Upholstery needles and a sewing machine are used in the sewing stages. Many Upholsterers work out of their homes, garages or open small shops. A larger segment of Upholsterers is employed in larger upholstery shops or in businesses that have a steady need for upholstery work, such as furniture stores, auto repair shops, or department stores. The work is not dangerous but workers must guard against bruises, tool cuts, and back strain from lifting. The work involves standing for long periods, frequent stooping, and lifting.
Upholsterers usually furnish their own hand tools.
Some belong to one of several labor unions. Employment prospects for well-qualified Upholsterers are fair as there is a shortage of workers who are able to both build quality custom furniture and perform repair work. Applicants who are experienced only in production- line upholstery may have difficulty entering the custom field without retraining. Marginally qualified workers will experience difficulty in obtaining jobs. The best opportunities are in larger custom shops, most of which produce custom furniture to order as well as perform repair work.