When a family heirloom needed to be restored to its former shape, Amy Glaves began researching local craftsman. The chair in question had been in the family for decades, and needed work with its fabric, rockers, and the show wood that rounds out the rocking chair’s former charm.

However, what Glaves found is that upholstery – the art of recovering fabric and restoring furniture – is a dying art. Those who practice take on little new work, and most are older, making the hand work difficult to continue. 

Instead, she decided to tackle the project herself. With the help of an online membership forum and a nearby worker – in their 70s – willing to teach, she got started.

“She was more than happy to teach me; she wanted to pass it on to somebody else,” Glaves said. “I love to work with my hands and go through the creative problem-solving process. So I thought, ‘Hey let’s see where this can go.’” 

She then took on a project that had been pitched to her mentor – a sofa, loveseat, and chair – and completed her first major commission. Since then, Glaves has been getting new projects through word-of-mouth, as well as finishing some of her own pieces. 

“Between people in person and the online group, I feel very confident that I can get through whatever I need to and have that help and support,” she said. 

Then in the summer of 2023 she took a plunge and resigned her teaching job to start her new business, Big Oak Upholstery. After 15 years traveling with USD 379’s TLEC program, she said she was ready for a change. 

“I still sub, but it was getting to the point I couldn’t do both,” she said. “Knowing there aren’t many upholsterers around, it made me think about how this career combines things I’m good at and enjoy.” 

Working from her basement shop, Glaves takes on older pieces, curb finds, and hired pieces – giving all new life. Each piece has to be completely torn down, then put back together with new fabric, and often new cushioning. 

“I like to take my time, it’s very tedious,” she said. Adding that, especially with older furniture, pieces are well-made, but include several pieces. On one project, when she went to tear it down, she learned she was at least the fourth to recover, but the first to remove any staples or nails. It took extra hours to pull hardware – with as little damage to the wood as possible – then to fill them back in. 

“It’s hard on your body and your hands,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist so I want to make sure it’s done right and to the highest quality.” 

One of the most important decisions when choosing to reupholster is the fabric, she said. Upholstery-grade pieces are expensive, with some hosting built-in stain repellant. However, there is an overwhelming amount of pattern and color choices, as well as price points. 

“I try to help clients find the best fabric product for their furniture within their budget,” she said. “Between my sample books and online there are thousands to choose from.” 

In total, it takes around one-two yards of fabric to complete a dining chair, she said. Then if there is a pattern, it could take more so she’s able to match the design on different sections of the chair. 

“It’s hard to start,” she said. “People buy expensive fabric and I have to cut it. I measure three-to-four times to make sure I have it right, then cut.” 

Another part of the process is rebuilding cushions from foam, cotton, and Dacron to create a new seat. 

“It’s essentially a brand-new product that’s going to be clean and will last for years,” she said. 

During the teardown process, Glaves wears a mask while removing cushions with layers of dirt, dust, and grime. 

“You can imagine what makes its way through that over the years,” she said. Adding that foam can also degrade, becoming powdery. Other cushions might be stuffed with straw or horsehair. 

Because furniture varies so much, Glaves said each project varies greatly in timeline. Aspects like button tufting, wingbacks, and supports will add time to each piece. 

“That’s one thing, when people ask about price, I can give a ballpark range estimate because I have no idea what’s underneath. But it’s different for everyone. If it’s that favorite family heirloom, sometimes cost doesn’t matter because you just love the piece, and you want it new again.” 

Meanwhile, she added that taking pieces apart teachers her how to put them back together. Through the process she takes pictures to remember how each section was constructed, she said. 

While she has yet to find any treasures or heirlooms hidden in pieces, she usually finds toothpicks, popcorn, pennies, and dust – lots of it. 

“It’s part of the mystery,” she said. “I don’t mind teardown even though it’s hard work. You never know what you’re going to find.” 

More images of Big Oak Upholstery can be found on their Facebook page.