Custom covers and upholstery workshop

Homeowners, interior designers, restaurants and cafés, boat and RV owners, and property managers.

Quoted price per job based on materials and labour, with repeat work from designers and businesses that need regular orders.

• Accurate measuring and pattern making
• Industrial machine sewing and upholstery basics
• Quoting jobs and managing customers
• Sourcing fabric and foam from suppliers

• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your equipment and stock
• Check your municipality for zoning and business licence rules for a workshop
• Upholstered furniture and filling materials may be subject to provincial or federal labelling and flammability rules, so check what applies
• Seasonal swings, such as boat and patio covers being busiest in spring and fall
• Workshop safety, including dust, fire risk and machine use, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on workshop rent, industrial sewing machines, fabric and foam stock, and insurance. Buying used equipment or starting with a narrower range of products may reduce the figure.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the types of jobs you take, your pricing and how steady your customers are. Boat and patio covers can be seasonal, busiest in spring and fall.

Check your municipality for zoning and business licence rules for a workshop. Check whether upholstered furniture and filling materials face provincial or federal labelling and flammability rules, insurance for equipment and stock, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire.