UPHOLSTERERS California Occupational Guide Number 36 Interest Area 5-C 1998
THE JOB
UPHOLSTERERS create custom furniture and recondition old or worn upholstered furniture using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods. These skilled crafts workers build or repair frames and add or replace fabrics, springs, and webbing. Some upholsterers repair and replace automobile upholstery and convertible and vinyl tops.
Upholstering involves several steps. When making furniture, Upholsterers start with a wooden frame and build on that foundation. When reconditioning furniture, Upholsterers first remove the old or worn fabric. If it is necessary, they remove the burlap and padding that cover the springs. They then examine the springs and replace any broken or bent ones. They also remove the webbing, which holds the springs in place, if it is worn. Once the frame is exposed, Upholsterers may reglue loose sections or refinish wooden parts.
The next step is to interweave and fasten strips of webbing to the back and underside of the furniture, using tacks or staples. The springs are then placed in position and tied with twine. In modern furniture, coil springs have been replaced by other types such as "sinuous" or "no-sag" springs. Burlap is used to form a covering for the material that pads the springs. Cotton and foam rubber are examples of materials used for padding. Upholsterers then cut the upholstery fabric, sew it where necessary, and fit it smoothly onto the finished padding work. Upholsterers complete the job by making pillow covers and sewing or tacking on fringes, buttons, or other ornaments.
Upholsterers use several small hand tools and fasteners in their work, including hammers, staple guns, tack and staple removers, shears, and pliers. A special tool, the webbing stretcher, is used to stretch the webbing and the fabric. Upholstery needles and a sewing machine are used in the sewing stages.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Skill as an Upholsterer can lead to the opening of a small business. Many Upholsterers work out of their homes, garages or open small shops. A larger segment of Upholsterers is employed in larger upholstery shops or in businesses that have a steady need for upholstery work, such as furniture stores, auto repair shops, or department stores. The work is not dangerous but workers must guard against bruises, tool cuts, and back strain from lifting. The work involves standing for long periods, frequent stooping, and lifting. Upholsterers usually furnish their own hand tools. Some belong to one of several labor unions.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division
Estimated number of workers in 1993 4,900 Estimated number of workers in 2005 5,930 Projected Growth 1993-2005 21% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 650
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment prospects for well-qualified Upholsterers are fair as there is a shortage of workers who are able to both build quality custom furniture and perform repair work. Applicants who are experienced only in production- line upholstery may have difficulty entering the custom field without retraining. Marginally qualified workers will experience difficulty in obtaining jobs. The best opportunities are in larger custom shops, most of which produce custom furniture to order as well as perform repair work. Many of these shops do contract work for department and furniture stores that have stopped doing their own upholstery work in-house.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
In nonunion shops, entry-level Upholsterers typically earn the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour. Wages increase to between $6.00 and $16.00 per hour at the journey-level. Fringe benefits vary from shop to shop.
Union wages are paid either as a guaranteed hourly rate or on a piece-work basis. The guaranteed rate averages $6.50 to $10.00 per hour, while piece- rate workers earn an average of $13.00 per hour. Some highly skilled workers may earn up to $20.00 or more per hour on a piece-work basis. Union workers are generally covered by employer-paid health insurance and pension plans, and are given a two week vacation and nine paid holidays per year. The standard workweek is 40 hours.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The most common way to enter the upholstering trade is to start as a helper in an upholstery shop. Under the direction of experienced workers, helpers learn the upholstering process by doing one or two simple tasks such as removing old fabric, padding, or springs. As helpers acquire experience, they move on to more difficult tasks. The on-the-job training can be completed in two to three years if the helper shows initiative and learns quickly.
In some parts of the State there are union-employer sponsored formal apprenticeship programs that consist of three years of on-the-job training supplemented by classroom instruction. Also, some community colleges and adult education schools offer certificate and associate degree upholstery programs.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities in small shops are limited. Experienced Upholsterers with above-average skills and organizational ability may be able to obtain higher salaries and be promoted to lead-person or shop supervisor in large shops.
Another alternative for experienced Upholsterers is to start their own businesses. A license must be obtained from the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, part of the State Department of Consumer Affairs, prior to opening a furniture upholstery shop. Competition in the field is keen and the successful operation of a shop may prove difficult if the Upholsterer lacks management skills in addition to those required to perform quality upholstery work.
FINDING THE JOB
Workers can sometimes find work by contacting local Furniture Workers Unions in their community or nearby areas. Applicants may also register for work with the California Employment Development Department. They should also apply for work directly to custom shops and businesses that maintain their own furniture, such as fine hotels, large department stores, and furniture stores.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation 3485 Orange Grove Avenue North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 322-4023
Furniture Workers Union AFL-CIO, Local 721 10015 Rosehill Avenue Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 695-0571
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Furniture Finishers No. 145 Sewing Machine Operators No. 146
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Automobile Upholsterer 780.381-010 Furniture Upholsterer 780.381-018 Upholsterer, Inside 780.381-038 Upholstery Repairer 780.684-122
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Upholsterers 895080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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