Upholsterer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Upholsterers (7341) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Upholsterers (H511) 
• 2011 NOC: Upholsterers (6345) 
• 2016 NOC: Upholsterers (6345) 

Custom upholsterers usually work in small shops where they make new furniture from standard patterns. They make, or sometimes rebuild, an entire piece of furniture. They may help customers choose fabrics and styles. Some highly skilled custom upholsterers design and produce furniture according to customer specifications.

Production upholsterers work in factories. They most often specialize in one area of new furniture production. They work on an assembly line performing one function. They then pass the furniture on to others to finish.

Re-upholsterers recondition old furniture. In general, they:

• Remove the old cover and padding
• Examine the springing and, if required, replace it with webbing, coil springs, or sinuous springs
• Build the chair or sofa up with loose fibre stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding
• Shape and form the stuffing
• Measure and cut fabric to fit each part of the furniture
• Shape and mark fabric for sewing
• Sew fabric and cushions
• Fit the fabric to the furniture
• Staple or sew the fabric in place

Re-upholsterers also fix furniture by repairing split seams, replacing broken springs, and replacing foam in seat cushions.

Upholstery work requires considerable standing, bending, and stooping. It may involve handling heavy pieces of furniture.

Upholsterers use a variety of hand tools. These include measuring tapes, pneumatic staplers, hammers, scissors, and pliers. They must be careful to avoid injury. They work indoors in shops or factories. These are usually well lit and clean, although sometimes dusty.

Hours of work vary. Production upholsterers most often work shifts. Custom upholsterers and re-upholsterers who own their own shops may work long, irregular hours to meet customer demands.

Upholsterers need:

• Manual dexterity and co-ordination
• Good vision
• Physical strength and endurance
• Self-motivation
• Problem-solving skills

A flair for colour and the creative use of fabrics is an asset.

Upholsterers should enjoy using tools and machinery to perform precision tasks. They should like having clear guidelines and methods for their work. They should feel at ease dealing with customers.

Most production upholsterers work in furniture factories. Some work at home and are paid by the amount of fabric used. Most custom upholsterers are self-employed. However, some work in small shops that employ fewer than 5 people. Some upholsterers work for furniture stores and businesses, such as:

• Hotel chains
• Railways
• Airlines
• Automotive manufacturers

Experienced production upholsterers may advance to supervisory positions depending on their experience, management ability, and the size of the business. Experienced custom upholsterers may open their own shops.

In Alberta, 84% of people employed as upholsterers work in the following industries:

•  Other Services (pdf)
•  Manufacturing (pdf)

The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.