Frame
While the construction of the frame itself does not involve upholstery, building it is considered the first step in upholstering a furnishing because the frame must be completed before the actual covering work can begin. We work with your existing frame for reupholstery. If you desire custom-built furniture, we can have a high-quality frame built to your specifications.
The frame constitutes the bones of the furniture, the form that gives the piece its shape and substance. Exposed wood areas give a good indication of the overall quality. If the exposed arm or leg is of a high-quality hardwood, with a fine finish, then you can be fairly confident about the overall craftsmanship of the piece. In traditional furniture, the legs should be an integral part of the frame; legs, especially back legs, that have been added on can weaken a piece, making it unstable. The type of wood used is another good indicator of quality. Quality prices are constructed with hardwood--the most popular choice being maple.
When deciding whether a piece is worth having reupholstered, a good indicator of quality is simple--weight. High quality furniture tends to be heavier. Also check to see if the frame twists and bends when lifted. This is not a good sign. Although we can tighten some joints, in general loose arms and creaking are not desirable.