Upholsterers

Career summary

Upholsterers may also be called furniture upholsterers.

Upholsterers replace worn or outdated coverings on old furniture. Sometimes they upholster new furniture.

When working on a used piece of furniture, upholsterers begin by removing the old covering and padding. They inspect the wood frame inside the furniture for defects and loose pieces. Upholsterers do minor repairs such as gluing or refinishing. More extensive repairs are given to woodworkers.

When the frame is ready, upholsterers tightly stretch and attach webbing strips across the frame. Upholsterers position and attach the springs so they are even and secured to the webbing and frame. The springs are covered with burlap cloth. Upholsters place padding or stuffing made of cotton, foam, or other synthetic fibers over the burlap.

Upholsters stack and measure pieces of fabric. They cut pieces, creating as little waste as possible. They sew pieces together to create pillows. Upholsters attach the fabric onto the furniture and make adjustments as needed. After they make the final adjustments, they secure the fabric firmly with glue, tacks, or staples. Upholsterers also attach fringe, buttons, or other decorations.

Sometimes upholsterers pick up and deliver the furniture they work on. They also help customers pick new coverings by providing samples of fabrics and pictures of finished pieces.

Some upholsterers work on automotive or airplane interiors. They make, install, or repair seat covers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Cabinetmakers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Furniture Finishers
• Sewing Machine Operators
• Shoe and Leather Workers
• Tailors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to upholsterers.

• Remove old covering. Use a hammer or tack puller to remove staples, nails, and tacks.
• Check furniture frame for defects.
• Make minor repairs to frame.
• Attach webbing to frame.
• Attach springs to webbing and frame.
• Cover springs with burlap cloth.
• Add padding to form a smooth rounded surface.
• Stack and smooth material for outer covering on cutting table.
• Measure and cut new material.
• Fit and sew fabric pieces together.
• Attach fabric to frame. Make adjustments to ensure a tight, smooth fit.
• Glue, staple, or tack fabric to frame.
• Attach ornaments, fringes, or rivets as necessary.
• Pick up and deliver furniture.

Common work activities

Upholsterers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Think creatively
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Evaluate information against standards
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Control machines and processes
• Schedule work and activities
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, upholsterers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction with other people. They usually work alone while upholstering furniture. However, they also talk to customers or supervisors, usually in person.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• May work as part of a team.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations where others may be upset about the finished product.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors. However, work places may not have air conditioning or heating.
• Occasionally wear safety or protective attire.
• Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels, such as from sewing machines.
• Work physically near others.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work in order to meet customer needs.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals in cooperation with other workers, customers, and supervisors.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week. May work longer if self-employed.
• May work weekends if their job requires them to meet with customers.

Physical demands

Upholsterers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for upholsterers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for upholsterers to be able to:

• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Upholsterers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs

Other programs of study to consider

• Apparel and Textiles
• Crafts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts

Training

To work as an upholsterer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some upholsterers learn their skills at professional-technical schools or two-year colleges. These programs usually last one year or less and grant a certificate.

On-the-job training

Most upholsterers learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Training typically lasts up to one year.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added this as apprenticeship is directly related prog. Lh 4/12/12. Info still ok 5/8/13, 4/15/15; no apprenticeships noted on L&I website right now (4/2015), but have seen them in the past, cj. Contact info still ok 2/22/17 & 3/11/19 cj. Mainly seeing L&I apprenticeships for Auto Machinists that make some reference to upholstery work under body and fender section of standards, 3/11/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Clothing Sewing and Design
• Interior Design
• Physical Education
• Stagecraft
• Textiles
• Woodworking

Many upholsterers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for people with some knowledge of upholstery. They also look for good coordination and strength for lifting heavy objects. Upholsters must also have an eye for detail and creativity. Many employers require that upholsterers have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Completion of high school industrial arts courses or vocational training is desirable. Some employers consider a work record which demonstrates dependability, good work habits, and compatibility with other employees more important than education. Employers also look for applicants who are willing to learn, have good basic math skills, and can use hand tools.

Tips

Apply for jobs as an upholstery helper to learn the skills necessary for this type of work.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Some workers may be required to supply their own hand tools.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Upholsterers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies by the size of employer, type of work, and location of the job. Some upholsterers are paid by the piece rather than by the hour.

Full-time upholsterers usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed upholsterers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 14% of upholsterers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Household furniture manufacturers
• Furniture repair shops
• Office furniture manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will show little to no change. Furniture production is moving to other countries where labor costs are lower. As a result, there will be fewer jobs for upholsterers in this country. In addition, the use of more durable fabrics has led to a decline in the need for upholstery repairs in cars.

Demand for repairs will continue at a steady rate for valuable pieces of furniture. However, only the most experienced upholsters work on these pieces and job turnover is low.

Most job openings for upholsterers will be a result of people retiring or leaving the occupation for other work.

Other resources

Insider's take on upholstery as a full time career 

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Upholsterers (51-6093.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Automobile Upholsterer (780.381-010) 
• Automobile-upholsterer Apprentice (780.381-014) 
• Furniture Upholsterer (780.381-018) 
• Furniture-upholsterer Apprentice (780.381-022) 
• Slipcover Cutter (780.381-034) 
• Upholsterer (780.384-014) 
• Upholsterer, Inside (780.381-038) 
• Upholsterer, Limousine and Hearse (780.381-026) 
• Upholstery Repairer (780.684-122) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Consumer Economics