Upholstery Accessories & Tools for Sale

Shop our range of upholstery accessories for sale at MHC World. Buy online and receive free delivery over R3500 & within a 30km radius from our store.

Apart from our upholstery accessories for sale, we also offer ground sheeting, upholstery material and tapestry for sale.

Upholstery Accessories and Tools, available at MHC World, play a vital role in the world of furniture repair, refurbishment and creation. Whether you are tackling a professional project or simply giving an old chair new life at home, having the correct accessories and tools ensures a high-quality finish and lasting results. These items form the foundation of all upholstery work, from simple cushion replacements to complex chair reconstructions. They are designed to assist with precision, durability, and safety, while also helping you achieve a neat and polished appearance.

What Is Upholstery Accessories and Tools

Upholstery accessories and tools are the essential items used in the process of building, repairing, or restoring upholstered furniture. These tools range from handheld items like scissors and hammers to specialist equipment such as pneumatic staplers and webbing stretchers. Accessories include all the components that support the fabric and structure of the furniture, such as upholstery tacks, nails, webbing, foam, piping cord, dust covers and zips.

Each tool and accessory has a specific role in the overall upholstery process. Cutting tools help trim fabric and foam accurately. Fastening tools secure the fabric to the frame. Accessories ensure the shape and function of the finished piece are maintained. Using proper upholstery tools results in a stronger build, neater corners, better tension and a more professional appearance.

The Development of Upholstery Accessories and Tools Through the Years

Upholstery tools have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in furniture design, materials, and construction techniques. In the early days of upholstery, dating back to the 17th century, craftsmen relied on hand tools made of wood and metal. Needles, mallets, and hand-forged nails were used to attach horsehair or straw padding to timber frames.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, as furniture styles became more complex, tools also advanced. Upholsterers began using stuffing hammers, gimp pliers, and regulators to control padding and create smooth finishes. With the arrival of coiled springs in the 1800s, the industry saw the introduction of springing tools and twine-based methods for support and tension.

The 20th century brought modern materials such as synthetic foams, industrial fabrics and pneumatic fastening tools. Electric and air-powered staplers replaced hand-tacking, while stronger adhesives allowed for new ways of fixing foam and padding. Accessories also improved, with the creation of pre-finished piping, tack strips, Velcro and stretch webbing.

Today, upholstery professionals and DIYers can purchase reliable tools and accessories that are lightweight, ergonomic and built for precision.

Why Upholstery Accessories and Tools Is Essential for the Job

Upholstery accessories and tools are essential because they ensure structural integrity, aesthetic precision and user comfort. Furniture that is improperly upholstered may sag, show staples or seams, or fail to provide adequate support. Using the right tools eliminates these issues, allowing you to create a piece that not only looks appealing but also performs as intended over time.

For instance, a webbing stretcher ensures correct tension in the base of a chair, providing support that lasts. A regulator smooths out lumps in the stuffing. A staple gun secures fabric firmly to the frame, avoiding puckering and wrinkles. Each tool addresses a particular step in the upholstery process and skipping or substituting these items often leads to inferior results.

Accessories like foam padding, dust covers, and zips ensure comfort, hygiene and function. Without them, even a beautifully upholstered piece would feel incomplete. Investing in good tools not only improves the quality of your finished work but also makes the process more efficient and less physically demanding.

Who Would Gain From Buying Upholstery Accessories and Tools and Why

A professional cannot achieve consistent results without dependable equipment, so investing in proper tools becomes an essential part of the trade.

DIY enthusiasts also stand to gain from owning upholstery tools. With the right gear, a hobbyist can repair dining chairs, restore inherited furniture or make custom pieces from scratch. It’s more economical to purchase tools once than to pay for repeated professional services.

Interior designers or small business owners creating bespoke pieces also benefit, as upholstery tools give them greater creative control. Instead of compromising on readymade furniture, they can tailor every detail with confidence.

Lastly, students and trainees studying upholstery will need a full set of tools to develop their skills properly.

Different Types and Styles of Upholstery Accessories and Tools and Their Features

There is a wide variety of upholstery tools and accessories, each with its own features and applications:

• Staple Guns: These come in manual, electric or pneumatic versions. They are used to fix fabric to frames and come with adjustable pressure settings for different materials.
• Webbing Stretchers: Used to apply tension to seat webbing, ensuring a firm base for padding. Some models are wooden with teeth, while others use mechanical leverage.
• Upholstery Hammers and Tack Lifters: These tools help drive in or remove tacks, nails and staples. Upholstery hammers often have magnetic heads to hold nails in place.
• Regulators and Stuffing Tools: Used to position stuffing evenly under the fabric, allowing for a smooth and even seat or back.
• Foam and Padding: Available in various densities and thicknesses, foam provides support and comfort under the top fabric layer.
• Tack Strips and Piping Cord: These accessories help achieve clean lines and tight corners and are vital for a polished look.

What Is the Lifespan of Upholstery Accessories and Tools and How Can You Extend It

The lifespan of upholstery tools and accessories depends on the frequency of use and how well they are maintained. A high-quality staple gun or webbing stretcher can last for many years, even decades, if used and stored correctly. Cheaper tools may wear out faster but can still serve occasional users well if properly cared for.

To extend the life of your tools, always clean them after use and store them in a dry, dust-free environment. Keep blades and edges sharp, especially on scissors and cutters. Avoid dropping metal tools, as this can affect their alignment or damage wooden handles.

How to Choose Upholstery Accessories and Tools

Beginners may want to start with a basic toolkit that includes a manual staple gun, tack lifter, scissors and a webbing stretcher. These tools are enough to complete small projects like dining chairs or cushions.

For larger or more advanced projects, electric or pneumatic tools may be worth the price, as they speed up the process and reduce strain. Professionals should look for commercial-grade tools that offer precision, safety and endurance under daily use.

When choosing accessories, select foam with the right density for the type of furniture, and check fabric requirements for matching piping or tack strips.

Best Brands of Upholstery Accessories and Tools Available on MHC World

At MHC World you can purchase all types and brands of Upholstery Accessories and Tools at a reasonable price.