F.A.Q.'s
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Reupholstery
Michael's Custom Built, Inc.

Is there really a Michael?

Yes. Michael does exist. At 16 years old he apprenticed at an upholstery shop in Nevada where his mother was a seamstress. As a young man he moved to the Bay Area and worked in several different upholstery shops. Opening Michael’s in San Rafael in 1983. He still enjoys the creative nature and the challenges of the business that confront him daily.

Why should I recover my sofa instead of buying a new one?

The sofa that you already own may have a value to it that is hard to put a price on. Your sofa may fit the space perfectly, it may be comfortable or it may have some sentimental value. Frequently when you shop for a new sofa to replace your old, you find that the new ones are too wide, too tall, too small, too soft or too hard. Often your sofa is really just perfect and you did not realize it until you try to replace it. Maybe the only thing wrong with your sofa is the fabric. Cheap new furniture is achieved using inferior low-priced frames, fabric, and padding. Good quality furniture will perform superbly many years after the discount pieces have been hauled to the dump. If the style of your piece fits the space and your needs and is no longer available new, having it recovered can make any sows ear into a silk purse!

Is it worth getting Grandma’s sofa or chair recovered?

A well-made frame is always a good value to reupholster. Older furniture is usually made from solid hardwood unlike much of the new furniture being sold today. In fact, an old sound frame upholstered with a wonderful new fabric can rival or be superior to any new high-end piece.

Should I reupholster or slipcover?

If your furniture is worn out and needs the springs and fillings worked on, then you should reupholster it. If your furniture is in good condition and you like the fabric but it just doesn’t go with your current color scheme, then maybe a slipcover is a good idea. Other good reasons to slipcover include; your pets and/or your children use your furniture and you want to be able to clean it easily; you want the option of two “looks” for your room, light colored in the summer, dark in the winter or you just really like the more casual look of a slipcover.

Where can I find an ottoman to match my club chair?

Right here at Michael’s! We can build an ottoman or any other type of upholstered furniture. We can duplicate your favorite chair or copy the sofa you found in a magazine. We build new sofas, chairs, loveseats and ottomans as well as headboards, upholstered beds and banquettes.

What do you do to my furniture?

• We remove all the old fabric.
• We re-web and retie the springs as needed.
• We re-pad the frame and apply the new fabric.
• We recover the cushions and replace the fill if needed using a variety of products (down/feather, Dacron, cotton, and foam) depending on the wishes of the clients.
• We add the finishing touches, decorative trims, skirts, and toss pillows.
• Finally, each piece is personally inspected for quality workmanship.

What kind of fabric selection does Michael’s have?

Our showroom displays over 400 fabric sample books. We have accounts with most of the major designer fabric companies. You can borrow books to view in your own home. We also can order larger fabric samples to help make your selection easier.

How much fabric to I need to recover my … ?

Your average sofa will need between 18 and 22 yards of fabric. A loveseat usually needs between 16 to 18 yards; a club chair will need 7 to 9 yards and an ottoman about 4 yards. Remember that the size and style of the furniture and the fabric can affect the amount of fabric needed.

Why have I been given different yardage quotes on the same piece of furniture?

Each workroom will have it's own style of cutting, the layout will differ and so will the yardage. Large prints and plaids will also affect the total yardage.

Will this yardage be enough to include welt cord/piping?
Does yardage change when using contrasting welt cord/piping?

Yes, the yardage includes welt cord or piping. When using a contrasting welt, your basic yardage may remain the same with additional yardage for the welt.

I found this fabric at … Will you work with my own materials?

Yes, It is not necessary to purchase fabric from us. We do not charge a cutting or COM (customers own fabric) fee.

Can someone come to my home to measure my furniture and give me an estimate?

We usually quote a price either over the phone based on your measurements or description or in our office with the help of photos. If the job is unusual or has many varied pieces we are happy to make a house call. We need the basic length (outside arm to outside arm) and style (number of cushions, buttons, skirt) of your furniture to quote labor prices and yardage.

How can I get an estimate?

Call us at 415.459.0208, fax us at 415.459.1137, email us at mail@michaelsupholstery.com, or better yet come in and see us at
1455 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, 94901.

See our contact information.