Being able to upholster something at home is an incredibly useful skill.
Upholstery staple guns are available as electric or pneumatic (air-powered) models.
Electric Staple Guns
Electric powered staple guns are extremely convenient.
With no compressor there is no loud annoying noise.
But electric staple guns lack the power and performance of a pneumatic staple gun.
These performance issues waste time and make upholstery work much more difficult.
Pneumatic Staple Guns
Pneumatic staple guns are air-powered and require a separate air-compressor to run.
But anair compressorcan set you back at least $100 more.
If portability isnt an issue, then a pneumatic stapler is the way to go.
The video below shows a great comparison between an electric and pneumatic staple gun.
Note the power and speed from the pneumatic stapler.
When shopping for an upholstery stapler, look for these three features.
Extended Long Nose: This will help you staple in those hard to reach areas.
Only found on pneumatic staplers.
The smaller sized staples are easier to work with.
If you have an old worn piece thats been in the family for years, its probably worth reupholstering.
A piece of furniture that fits a specific area is also worth saving.
The older, the better.
A chair that is 15-20 years or older and is still standing is a great sign of quality.
Inspect the chair by checking the legs and frame for any cracks or splits in the wood.
Look for coil springs in chairs and sofas.
Press down on the seat and feel for springs and look under the seat to see springs.
A quality sofa should be heavy and not easy to pickup which is a sign of solid wood.
The biggest decision during the reupholstering process is choosing a new fabric.
Once youve made your selection,this chartshows you how much fabric you will need.
A typical sofa uses about 13 yards of fabric and a typical chair uses about 7 yards.
Upholstery fabric costs between $20 and $70 per yard or more, depending on quality.
Visit your localJo-Annor fabric store and get hands on with the fabric.
As you start recovering your furniture, work one section at a time.
Line up your new fabric in the piece and use your staple gun to secure it.
Add extra batting and cushioning if needed.
Check out the video above to see a professional in action.
it’s possible for you to also learn to reupholster is by taking a group class.
Students will work on different pieces and everyone learns on multiple types of furniture.
Check your local community college or continuing education centers.
you’re able to also call local upholsterers in your area and ask their suggestions.
Photos byModHomeEc,Wikipedia Commons,Porter-Cable,Kathryn Esposito, andAnn Dabney.
