Supplies for Furniture Upholstery

Tack Hammer

• The lightweight magnetic tack hammer has a wooden handle and a curved head that is split at one end. The head of this upholstery hammer is magnetized to better hold the tacks when you start driving them. The other end is used to rip through fabric.

Ripping Hammer

• A ripping hammer is preferred by some upholsterers for tearing off old fabric. This is a more robust hammer that is heavier than a tack hammer, and better able to handle thicker types of material.

Upholstery Tacks

• Upholstery tacks come in various styles and sizes. The most notable characteristic of this upholstery supply is the large heads which are used to add more holding power so fabric doesn’t rip through from the force of the furniture being used.

Web Puller

• The web puller uses the force of leverage to stretch webbing during the upholstering process. This device holds the webbing tight so it can be tacked to the frame.

Upholsterer's Needle

• The upholsterer’s needle is made of steel and can measure from 4 to 16 inches long. This is a vital tool for upholstering, and is available in both round and bayonet points, as well as single-pointed ends and double-pointed ends. Upholsterer’s needles are used for stitching edges of rolls. The writers of “Tools and How to Use Them” recommends using a tougher version known as a mattress needle for heavy-duty upholstering work.

Upholsterer's Regulator

• The upholsterer’s regulator is a needle that is spiked at one end, while the other end is shaped like a canoe paddle. This odd shape makes the needle much easier to hold, which is necessary because it is used for redistributing the stuffing inside furniture covered with thick burlap.

Upholsterer's Pliers

• The upholsterer’s pliers are equipped with widely serrated jaws used for gripping webbing. The clamping power of the jaws are good for stretching webbing across the frame so the material can be tacked and cut off.

Tack Lifter

• A tack lifter has a split claw-shaped blade that is worked beneath the head of the upholstery tack to allow removal. If the head of the tack has gotten buried deep into the wood, you have the option of using a chisel to cut open access for the tack lifter.

Pneumatic Staple Gun

• A pneumatic staple gun is preferred for fastening fabric by those who don’t want to take the time to use the tack hammer to drive in every single upholsterer’s tack. While using this stapler does make the process faster, it also means spending anywhere from $100 to $200 more than what you would pay for a tack hammer.

Miscellaneous Supplies

• Upholstering means gluing. Old-fashioned upholstering meant working with plastic resins and hide glues, but for most jobs today, you can rely on a spray glue. Other supplies to complete the upholstering process may include springs, foam, muslin, buttons, and fabrics for your covering.