Other Skilled Trades Upholstery 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of webbing in furniture upholstery?
- To serve as the outer decorative fabric
- To provide a supportive base layer across the frame for springs or cushioning (Correct answer)
- To attach the fabric cover to the frame
- To add visible texture to the furniture base
Correct answer: To provide a supportive base layer across the frame for springs or cushioning
Webbing is interlaced or layered across the furniture frame to provide a supportive foundation for coil springs or foam padding.
Question 2: What foam type is most commonly used in upholstered seat cushions?
- Open-cell polyurethane foam (Correct answer)
- Closed-cell polyethylene foam
- Reticulated latex foam
- Visco-elastic memory foam
Correct answer: Open-cell polyurethane foam
Open-cell polyurethane foam is the most widely used seat cushion material because it provides good support, rebounds quickly, and allows air circulation.
Question 3: What tool is used to remove old staples when reupholstering furniture?
- Needle-nose pliers alone
- Staple remover or tack puller (Correct answer)
- Claw hammer
- Utility knife
Correct answer: Staple remover or tack puller
A staple remover or tack puller is used to get under old staples or tacks and pry them free without splitting or gouging the furniture frame.
Question 4: What does double rub count measure when evaluating upholstery fabric?
- The thread count of the woven fabric
- The number of back-and-forth friction cycles before wear shows (Correct answer)
- The number of colors in the pattern repeat
- The weight of the fabric per linear yard
Correct answer: The number of back-and-forth friction cycles before wear shows
Double rub count measures fabric durability by counting how many back-and-forth friction cycles the fabric can withstand before showing wear.
Question 5: What dual purpose does welt cord or piping serve in upholstery?
- Structural frame support and weight reduction
- Decorative trim and reinforcement of upholstery seams (Correct answer)
- Cushion support and spring attachment
- Frame attachment and moisture protection
Correct answer: Decorative trim and reinforcement of upholstery seams
Welt cord or piping is sewn into seams to serve as both a decorative finished edge and a reinforcement that strengthens the seam.
Question 6: What is the correct technique for attaching fabric to a curved surface?
- Cut straight pieces and stretch them across
- Pleat or notch the fabric to relieve tension and conform to the curve (Correct answer)
- Stretch the fabric as aggressively as possible
- Add extra layers to fill the curve
Correct answer: Pleat or notch the fabric to relieve tension and conform to the curve
Pleating or notching fabric at regular intervals removes excess material and allows the fabric to lie flat and smooth against curved surfaces without puckering.
Other Skilled Trades Upholstery 1
What is the primary purpose of webbing in furniture upholstery?