Process
No two projects are the same, but some guidance on how I find it best to work:
Furniture Consultations
If you would like to discuss a project you would be most welcome to make an appointment and bring it along to my workshop near Ledbury in Herefordshire. This is the most accurate way for me to assess the condition of the piece and to measure it up so that I can provide a quotation for the labour cost and for the top fabric meterage requirement.
If you are unable to visit me in person then photos and measurements sent by email are a good alternative to start our discussion. It is useful to have photos from all angles and rough measurements of the width, height and depth of the piece.
If you would like to discuss a bespoke commission then it would be useful to have an idea of dimensions along with images of any design reference.
Fabric Consultations
You may already have a fabric in mind for your piece of furniture, in which case I will need to know a few details in order to give an accurate estimate for the meterage required. The following should be readily available in the information given by the fabric supplier:
1. What is the fabric width?
Generally the wider the fabric the less the meterage required.
2. What is the vertical & horizontal fabric repeat?
Fabric patterns ideally need to be matched and symmetrical to make a piece of furniture look visually balanced. This means that the larger the pattern, the higher meterage required.
3. What is the Martindale/rub count?
This is an indication of how hard-wearing a fabric will be on your piece of furniture. Fabric for headboards and occasional chairs can have a rub count from 15,000; for upholstery that is regularly used, you will want to ensure it is over 20,000 and ideally 30,000 for heavy-use pieces.
4. Does the fabric have a pile?
Pile is the raised surface or nap of a fabric, consisting of upright loops or strands of yarn. Example fabrics include corduroy, velvet and chenille and can be recognised by shade changes when the fabric is brushed one way and then the other. Pile fabrics require a higher meterage than non-pile fabrics because the pattern pieces all need to be cut in the same direction to avoid shading differences when they are fixed to the furniture.
Other details that will affect the meterage required include whether the piece has removable seat and back cushions in addition to the fixed upholstery, and whether piping in the matching fabric is required.
Fabric Quantities
Below is a very rough meterage guide which may be helpful for budgeting when shopping for fabric options:
Piece & Meterage
Dining Chair Seat Pad: 0.5m
Ottoman Footstool: 1.5-2m
Armless Nursing Chair: 2.5-3m
Wing Armchair: 5-6m
Chaise Lounge: 5-6m
Club Armchair: 6-7m
2 Seater Sofa: 11-15m
3 Seater Sofa: 14-18m
If you do not yet have a chosen fabric then I can give advice and may also be able to get a trade discount for you depending on the fabric supplier.
Quotes & Payment
I can give an initial estimate of the labour cost involved based on the type of furniture piece and proposed level of work but a final fixed quotation is only possible once the piece has been measured, the fabric chosen and a design brief agreed.
I will also give an estimate of timescale for completion from receipt of fabric.
A deposit of 50% is payable before work commences, with the balance is payable on completion.
Collection & Delivery
I offer a free collection and delivery service on any piece small enough to fit in my car within a 20 mile radius of my workshop near Ledbury, Herefordshire. For large pieces you would be most welcome to arrange a van collection and delivery service to and from my workshop.