Your Expert Guide to Beautiful, Long-Lasting Furniture
Born from 17 years of hands-on work—countless hours surrounded by sawdust, springs, and stunning makeovers—this handbook delivers real-world upholstery wisdom without the fluff. Recall that challenging 2008 project, where a crumbling Edwardian armchair was brought back to life, layer by layer? That spirit of meticulous restoration and practical know-how runs through every page. Whether you’re tackling your first DIY reupholstery or honing advanced techniques, consider this your go-to guide for mastering the art of furniture revival.
Choosing the right fabric isn’t just about looks—it’s about life. We rigorously test every textile in-house, using Martindale rub tests (think thousands of simulated “bottoms” sliding!) and accelerated UV chambers to predict real-world fade. Here’s your cheat sheet for the top 2025 performers:
Jargon Buster Rub Count: Durability rating (25,000+ is good for homes). Crib 5: Meets stringent UK safety standards for domestic use. UV Stability: Resistance to fading in sunlight.
Essential Kit: pneumatic staplers for consistent tension; industrial steam press for crisp seams; traditional stuffing irons & regulators for flawless shaping of natural fillings.
(Includes diagram of cross-section showing spring-tying & foam layering.)
We don’t guess—we guarantee. Every project follows our rigorous 25-Point Quality Checklist, covering:
Backed by: - 5-Year Structural Warranty - 90-Day Craftsmanship Service Guarantee
Before: Collapsed seat (max load 60 kg), torn leather, unstable frame. After: Restored frame (tested to 200 kg!), fitted new heritage hide leather, traditional horsehair stuffing. Turnaround: 6 weeks
“It looks and feels like it just left the factory in 1920—but more comfortable! The attention to detail is breathtaking.”— Jake Chorlton, Surrey
Before: Stained, sagging, fabric worn thin. After: Rebuilt cushions, new Crypton Velvet in ‘Storm Grey’. Result: Survives three kids and a spaniel looking pristine.
“Spill? What spill? Wiped off juice with a cloth, no stain, no panic. Worth every penny.”— Bruce Barker, London
Answer: Crypton® Velvet or Aquaclean™ Canvas (both 50,000+ rub counts). Crypton repels liquids and releases stains with water (tested against pet accidents!). Aquaclean lets you erase spills with H₂O. Both exceed UK domestic standards (BS 5852 Crib 5). Avoid loose weaves or silks.
Answer: Varies by piece complexity: • Dining Chair: £120-£200 per chair (fabric extra) • 3-Seater Sofa: £800-£2,500+ (includes springs, fillings, labour) Key factors: Frame repairs, fabric choice (linen vs. leather), detailing (tufting/piping). Pro Tip: Restoration often costs less than buying new quality furniture!
Answer: Yes – IF the frame is sound. Steps include deep-cleaning & disinfecting frame/springs, replacing all padding/foam (to eliminate mould spores), and using antimicrobial fabrics like Crypton®. ⚠️ Severe rot or structural damage may be uneconomical.
Answer: Top-quality full-grain leather lasts 15-20+ years (ages beautifully) but shows scratches. Performance fabrics (e.g., Crypton®, Warwick) offer 10-15+ years with superior stain and scratch resistance. For heavy use: fabric; for luxury and patina: leather.
Answer: Simple projects (dining chairs, headboards) – yes! Complex pieces (sofas, sprung armchairs) – best left to professionals. DIY pitfalls include underestimating frame and spring repairs, incorrect tension (leading to sagging or wrinkles), and wasted fabric due to cutting errors. Start with basic upholstery kits and video tutorials for your first projects.