How to Be Industrial Upholsterer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Industrial upholsterers are professionals who specialize in the manufacturing and repair of furniture, including chairs, sofas, office furniture, and other products that require upholstery. The primary cause of the demand for their services is the need for furniture that is comfortable and durable. This comfort and durability is achieved by using high-quality materials and constructing pieces that are designed to last.

In addition, these specialists are also able to customize furniture to suit a customer's specifications, resulting in a unique and stylish product. As a result of their expertise, industrial upholsterers can provide a more cost-effective solution than purchasing new furniture. they can also suggest appropriate fabrics and materials to enhance the look of a piece, creating a visually appealing product that can last for years.

Steps How to Become

Complete High School. The first step to becoming an industrial upholsterer is to complete high school or earn a General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
Gain Work Experience. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have some prior experience working with upholstery or other related trades. Look for entry-level positions in furniture stores, upholstery shops, or any other businesses that specialize in upholstery services. This experience will be valuable when applying for industrial upholstery jobs.
Pursue a Certificate or Degree. While it is not required to become an industrial upholsterer, obtaining a certificate or degree in upholstery can give you an advantage when seeking employment. You can find certificate and degree programs at technical and trade schools, colleges, and universities.
Obtain a License. Depending on the state, you may need to obtain a license to become an industrial upholsterer. Check with your state to find out what is required.
Find Employment. Once you have the necessary training and experience, search for job openings at upholstery companies. You may also be able to find employment in other industries such as automotive repair shops that require upholstery services.

As an industrial upholsterer, it is important to stay ahead and capable in order to remain competitive in the market. To do this, one must invest in professional training courses, invest in quality tools and materials, and stay up to date with industry trends. Professional training courses can help an industrial upholsterer stay abreast of the latest techniques and tools, while the use of quality materials ensures a long-lasting, durable product.

Lastly, staying up to date with industry trends allows an upholsterer to stay ahead of the competition and create products that are innovative and fashionable. Investing in professional training, quality tools and materials, and staying up to date with industry trends can help an industrial upholsterer remain competitive and successful.

You may want to check Upholsterer Assistant, Upholstery Installer, and Upholstery Frame Builder for alternative.

Job Description

Fabricate furniture covers and upholstery for commercial and industrial customers.
Cut, measure, and sew fabric to create custom covers and upholstery for furniture.
Create original designs for upholstered furniture using sketches, images, or other sources of inspiration.
Select appropriate fabrics for various projects based on customer requirements and design preferences.
Remove old upholstery and padding from furniture frames, and prepare the frame for new upholstery.
Install padding and batting to furniture frames before covering with fabric.
Install springs, webbing, and other materials to provide support to the furniture frame.
Attach fabric to furniture frames using staples, nails, adhesives, and other fastening materials.
Fit coverings over furniture frames and trim excess material.
Create decorative trims such as tassels, cords, and welting to finish furniture pieces.
Inspect finished products for defects and fit.
Perform minor repairs and maintenance on furniture upholstery.
Advise customers on design options and fabric selection.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
Knowledge of fabrics, vinyls, and other upholstery materials
Ability to use hand tools and power tools, such as sewing machines, staple guns, and riveting machines
Strong attention to detail
Ability to recognize and correct flaws in upholstery
Knowledge of safety protocols
Good problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills
Good organizational skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Industrial Upholsterers play a vital role in the manufacturing of furniture, automotive seating, and other products. An Industrial Upholsterer must have an eye for detail, a creative eye for design, and the technical skill to complete complex projects. Attention to details is essential for accurate measurements and precise cuts.

An Industrial Upholsterer must also have the ability to work with a variety of fabrics, leathers and vinyls, understanding the properties of each material and how they interact with the product they are working on. Creative design skills are needed to create custom furniture and seating, as well as the ability to interpret customer wishes and ideas. Lastly, good problem-solving skills are required in order to troubleshoot any issues that arise during production and installation.

With these skills, an Industrial Upholsterer can create lasting products that meet customer demand.

Upholstery Tester, Marine Upholsterer, and Upholstery Sewing Machine Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with industrial upholstery?
How do you handle difficult customer requests?
Describe a challenging project you have completed in the past.
What techniques do you use for upholstering large-scale projects?
What safety precautions do you take when upholstering industrial furniture?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?
What do you do to ensure quality control on your projects?
What challenges have you faced as an upholsterer and how did you overcome them?
Describe a time when you had to work quickly and efficiently to meet a deadline.
How do you stay up to date with current trends and materials used in industrial upholstery?

Common Tools in Industry

Staple Gun. Used to attach fabric to frame with staples. (eg: attaching fabric to the back of a chair).
Sewing Machine. Used to stitch fabric together. (eg: sewing a patch onto a seat cushion).
Upholstery Hammer. Used for tacking and stretching upholstery. (eg: hammering in tacks to securely attach fabric to a chair frame).
Scissors. Used to cut fabric to size. (eg: trimming excess fabric from a cushion).
Upholstery Needle. Used for tufting and other detailed stitching. (eg: creating diamond tufts on a headboard).
Webbing Stretcher. Used to stretch webbing over frames. (eg: stretching jute webbing over a chair frame).
Foam Cutter. Used to cut foam to size. (eg: cutting foam to fit cushions).
Edge Trimmer. Used to trim excess fabric and foam from edges. (eg: trimming excess fabric from around a cushion).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)
Association of Professional Upholsterers (APU)
American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA)
International Association of Professional Upholsterers (IAPU)
National Upholstery Association (NUA)
Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA)
International Contract Furnishing and Upholstery Association (ICFA)
Furniture Makers' Company (FMC)

We also have Foam Cutter/Upholsterer, Recreational Vehicle Upholsterer, and Upholstery Machine Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Foam. A soft, compressible material commonly used as the cushioning material in upholstery.
Webbing. A strong, woven fabric used to provide support for the upholstery.
Upholstery Fabric. A variety of fabrics used to cover upholstered furniture.
Springs. Steel or steel-clad coils used to provide support and shape to the upholstery.
Wadding. A soft material placed between the layers of upholstery fabric to help create a smooth, comfortable surface.
Cushioning. Padding or stuffing used to provide comfort and support in upholstered furniture.
Reupholstering. The process of replacing the upholstery on an existing piece of furniture.
Upholstery Tools. Specialized tools used to cut and shape fabric, foam, and other materials used in upholstering.
Upholstery Tacks. Small metal pins used to secure the fabric and other materials to the furniture frame.
Upholstery Nails. Longer metal pins used to secure the fabric and other materials to the furniture frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Industrial Upholsterer?

An Industrial Upholsterer is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in upholstering furniture and other items for commercial use.

What skills are required to be an Industrial Upholsterer?

Industrial Upholsterers must possess strong sewing and upholstery skills, as well as a knowledge of furniture design, fabrics and materials, and the ability to read and understand technical drawings.

What tools are used by an Industrial Upholsterer?

Common tools used by an Industrial Upholsterer include an upholstery hammer, staple gun, scissors, needle, thread, measuring tape, tacks, and webbing stretcher.