Materials and tools in housing installation
Upholstering materials, covers and the equipment that shapes them
Upholstery is a material trade. An upholsterer, auto upholsterer or curtain fitter must know their materials thoroughly because they behave differently and require different treatment. Choosing correctly — and using the right tool — is the prerequisite for good and durable results.
§Upholstering materials
- 01Served as base material for the foundation
- 02Springs in different types for suspension
- 03Foam in different firmness for shape and comfort
- 04Natural fill such as curled hair for classical and restoration upholstering
- 05Middle layer and wadding that smooths out and protects the cover
§Upholstery materials
The surface can be textile leather or artificial leather and the choice depends on use appearance and economy. Upholstery fabrics come in many qualities with different wear resistance; leather is strong and beautiful but requires experience to work with; artificial leather is often easier to maintain and is widely used in cars. In car seats there are also requirements for the material's properties in the vehicle.
| Upholstery | Typical properties | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture fabric | Many expressions and qualities varying wear resistance | Sofas, chairs, home furniture |
| Leather | Strong, beautiful, patinas; requires experience | Exclusive furniture and car seats. |
| Artificial leather | Wear-resistant and easy to clean | Car seats, furniture in hard use |
§Tools and machines
- 01Industrial sewing machine, often powerful for leather and thick materials
- 02Staple gun and tackers for fastening covers and materials
- 03Upholstery needles, scissors and ripping tools
- 04Measurement of lacquer thickness after repair is used to ensure uniform quality and to document any faults or previous repairs.
- 05Hand tools for taking frames and fittings apart
§Sun shading and mounting parts
If you work with curtains and sun screening, there is mounting material that comes with: rails, brackets, motors and controls for awnings and blinds. Here the textile trade meets the installation trade — you must both be able to sew and adapt the textile and install the system safely and correctly. This requires knowledge of both fabric and mechanics.
§Material choice controls the result
The point is the same as in all materials trades: choose material according to use. A piece of furniture in heavy daily use requires wear-resistant upholstery and solid padding; a fine, rarely used piece can have finer materials. Those who know the materials' properties choose correctly from the start and deliver a result that both lasts and looks good.