Do You Have Any Questions?
What Factors are Important in Choosing a Reupholsterer?
Good Workmanship
Ask to see the upholstery workroom and examine the quality of completed projects. Kay Chesterfield has a 10,000 square foot facility which is a combination showroom and two work rooms, and a warehouse.
Length of Time in Business
Be sure your upholsterer will be around in the years to come in case you have any problems with your upholstery job. The longer a company has been in business may be an indication of the amount of repeat business it has and the reputation it has established. Kay Chesterfield Co. has been in business since 1921.
Fabric Selection
A good upholsterer should have a good selection of currently available fabrics. These fabrics may be in inventory or may need to be ordered. Kay Chesterfield Co. has both in-stock fabrics as well as sample books from which to order.
Reasonable Turnaround Time
Your furniture should not be gone for an unreasonable amount of time. Our average turnaround time depends on the season, and is usually no longer that four weeks from when the furniture is picked up, and in some cases, smaller jobs are completed more quickly.
Free Estimates
Most upholsterers will provide a free in-home estimate of the cost of reupholstering your furniture. Kay Chesterfield salespersons are available for free in-home estimates by appointment.
Pick Up and Delivery
Pick up and delivery should be available for the customer. Kay Chesterfield offers this service for a charge which is based on the size and quantity of furniture.
References
Available upon request.
What Information is Necessary for an Approximate Quote Over the Phone?
- Be able to describe the type of furniture (sofa, lounge chair, bench, dining chair, etc.)
- Indicate the number of seat and back cushions
- Be able to describe the style, if you know it. (Contemporary, traditional, etc.)
- Be able to describe the general condition of the piece:
"It only needs new fabric."
"It may need new padding and cushions."
"It's a fabulous piece, but the frame is loose and the springs are falling out." - Is there any wood on the furniture? Will it need refinishing?
- Are there to be any changes in the style or design?
- Be able to indicate color and type of fabric you will need.
- Indicate if you will be providing your own fabric.
How Much Fabric Do Different Types of Furniture Require?
Each piece of furniture must be looked at individually to determine the exact amount of yardage which will be required for reupholstery. In addition, the pattern (or repeat) of the fabric must be taken into consideration.
The following is meant as a general guide for the amount of PLAIN fabric which is required for different types of furniture.
- 7’ Sofa with 3 seat and 3 back cushions: 16 to 18 yards
- 5' Loveseat with 2 seat and back cushions: 13 to 15 yards
- Lounge Chair with loose seat and back cushion: 7 to 8 yards
- Ottoman with skirt and attached cushion top: 3 to 4 yards
- Wing Chair (no skirt): 6.5 to 7 yards
- Queen Anne settee (no skirt): 8 to 10 yards
- Dining Room Chair Seat (removable): 2/3 yards for 2 seat covers
- Dining Room Chair Seats, Boxed with Welting: 1 yard each
What Does it Mean to Railroad Fabric?
Most upholstery fabric is sold by the yard and comes 54" wide. Many upholstery fabrics are designed to that they can be RAILROADED. This means that if you turn the bolt on end and roll out the fabric from left to right, the pattern would be continuous across the roll. Fabric which is woven this way is particularly useful in sofas. If a fabric can be railroaded, this eliminates seams on the outside back of a large sofa. If a fabric is not woven to be railroaded, the fabric is used OFF THE ROLL.