fabrics (see below).
25,000 to 30,000 rubs - Heavy domestic use - Recommended for use on furniture that will be used everyday, such as the main furniture in the house - the sofa / armchairs. This is also suitable to motion furniture such as relainers and items with a fixed seat or back.
30,000 to 75,000 rubs - General contract / commercial use - This fabric is suitable for light commercial use - such as a hairdressers chair
75,000+ rubs - Heavy contract / commercial use - This fabric is suitable for all contract/ commercial use - such as restaurants / bars. Please note a high rub score does not mean that the fabric is invincible. There are many factors that can affect the wear and tear of upholstery - including but restricted to, UV/sun exposure, embedded dirt, plucking perhaps from clothing/jewellery or animals, cleaning/chemicals used on the fabric in washing/surface treatment.
Do you supply / stock fabric? Can I see samples?
I do not keep a stock of fabric, but work with several suppliers and can provide samples for you to review. I can order fabric required for your specific project. I can offer this service even if you do not want any furniture upholstering. The fabric can be used for all sorts of purposes including curtaining and cushions.
Fabrics include, velvets, linen, textured. Images below are some examples - colours may vary from images. Samples available on request.
Fabrics include, velvets, linen, textured. Images below are some examples - colours may vary from images. Samples available on request.
Can I choose which legs are used on my new footstool?
Yes - you can select from a variety of legs - there are plenty design and size options. This is something we would discuss when planning your project. Some exmaples are below, please note colours may vary from the images.
Do you collect and deliver the furniture?
I can collect and deliver most items, however there may be a fee to cover costs - depending on distance. We can also discuss using couriers or you can deliver and collect the furniture yourself.