4 Reasons Upholstery Supersedes Purchasing New: Furniture La Costa Upholstery

 

4 Reasons Upholstery Supersedes Purchasing New: Furniture 

1. Sustainability and Eco-conscious Choice
2. Preservation of Sentimental Value
3. Personalized Customization
4. Supports Local Businesses!

Upholstery Shop Sourcing La Costa Upholstery

 

Upholstery Shop Sourcing

There can be a variety of skilled craftsmen in your area, and we want to be sure you’re hiring the right person for your project. These are a few things to consider when shopping for a furniture upholsterer. 

• First things first, lead times. If the upholsterer is backed up for 18 months, that’s a good thing to know upfront. 
• How do they price? This can make a big difference in what type of furniture item you select and the details you choose to incorporate into your upholstery project.
• What optional upgrades do they offer? Various types of stitching, stuffing, etc.?
• Can they pick it up or deliver it? Furniture is heavy! If this is a feature you’d appreciate having, then ask for it.
• Are they willing to hold onto furniture while waiting for textiles to arrive?
• What is the typical turnaround time on a project of this size?
• Ask if they feel confident in upholstering your textile and furniture combination. 

Going into a conversation with a craftsman when you’re not confident in this type of project can be intimidating. We understand how important it is to armor our clients with strong recommendations, and we hope this list helps you navigate your local market to find the right person for your upholstery needs. 

Question: How do I find a local upholsterer? 

Answer: We’re big believers in word-of-mouth so ask around to see if anyone you know has good recommendations. Take notes from our list above on what to look for when meeting with upholsterers. This will help streamline the process and help you complete your dream upholstery project with ease! 

Call La Costa Upholstery 760-744-1360 since 1979 North County’s best resource  for upholstery Slipcovers and patio cushions.

Why Sunbrella Fabrics

 

Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabrics: fabrics that provide comfort for your coziest spaces, color retention for years of enjoyment, cleanability for all of life’s messes, and strength that lasts. The Sunbrella portfolio includes high-quality fabric for outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, window treatments, boats, and more. Sunbrella is constantly researching and developing new ways of bringing durability, comfort, and style for beautiful, worry-free living.

Comfortable Fabric

With Sunbrella fabrics, exceptional comfort and unmatched durability go hand in hand. Many people associate us with our best-in-class awning canvas and outdoor performance fabric solutions. As we began expanding our portfolio over the past 60 years, we prioritized weaving additional fabrics ideal for indoor and outdoor upholstery with the softness, comfort, and long-lasting durability needed for everyday life.

These high-quality upholstery fabric solutions maintain our rigorous performance standards that we are known for while also being soft and comfortable for a variety of indoor and outdoor uses.

Sunbrella fabrics include many different weaves and surface textures, all designed with long-lasting comfort. Our yarns have softness and durability woven into each fiber, which makes Sunbrella high-quality upholstery fabric perfect for creating comfortable spaces. 

Cleanable Fabric

Sunbrella fabrics are easy to clean while maintaining the strength and integrity of the fabric. Our fabrics are engineered to resist stains and repel water, keeping your fabrics looking fresh and new for years to come. When spills, muddy paw prints, and sticky fingers do occur, cleaning is easy with gentle soap and water.

 

Our How to Clean page details cleaning methods for all types of spills and stains, helping you quickly and easily treat each mess with the best cleaning method. For bigger messes, our fabrics are even bleach cleanable. You should always protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using bleach or other chemical solvents that may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. 

Durable Fabric

Sunbrella performance fabrics are made with Color to the Core™ technology. This unique process means our fibers are saturated with color and UV-stabilized pigments before they’re spun into yarn – meaning the pigment goes all the way through the fibers rather than sitting on the outside of the yarn. Color to the Core™ technology ensures the color stays true over time, maintaining color and quality through cleaning, wear, or exposure to outdoor elements.

Our distinctive manufacturing processes result in fabrics that are mold and mildew resistant, stain and water resistant, pilling and abrasion resistant, and designed to stand all the tests of time.

Each yard of Sunbrella fabric is a product of a global support team committed to producing only the most exceptional performance textiles you can buy. Sunbrella fabrics are made with robust performance characteristics that make them easy to care for and last for years. 

Call  LA Costa Upholstery 760-744-1360 for Patio and Boat Cushions 

 

 

 

 

Is that old sofa or chair worth reupholstering? Here’s what to consider.

 

If your furniture is starting to show its age, you may be considering shopping for a new piece. But throwing out a sofa with fraying fabric means it’ll go to a landfill, not to furniture heaven. And it takes a lot of energy and materials to build and ship new furniture.

There’s another option, though, that doesn’t take as much of a toll on the planet: reupholstering your old pieces. Upholsterers can do many things, such as resurrecting Grandma’s old chair with a new Scandinavian fabric or whipping up stylish curtains.

If you’re having a reupholster-or-replace debate, first decide whether the item will last long enough to justify the cost. Don’t reupholster it if the piece won’t last as long as the new fabric. And even if the piece seems as if it will last, you may not save much money. Reupholstering does save the frame, springs and probably some padding and stuffing. But a comparable new piece might not be much more — and could possibly be less — than what an upholsterer would charge you to recover what you have. If it is fundamentally a good piece of furniture, it may be easy to fix a frame that doesn’t seem solid. To check, turn the item over and remove a portion of the dust catcher beneath. Some signs of quality include:

·         Solid hardwood (rather than plywood or fiberboard) at least 1¼ inches thick used for key structural elements, such as the long piece that runs beneath the knees across the front of a sofa.

·         Reinforcing blocks used to strengthen corners.

·         Coil springs under the seat, with each spring tied by twine in eight directions. Firmly secured sinuous wire springs (long, wavy wires) used in many high-quality pieces may function equally well.

You can also get a professional opinion about the quality of a piece. Take smaller pieces to an upholsterer’s shop. For large pieces ask a pro  to visit your. Cost is not

The only consideration, of course. You might want reupholster a piece if you

Particularly like its design, if it fits  in your space or if you have a sentimental

attachment   to it. You might also want to recover it because  the fabric you love

aren’t available on new pieces. 760-744-1360

Washington Post By Kevin Brasler

 

Understanding Double Rubs ; The Key to Durable Upholstery Fabrics

 January 29, 2024 Michael Lucas

Understanding Double Rubs: The Key to Durable Upholstery Fabric

What Are Double Rubs?

When exploring options for upholstery fabric, you'll frequently encounter the term 'double rub.' This is a crucial measure of a fabric's durability against wear and tear. The double rub count is determined using the Wyzenbeek Test, a standardized method where a cotton duck or wire mesh piece repeatedly rubs against the fabric. Each forward and backward motion constitutes one double rub, simulating the typical actions of sitting and standing that cause fabric abrasion.

The testing process continues in increments of 5,000 double rubs until the fabric exhibits noticeable wear or two yarns break. Signs of wear include significant changes in color and texture. On average, 3,000 double rubs equate to approximately one year of regular use, making this a vital metric for assessing fabric longevity and suitability for various upholstery needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Is there an alternative to the Wyzenbeek Test?

The Martindale test is also a widely used method for determining the durability of upholstery fabric, assessing its ability to withstand abrasion and thus its suitability for various applications, from residential to commercial use. This test involves mounting a sample of the fabric on a testing device where it is subjected to a controlled amount of abrasion by a standard abrasive surface, usually wool or sandpaper, under a specific pressure. The process is repeated in a circular motion until the fabric shows noticeable wear or until two yarn breaks occur. The fabric's durability is then rated based on the number of cycles it withstands, providing a direct measure of its wear resistance.

In contrast, the Wyzenbeek test, primarily used in the United States, also evaluates fabric durability but does so through the method we mentioned above. While both tests aim to measure fabric durability, the Martindale test uses a circular motion and is more commonly used in Europe, whereas the Wyzenbeek test employs a linear motion and is prevalent in the U.S., reflecting different standards and preferences in fabric durability assessment.

What is the impact of double rub counts on a fabric's durability?

Abrasion is the primary factor in the wear and tear of upholstery fabrics, often caused by movements such as shifting in a seat or leaning against a chair's back. The fabric's ability to resist this abrasion, measured in double rubs, is crucial, especially in high-traffic areas like public waiting rooms or government offices. Fabrics withstanding 15,000+ double rubs are classified as heavy-duty, indicating their high durability. The abrasion resistance level of a fabric guides its ideal use. For residential settings:

• Delicate duty (under 3,000 double rubs): Ideal for pillows, drapes, and curtains
• Light duty (3,000-9,000 double rubs): Best for furniture used occasionally
• Medium duty (9,000-15,000 double rubs): Versatile for various daily-use furniture
• Heavy duty (15,000+ double rubs): Perfect for frequently used items like the family couch

For commercial environments:

• Contract upholstery fabric (15,000-20,000 double rubs): Suitable for light traffic areas, such as executive waiting rooms or consultancy offices
• Heavy duty (up to 30,000 double rubs): Fits well in typical business traffic areas like hotel rooms, conference rooms, dining areas, and single-shift offices
• Extra heavy duty (over 30,000 double rubs): Designed for very high traffic areas, including airports, fast food restaurants, hospitals, government offices, and entertainment venues like bars, stadiums, and theaters

Higher double rub counts requested for commercial environments and contract upholstery fabrics

Traditionally, the upholstery fabric industry has relied on specific abrasion measurements to determine fabric durability. However, recent trends show a shift in these standards. Nowadays, many commercial settings are specifying fabrics with a minimum of 50,000 double rubs, and some are even requiring over 100,000 for enhanced longevity. This change underscores the industry's evolving demands for more durable and long-lasting upholstery fabrics. 

Related Content: Herman Miller has long been a leader in the sales of commercial furniture in North America. Click on the link to see Herman Miller's Textiles Quality Control Standards and Testing Procedures 

Does the Wyzenbeek test work?

The Wyzenbeek Test is often considered the premier measure of fabric durability, primarily focusing on abrasion resistance, the leading cause of fabric wear. However, it's important to recognize that fabric longevity is also influenced by other factors such as heat and moisture exposure. For example, faux leather excels in abrasion resistance but is vulnerable to heat damage, often stiffening and cracking when exposed to sunlight. Similarly, natural fibers like cotton are susceptible to moisture, leading to mold and fungal growth that weakens the fabric.

Additionally, the durability of a fabric is shaped by the weave of its fibers and their content, with synthetic fibers typically offering greater abrasion resistance than natural fibers. Below is a great article about some of the differences between natural and synthetic fibers. 

Related content: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric 

Another crucial aspect is the intended placement of the furniture. Indoor furniture doesn't face the harshness of weather extremes, unlike outdoor upholstery, which needs to be resilient against both abrasion and environmental conditions. Finally, the maintenance and cleaning practices for a fabric play a significant role in extending its lifespan. Proper care is essential to preserve the fabric's quality and durability over time.

What we learned about double rub counts and abrasion testing

Understanding double rub counts is essential for anyone dealing with upholstery fabrics. From assessing the durability of a fabric through the Wyzenbeek Test to considering the fabric's resistance to various environmental factors, each aspect plays a pivotal role in determining the right fabric for your needs. Whether it's for residential use, where comfort and aesthetics are key, or for commercial settings, where durability and longevity take precedence, the double rub count offers a valuable guideline.

The evolving standards in the upholstery fabric industry, with increasing demands for higher double rub counts in commercial environments, reflect a growing emphasis on quality and endurance. Meanwhile, the Wyzenbeek Test, despite its focus on abrasion resistance, is just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like heat, moisture, fiber content, and maintenance also significantly impact a fabric's overall durability.

Choosing the right upholstery fabric is not just about selecting a style or color; it's about understanding the fabric's performance under different conditions. By considering the double rub count along with other crucial factors, you can make informed decisions that ensure your furniture not only looks great but also withstands the test of time and use.

Remember, the key to longevity in upholstery fabrics lies in a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and proper care. With this comprehensive approach, you can create spaces that are both beautiful and durable, no matter where they are used.

Slipcovers by La Costa Upholstery

You know that satisfied feeling you get after successfully purchasing a piece of furniture? Like you've made it as an adult, and it's only up from here? Well, trust me, that feeling goes away pretty quickly after you spill your morning coffee on your brand-new, jewel-toned velvet sofa . If you tend to spill or love to eat on the sofa but want to hang onto that new sofa feeling, you should probably consider getting a couch cover (also called a couch slipcover). A slipcover can be a great investment, especially if you want to give your old leather couch  a new lease on life.

Sofa slipcovers don't just protect, they reinvent! 

Give you furniture new life with a slipcover or have two great looks 

with your upholstery and a slipcover .

La Costa has hundreds of fabrics that can make your slipcovers 

visit our showroom and see what we have. Washed denims and 

canvas, micro fibers, velvets, chenille performance fabrics

Sunbrella and more.  

Serving North San Diego County  Del Mar Solona Beach 

Encinitas Carlsbad Oceanside Vista San Marcos Rancho Santa Fe

Escondido

760-744-1360

Out Door Cushions by La Costa Upholstery

 

If you are looking for someone to make new Patio Cushions and you live in Del Mar , Solona Beach, Cardiff Encinitas or Carlsbad ,La Costa Upholstery can help you .

We have a large selection of Out Door Fabrics. Sunbrella Fabrics , Our Dura Fabrics,  Perennials Fabrics and more. 

Visit our showroom and see what's out there.  760-744-1360

Upholstery For Dining Chairs

 

Do you  need your Dining Chairs Recovered ? 

La Costa Upholstery  has the fabrics and the expertise to make 

your furniture look and feel New again.  Call us 760-744-1360

Out Door Sitting Cushions

If you are looking for someone to recover your Patio Cushions La Costa Upholstery has been doing that for 45 years. We have a large selection of Sunbrella Fabrics as well as Perennials , Out Dura and Revolution Outdoor. We also make cushions for your Outdoor built-in seating ( Fire Pits) . Since 1979 in North County

760-744-1360

Patio Cushions by La Costa Upholstery

 Get your patio furniture repaired and ready for SPRING! Call us today! 760-744-1360

Get ready for Spring with Revolution Outdoor Fabrics at La Costa Upholstery

Furniture Upholstery since 1979

 

45 Years in North County.
Since 1979 La Costa Upholstery has been serving San Diego County's homes with the best quality fabrics and upholstery services.
Visit our sample showroom to see the largest selection of Upholstery and Outdoor Fabrics. 760-744-1360

Upholstery Fabrics

 

Upholstery Fabrics for all your needs . La Costa Upholstery has

 a large sample showroom with thousands of samples for you sofas 

chairs  patio cushions and headboards. Since 1979 we have been 

San Diego's best resource for all of your furniture upholstery .

Sunbrella , Pindler & Pindler , Kravet Fabrics , Trend Fabrics  

Greenhouse Fabrics and more. Call us at 760-744-1360