I Want Better Sofa Fabric Choices to Last for Kids and Pets

Factors that determine the durability of the upholstery fabric:

1. Fabric weave – tight weave or loose weave
2. Fabric content, percentage of synthetics and natural fibers
3. Durability testing, aka double rubs testing

Fabric Weave

Tight weave is good construction. Loose weave is a bad construction. 

 Fabric Content

• Cotton velvet
• Mohair
• Sunbrella
• Crypton
• Acrylic
• Microfiber
• Ultrasuede & Sensuade
• Sensuede
• Polyester

• Durability Measure – DOUBLE RUBS

  Look for at least 30,000 or more is ideal durability. Even better . Anything over 50,000 double rubs If they tell you 100,000 double rubs, great
  The Wyzenbeek machine tests the fabric in both the warp direction (up and down) and the fill or weft direction (right to left). A sample of the fabric is cut into two pieces and each is pulled tight in a frame where it is held stationary. A piece of cotton duck fabric is used and is rubbed back and forth over the fabric, known as the “double rub.When wearing has become evident or two yarn breaks have occurred, the endpoint has been reached, and the fabric is rated.

Slipcovered Sofa by Lee Industries

Slipcovers

A good slipcovered sofa can be a lifesaver when you have kids and pets. Lee Industries, for instance, offers a great selection of furniture with slipcovers that wash beautifully.

Fabrics to avoid:  silk, viscose, linen, cotton, nylon, bonded leather.

Important Note: VISCOSE- Please avoid at all costs as you cannot wet clean at all! It is basically ground up pulp fibers and about 40% weaker when it gets wet. Once wet, it folds over and will not stand back up creating what looks like a melted or shiny spot.

Cleaning Codes

Check the cleaning code on the fabric.

S- solvent cleaners

W- water-based cleaners

W/S for both, water based and solvent cleaners

New Years Resolution , Get your furniture re upholstered by La Costa Upholstery

New Years Resolution , Get your furniture re upholstered by La Costa Upholstery and start the year with beautiful looking sofa chair patio cushions . We do it all with thousands of fabrics to pick from in the largest sample showroom opened to the public in North County. Since 1979 with the same ownership. And with upholsterers than each have over 25 years of experience. We have seen it all, and know how to work on it.

New Foam for your Furniture Cushions by La Costa Upholstery

If your furniture cushions are feeling too soft or have gone flat we can help bring them back to life.Just today we have had 4 clients bring in their cushions for us to replace the foam in them,Don't buy a new sofa or chair fix what you have at a fraction of the cost of new piece

Winter Deals!

Winter Deals ! Have your patio cushions done in January ! Be ahead of the game have your out door furniture done when you aren't using it. Like having your air conditioning serviced done wait until it gets hot! There lots of great fabrics from Sunbrella , Perennials and many others. Come in a see how your back yard can be one of a kind, not just what Home Depot or Lowes has in store.

Double-Rub upholstery fabrics

 Double-Rub 

For designers, it's called abrasion data. It is extremely important when you are selecting your fabric for upholstered pieces that are going to be subjected to high traffic (ie. the family room).

What it means is quite simple - double-rub is a testing method that uses a special machine that passes a testing pad back and forth over the fabric until it is worn out. Each back-and-forth pass is known as a double-rub. Domestic fabrics are usually rated at 25,000 double-rubs, so if you are purchasing one that is over 50,000 - you are good to go! Commercial-grade fabrics usually wear out after 100,000 to 250,000 double-rubs. You can't visually tell how well fabric will hold up until it has been tested.

What is the best Fabric for your Sofa?

Miranda Silva

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Photo: Ricardo Labougle

The upholstery fabric for a new sofa or armchair is a big investment—you don’t want to be second-guessing it a few months after the piece arrives on your doorstep. Choose the wrong material and you’ll find yourself battling snags and stains. Make a mistake on the color or pattern, and the whole room suffers (or you’ll wind up splurging to have the piece reupholstered). So before you pick your new upholstery fabric, read on to find out what you should consider in terms of durability, comfort, and style. Here's how to zero in on a fabric choice you’ll be happy to live with for years.

What Is Upholstery, Anyway?

Upholstery is the materials—which include fabric, padding, webbing, and springs—that make up the soft coverings of chairs, sofas, and other furniture. The process began in the Middle Ages and grew in popularity during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Over the years, a wide variety of materials have been used, from hay to horsehair to wool. Modern upholstered items use metal springs and foam for greater durability. While the interior materials may not be visible, they make a big difference in whether the piece is comfortable . And though fabric can always be changed—and may need to be, depending on wear and tear—choosing high-quality inner layers will help make sure the piece will last for years to come.

How to Choose the Best Upholstery Fabric for Your Sofa (or Chair, or Headboard…)

As you shop for an upholstery fabric, let your practical needs lead, advise Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, cofounders of the home-furnishings company that shares their names. “First, consider how you live and who will use the piece,” says Williams. “This will help guide you on the type of material to choose.” You may love the look of that silk velvet, but it will quickly get destroyed in a house with kids or pets. Pieces in high-traffic areas, such as family or living rooms, will need durable fabrics, while furniture that doesn't get as much wear and tear, such as a bedroom settee or headboard, can sport any type of textile.

Why look for fabrics at La Costa Upholstery ?

Why look for fabrics at La Costa Upholstery ? There are all kinds of places to find upholstery fabrics for you furniture and out door needs. Not all of them actually do upholstery work, they don't know how to apply fabric to furniture and may not know how well a fabric will wear. We can point you in the right direction and tell you the pros and cons of the fabrics and help you pick what if right to your home. We have been doing this for over 40 years and have seen just about everything there is when it comes to fabrics and upholstery. Isn't that what you want when it comes to your furniture . Not everyone who claims to do upholstery "really knows " what they are doing . Visit our shop and see what we do and you'll see the different .

Why choose La Costa Upholstery to do your furniture upholstery

Why choose La Costa Upholstery to do your furniture upholstery , patio cushions and foam replacement ? With over 40 years in the furniture upholstery business we have seen everything and know what to do to make it right. We use the best threads, foams and fabrics , no shorts cuts . Come in and see our shop and see the difference that over 40 years in the business makes in quality

Furniture Upholstery in North County

 Find the right upholsterer Not all shops are the same . Some do cars well ,some do boats well and some do furniture well. La Costa specialists in furniture upholstery. If you are going spend your money don't you want to know that the project is being done by the right people. Before you decided on a shop to do your work go see where the work is being done . Is it clean , do they have completed work that you can see. The difference between work that is done right by artist that have years in the business and someone that is new to the trade will be easy to see. Come by and see what we do and how we don't take short cuts

Washed Denim Slipcovers

Slipcovers done it a washed denim , gives you great way to have two sets of furniture in one. Washed denim and be a easy solution to the high traffic
areas . When it's time to clean , just put them in the wash and they come out
looking new.

Upholstery in the Fall @ La Costa Upholstery

Fall is here? The weather doesn't agree . The days are getting shorter and is time to start those fall home projects. Like patio cushions , slipcovers  and reupholstering that sofa  and chairs.
Get things looking good for the holidays
La Costa Upholstery can help you with fabrics and we do the work here.
Since 1979 in North San Diego County
760-744-1360
e mail us your ideas lacostaupholstery@gmail.com

Barrow Fabric New Fall Fabrics

The New Fall Lines  are arriving come in and see what new from
Barrow Fabrics

What should I look for when picking Upholstery Fabrics ?

When looking for fabric to re upholster your furniture there are somethings you need to look for
in a fabric. Beyond the right colors and pattern, durable , cleaning and  color fastness are important.
Look at abstraction rating for durability, they can range from 10,000  to over 120,000 double rubs.
For furniture you use everyday get at least 30,000 , the more the better.
 Most of today's synthesis are cleanable  and more color fast then natural fibers. If you are shopping around for fabric ask questions , about durability and color fastness.
One of the big differences in fabrics today is what market are the fabrics intended  for?
The outlet fabric stores  sell fabrics that don't always have the same thread count that you'll find
at and upholstery shop showroom. They look the same but may not wear the same .
Get a fabric that will last  and wear  for years the labor to do the work  is the same , don't waste
your money on cheap fabric. 

 
   

Get ready for out door entertaining and get those patio cushions re done

Get ready for out door entertaining and get those patio cushions re done . Use Sunbrella out door fabrics , the best fabric for you out door seating . See the hundreds of Out door fabrics we sell.

Robert Allen Fabrics

See what's new from Robert Allen Fabrics  Visit our showroom to see and feel the real thing
La Costa Upholstery

Patio Cushions

It's Summer and it's hot. Fall is just around the corner and with it cooler evenings. And you may be entertaining and enjoying the out doors more then now (it's too hot right now). But get ready now and have you patio cushions done before you need them . We have hundreds of out door fabrics from Sunbrella Perennials and many more.

Upholstery in Carlsbad

Hi, Just a little history , we open in April on 1979 when North County was a little smaller and a little slower. We have grown as North County has grown .From a one person to 8 people and from one small sample book of fabrics to one of North County’s largest selections of in door and out door fabrics . And with over 40 years of experience and thousands of pieces of furniture having been done here , we have seen it all. We know how fabrics will preform and what will work best for you.

Do It Yourself

DIY, do it yourself , Looks like do it yourself, good upholstery is done by an artist , someone who has years of experience and an eye for detail. A person that knows how a fabric is supports to go on a piece of furniture.
Not just cut and staple fabric on . Upholstery is an art

Breakfast nook and Out door Seating by La Costa Upholstery

If you have a build in eating area or fire pit  and need it upholstered with attached seating or loose cushions
La Costa Upholstery  with more than 40 years in the business , we can help you .
Before you have it made, call  to us and we can talk about the dimensions that will make sure you can get the cushion sizes right . So that it's comfortable to seat on and look great as well as the right fabrics. The wrong fabrics may not last long or clean well.

Furniture quality and should i re upholster my furniture

Furniture quality
Consider keeping that couch or stuffed chair if the furniture remains sturdy with a quality frame.

Typically, frames last longer in chairs and sofas built 10 to 15 years ago or longer. Old furniture is always better built, .

Many manufacturers lowered their standards in recent years by using woods previously unsuitable for furniture frames,  Manufacturers often assemble frames with staples and fast-drying epoxy, as opposed to older furniture, built with strong hardwood and screws. Screws last longer because they don’t loosen as easily as staples.

Replace a couch or cushioned chair if the frame seems damaged, she says.

Special inspections shouldn’t be needed to notice if your couch or chair frame is falling apart.

You notice by sitting on it   If springs start to pop, if the backboard is breaking, you know it.

If the frame remains strong, re upholstery gives consumers a chance to restore their couch with more control over the look and shape of the cushions.

You can have round cushions, squared cushions, different fabrics. You get to update it to what you want it to look like. It becomes a bit more custom.

Summer , It's time to get those patio cushions done.

Summers Here
It's time to get those patio cushions done. See what's new from Sunbrella.

Vignettes Fabrics from Greenhouse Fabrics

See the new Greenhouse Fabrics  Vignettes fabric samples
Beautiful prints and texture.

Upholstery for Antiques

Upholstery for Antiques is something we have done for done for 40 years. If you want to trust someone with your family heirlooms make sure it's La Costa Upholstery .  There are people who put fabric on furniture then there are upholsterers. We know how to ties springs , rebuild the padding  and fix frames,
that is what an upholsterer can do.

Choose the right cover for your home’s needs

Do you live on your own? Do you have young children that like drawing on the walls? Or maybe some pets that like digging their nails into the furniture. Whatever the case may be, tend to those needs with the right cover on your upholstery.  

Here are some different textiles you can pick from:

Most common: Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic Olefin

Leather: Real vs. Faux

Sun and stain resistant: sunbrella or crypton.

When you’re thinking about the quality of your upholstery, consider the following

When you’re thinking about the quality of your upholstery, consider the following:

Daily Usage
Price
How long you want the upholstery to last
The upholstery you put into your home is an investment. It’s very similar to buying a car. You are going to want something that is inside your budget but reliable at the same time. The higher quality upholstery you invest in, the longer it will last and the more time you’ll be able to experience that comfort

How do I find a Good upholsterer?

How do I find a good upholsterer?

Having a referral from a family member or friend is the best way to search for an upholsterer. Also check with your neighborhood e-mail discussion group and consumer sites, then visit the workrooms of the names you’ve gathered.

Good questions to ask upholsterers include: How long has the company been in business? Can you see examples of their work? Is your piece worth upholstering? How much are pickup and delivery charges? What is the turnaround time? Do they remove existing fabric?

Even if an upholsterer answers yes to the last question, Goncalves recommends taking it a step further: Request that they save the old fabric for you. “You can throw it away as soon as you get home, but it’s always a good thing to ask so you can be assured that the job has been done.”

Goncalves speaks from experience. He recently reupholstered a sofa for a client that had four layers of fabric underneath the top layer. “I saved it all to show my customer,” he said. “She had no idea.”

Should I reupholster or buy something new?

Should I reupholster or buy something new?

While there are high-end exceptions, our experts agreed that much of the furniture manufactured today isn’t well made and not worth the cost of reupholstering.

Walker offers this advice: “We recommend reupholstering if a piece has sentimental value or if it’s an heirloom; if it’s the perfect size to fit a specific space or if it’s unique or something you love and you won’t be able to replace. If it doesn’t fall into any of those categories, we suggest buying a new piece.”

How can I tell if my furniture is good quality?

The short answer: older is better. “Anything that is at least 15 to 20 years old,” says George Spicer of Spicer’s Upholstery in Alexandria.“If it was going to fall apart, it would have by now.”

Coil springs and solid wood are also indications of something well-made, says Michael Goncalves of Jose Goncalves & Sons Interiors in Arlington. To check for coil springs, he says, remove the seat cushions and press your hand down on the seat.

“If it feels like coil springs, it’s probably a decent piece and worth considering reupholstering,” he says. “And if you can pick up a sofa super easily, it’s probably not good quality wood.”

New Sunbrella Fabrics

See what's new in Sunbrella out door fabrics. If you are looking for a material to do Patio cushions , cushions for a fire pit seating area or an in door sofa that getting a lot of sun . Sunbrella is the way to go.
La Costa Upholstery

See What's New from Greenhouse Fabrics

See the entire Greenhouse Fabric collection  @ www.greenhousefabrics.com

Sunbrella Fabrics from Silver State Fabrics

What's new ?  New Out door fabrics from Silver State Fabrics.
They have lots of great patterns and tweed Sunbrella Fabrics
of their own designs, unique to them . Visit their web site
and see the  beautiful collection of in door and out door fabrics
https://silverstatetextiles.com

Save the environment Re Cycle Your Furniture

It's a New Year and if you really want to save the environment, recycle your furniture, don't throw it away , re upholstery it. Older chairs and sofas are made better then anything made today. They have real steel springs and are made of real wood , not " engineered wood" which is plywood or participle board which is glue and saw dust. China is where most of the new furniture is made . If you but a $ 600 sofa in a store how much $$$ do you think is takes to make that sofa . Not much. Your old stuff is still better then their new stuff. Call La Costa Upholstery is see what we can do for you

www.lacostaupholstery.com