Commercial Upholsterer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of interior design and construction, the role of commercial upholsterers is undeniably crucial.

As the demand for aesthetic appeal and comfort in commercial spaces continues to grow, so does the need for skilled craftsmen who can refurbish, design, and protect our commercial furnishings.

But let’s delve deeper: What is really expected from a commercial upholsterer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the craft of commercial upholstery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable commercial upholsterer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Commercial Upholsterer Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Upholsterers are skilled professionals who restore and repair upholstered furniture, fixtures, and other products commonly used in commercial settings.

They use their expertise in working with various fabrics and materials to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of these items.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients or design teams to understand their upholstery needs and preferences
• Removing old fabric, padding, webbing, or springs from furniture or fixtures
• Measuring and cutting new fabric or leather, using patterns and measuring tools
• Sewing upholstery and attaching fasteners, grommets, buttons, and other decorative features
• Building or repairing wooden frames for upholstery
• Fitting, installing, and securing material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples
• Inspecting completed work to ensure conformance to specifications, quality, and standards
• Estimating material costs and time needed to complete projects
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work area
• Ordering and maintaining inventory of fabrics, padding, and other upholstery supplies

 

Commercial Upholsterer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Commercial Upholsterer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for crafting and repairing upholstered furniture and fixtures in commercial settings.

The Commercial Upholsterer will need to have a strong understanding of various materials like leather and fabric, and be proficient in techniques such as sewing, tufting, and buttoning.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with all aspects of upholstery including measuring, cutting, and attaching coverings.

 

Responsibilities

• Measure, cut, and sew fabric or leather, and attach to furniture using various upholstery tools
• Inspect furniture and fixtures for defects and damage
• Remove and replace worn or damaged upholstery, padding, and springs
• Create templates or patterns for new or unique furniture pieces
• Collaborate with designers and clients to discuss reupholstery options and fabric selection
• Repair and maintain upholstery tools and equipment
• Keep work area clean and organized
• Ensure safety measures are followed during all work processes
• Estimate material quantities and cost for repair or production orders

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Commercial Upholsterer
• Knowledge of various upholstery tools and techniques
• Ability to work with different types of fabric and leather
• Skilled in sewing, tufting, buttoning, and other upholstery techniques
• Attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to lift heavy furniture and materials
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Upholsterer
• Work Environment: Primarily workshop setting. Some local travel may be required for on-site repairs or installations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Upholstery Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Upholsterer Do?

Commercial Upholsterers typically work for furniture manufacturing companies, interior design agencies, or as self-employed individuals.

Their primary responsibility is to provide, repair, and maintain upholstery for commercial furniture and fixtures.

This could range from restaurant seating, office furniture, hotel room furnishings, to public transport seating such as buses, trains, or airplanes.

They work closely with designers and clients to select suitable fabrics, foams, and springs, ensuring that the chosen materials meet the client’s specifications and budget.

They also take into account the durability and functionality needed for the commercial use of the furniture.

Commercial Upholsterers may also be involved in the stripping down of old upholstery, assessing the condition of furniture frames, springs, and cushions, and replacing or repairing these parts as necessary.

Their job also involves cutting, sewing, and fitting the new upholstery onto the furniture or fixture, following design or pattern requirements.

This requires high-level skills in sewing and working with a variety of hand and power tools.

Finally, they ensure that the finished products meet the client’s expectations and the functional needs of the commercial environment in which they will be used.

They may also be responsible for on-site installation, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s operations.

 

Commercial Upholsterer Qualifications and Skills

A skilled Commercial Upholsterer should have a range of abilities and qualifications that fit with your job description, such as:

• Manual dexterity and physical strength to work with various tools and heavy materials, and to perform detailed and precise work
• Technical knowledge and skill in upholstery to work effectively with a variety of materials and techniques
• Interpersonal skills to liaise with clients, suppliers and other team members, maintaining professional relationships and communication
• Artistic creativity to create and implement unique designs according to client specifications
• Attention to detail to ensure high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues that may arise during the upholstery process
• Time management skills to complete projects within the specified time frame and meet client deadlines
• Understanding of safety protocols when working with various tools and machinery
• Ability to read, understand and work from blueprints, schematics or drawings

 

Commercial Upholsterer Experience Requirements

Commercial Upholsterers generally require a good amount of hands-on experience, often gained through an apprenticeship or vocational training program in upholstery.

These programs provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the job.

Entry-level Commercial Upholsterers usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role at a furniture manufacturing or restoration company.

They typically start their career working under the supervision of more experienced upholsterers.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have honed their skills in upholstery repair and fabric selection and may have experience in custom design work, enabling them to handle more complex upholstery projects.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field generally have advanced knowledge in a variety of upholstery techniques and materials.

They are usually capable of handling all stages of the upholstery process independently and may have experience supervising or training less experienced staff.

Some commercial upholsterers may also have experience working with special materials such as leather or working on specialty items such as antique furniture or automotive upholstery.

 

Commercial Upholsterer Education and Training Requirements

Commercial Upholsterers generally require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions.

They typically learn their trade through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational programs.

These programs, which can last from several months to a few years, teach students the basics of fabric types, color matching, and furniture construction.

While not mandatory, certification as a professional upholsterer can demonstrate competence and may make an applicant more attractive to employers.

The Certified Master Upholsterer (CMU) designation, for instance, is awarded by the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.

In addition to formal education and training, Commercial Upholsterers should have good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and the ability to work with a variety of tools.

Like many trades, continuous learning is important in this field.

As styles and techniques evolve, upholsterers may need to attend workshops or additional training to keep their skills up-to-date.

Experience in areas such as carpentry or sewing can also be beneficial for those seeking to advance in the upholstery profession.

 

Commercial Upholsterer Salary Expectations

A Commercial Upholsterer can expect to earn an average salary of $39,520 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the complexity of the work, location, and the company they work for.

 

Commercial Upholsterer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Commercial Upholsterer need?

A Commercial Upholsterer should be proficient in measuring, cutting and sewing various types of fabric.

They should also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that upholstery work is carried out precisely.

Manual dexterity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial to effectively fulfil this role.

Further, they should have excellent communication skills to understand and execute client’s requirements accurately.

 

Do Commercial Upholsterers need any specific qualifications?

While there are no specific qualification requirements to become a Commercial Upholsterer, it’s beneficial to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many upholsterers learn their skills on the job or through an apprenticeship.

However, vocational schools also offer courses in upholstery that can provide the necessary skills.

 

What should you look for in a Commercial Upholsterer resume?

A good Commercial Upholsterer resume should highlight experience in upholstery or related fields.

Look for skills like fabric cutting, sewing, and furniture repair.

It’s also beneficial if the resume showcases a good understanding of different fabric types and their properties.

Hands-on experience with various upholstery tools and machinery is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Commercial Upholsterer?

A good Commercial Upholsterer should have a keen eye for detail and a good sense of design to choose the right materials and patterns for each job.

They should also be physically strong and patient, as the job often involves heavy lifting and meticulous work.

Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are also key qualities for an upholsterer.

 

Is it difficult to hire Commercial Upholsterers?

Finding skilled Commercial Upholsterers can be challenging as it is a specialized field with fewer candidates.

Employers often look for experienced upholsterers, which can further narrow down the pool of applicants.

However, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so we’ve unraveled the mystery.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a commercial upholsterer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about sewing and covering furniture.

It’s about shaping the physical comfort of spaces, one stitch at a time.

With our definitive commercial upholsterer job description template and real-life instances, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop at the surface?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to masterfully tailored job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Don’t forget:

Every stitch contributes to the grand design.

Let’s weave that comfort. Together.

How to Become a Commercial Upholsterer (Complete Guide)

Work on Your Terms: High-Paying Remote Jobs for Today’s Workforce!

Economic Endurance: Jobs That Outlive a Recession

The Unbelievable Reality of Working in the Most Stressful Jobs Today!

Robots at the Helm: Jobs AI is Taking Over Sooner Than You Think