JOB DESCRIPTION
Upholsterers select, cut, sew and fit fabric or leather materials to furniture and repair damaged furniture. Upholsterers generally work in workshops but occasionally may be required to work in clients' homes or other sites. Upholsterers stand for most of the day, as the furniture is normally placed on a benchtop while work is carried out.
DUTIES AND TASKS
Upholsterers may perform the following tasks:
- discuss colour, fabric, style and cost of upholstery with clients
- repair upholstered furniture by replacing covers, webbing, padding and springs
- staple lengths of webbing (a wide tape) on to the underside of the furniture frame
- stretch webbing from side to side, interlacing it to form a base for the padding
- lace tops of springs together to prevent sideways movement and staple hessian to the frame
- cut and fit foam padding
- measure and cut covering material, join sections and tack fabric onto the furniture frame
- cover staples with decorative braid, trim, buttons or nails and attach calico to the underside of the furniture.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- enjoy practical and manual work
- able to work neatly and accurately
- able to work independently or as part of a team
- interested in furniture
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- normal colour vision
- good hand-eye coordination