Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 1
Introduction to Workshop
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Introduction to Workshop
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Upholstery
Class: Senior Secondary 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Theme: Upholstery Design And Drawing
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Working drawings are precise technical drawings used as comprehensive guides for the construction and assembly of a product. In upholstery, they serve as the blueprint, detailing the structural frame, foam layering, fabric patterns, and overall dimensions.
Definition: A set of drawings that provides all the necessary information, dimensions, and specifications to manufacture or construct an item.
Types Relevant to Upholstery: Orthographic Projections: These show multiple views (e.g., front view, top view, side view) of an object, each view perpendicular to the projection plane. They are crucial for showing accurate dimensions and internal structures.
A cutting list is a detailed manifest of all materials required for an upholstery project, broken down by individual component with precise dimensions and quantities.
Definition: A tabulated list specifying every piece of material (wood, foam, fabric, webbing, springs, etc.) needed, including its type, exact dimensions (length, width, thickness), and quantity.
Purpose: Facilitates efficient material procurement. Minimizes material waste by optimizing cutting layouts. Ensures all necessary components are available before starting work. Forms the basis for accurate material costing.
Steps to Prepare a Cutting List: Analyze the Working Drawing: Thoroughly examine each view to identify all distinct components.
Identify Materials: Determine the material type for each component (e.g., "Mahogany wood," "Medium-density foam," "Brocade fabric").
Measure and Calculate Dimensions: Extract precise length, width, and thickness from the working drawing. For fabric, remember to add seam allowances and allowances for wrapping. For foam, account for compression or desired plushness.
List and Quantify: Compile the information into a clear table format, indicating the number of identical pieces required.
Example: Cutting List for the Simple Upholstered Stool | Item No. | Part Name | Material | Dimensions (L x W x T / Quantity) | Quantity | Remarks | | :------- | :----------------- | :--------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :------- | :---------------------------------------------- | | 1 | Top Frame Pieces | Hardwood (Iroko) | 36cm x 4cm x 2cm | 2 | (For 40cm overall width, 2cm thick frame) | | 2 | Side Frame Pieces | Hardwood (Iroko) | 36cm x 4cm x 2cm | 2 | (For 40cm overall length, 2cm thick frame) | | 3 | Legs | Hardwood (Iroko) | 40cm x 4cm x 4cm | 4 | | | 4 | Seat Base (MDF) | 12mm MDF | 40cm x 40cm | 1 | | | 5 | Seat Foam | Density 25 Foam | 40cm x 40cm x 10cm | 1 | | | 6 | Dacron Wrap | Dacron/Wadding | 50cm x 50cm (approx) | 1 | Allowance for wrapping foam | | 7 | Main Fabric | Ankara/Brocade Fabric | 60cm x 60cm (approx) | 1 | Allowance for wrapping seat base and foam | | 8 | Bottom Dust Cover | Calico/Non-woven Fabric| 40cm x 40cm | 1 | To cover bottom of seat | | 9 | Webbing | Elastic Webbing | 2 meters | 1 | For seat suspension | | 10 | Staples/Tacks | Upholstery Staples | 1 box | 1 | | | 11 | Glue | Wood Glue/Spray Adhesive| 1 unit | 1 | | | 12 | Thread | Upholstery Thread | 1 spool | 1 | If any stitching is required (e.g., piping) | Calculated as 15% of (Material + Labour) = 0.15 (NGN 13,850 + NGN 10,000) = 0.15 NGN 23,850 = NGN 3,577.50
D. Profit Margin: Calculated as 25% of (Material + Labour + Overhead) = 0.25 (NGN 13,850 + NGN 10,000 + NGN 3,577.50) = 0.25 NGN 27,427.50 = NGN 6,856.88
E. Contingency: 5% of (Material + Labour + Overhead + Profit) = 0.05 (NGN 27,427.50 + NGN 6,856.88) = 0.05 * NGN 34,284.38 = NGN 1,714.22
F. Total Estimated Cost (Rounded): NGN 13,850 + NGN 10,000 + NGN 3,577.50 + NGN 6,856.88 + NGN 1,714.22 = NGN 36,000 (Approx.) An estimate is an approximate calculation of the cost involved in completing an upholstery project. It is vital for project budgeting, client quotations, and ensuring profitability.
Definition: A projection of the total cost required to produce an upholstered item, encompassing material costs, labour costs, and overhead expenses, often with a profit margin.
Importance: Provides a basis for pricing products and services. Helps in budgeting for projects. Manages client expectations regarding costs. Ensures business profitability.
Components of an Estimate:
1. Material Costs: Calculated directly from the cutting list by multiplying the quantity of each material by its unit price. Unit prices should reflect current local market rates in Nigeria (e.g., per meter, per yard, per plank, per box).
2. Labour Costs: The cost of the time spent by the upholsterer and any assistants. This is usually calculated by estimating the total hours required and multiplying by an hourly labour rate (e.g., NGN 1,500 - NGN 3,000 per hour for skilled labour in Nigeria).
3. Overhead Costs: Indirect costs of running the workshop or business that are not directly tied to a specific project. This includes rent, electricity, depreciation of tools, transport, marketing, etc. Often calculated as a percentage of material costs, labour costs, or total direct costs (e.g., 10-25%).
4. Profit Margin: The desired percentage added to the total cost to ensure the business makes a profit. This can vary based on market competition, uniqueness of the product, and business strategy (e.g., 20-50%).
5. Contingency: A small percentage (e.g., 5-10%) added to cover unforeseen expenses or price fluctuations.
Steps to Prepare an Estimate:
1. List Materials: Use the cutting list as a foundation.
2. Obtain Unit Prices: Research current market prices for each material (e.g., from local building material markets like Ladipo or furniture material suppliers in Mushin, Lagos, or similar markets in other Nigerian cities).
3. Calculate Material Totals: Multiply quantities by unit prices.
4. Estimate Labour Time: Based on complexity and experience (e.g., 4-6 hours for a simple stool).
5. Calculate Labour Cost: Estimated hours x hourly rate.
6. Calculate Overheads: Apply the chosen percentage.
7. Add Profit Margin: Apply the chosen percentage.
8. Add Contingency: If desired.
9. Sum All Costs: To get the total estimated cost.
Example: Basic Cost Estimate for the Simple Upholstered Stool (Hypothetical Nigerian market prices as of Q3 2023)
A. Material Costs: | Item | Quantity | Unit Price (NGN) | Total (NGN) | | :--------------- | :-------- | :--------------- | :---------- | | Hardwood (Iroko) | 0.05 cubic meters | 70,000 / m3 | 3,500 | (Approx. 2,000-3,000 per 4x4x12ft plank cut) | | 12mm MDF (4x4ft) | 0.25 sheet| 10,000 / sheet | 2,500 | (A full 4x8ft sheet costs ~N20k) | | Density 25 Foam | 1 yard | 2,500 / yard | 2,500 | (For 40x40x10cm) | | Dacron | 0.5 yard | 800 / yard | 400 | | | Ankara Fabric | 1.5 yards | 1,500 / yard | 2,250 | (Allowance for wrapping, 1.5-2 yards) | | Calico | 1 yard | 500 / yard | 500 | | | Elastic Webbing | 2 meters | 200 / meter | 400 | | | Staples (small) | 1 box | 1,000 / box | 1,000 | | | Wood Glue | 1 unit | 800 / unit | 800 | | | Subtotal Materials | | | 13,850 |
B. Labour Costs: Estimated Hours: 5 hours Hourly Rate: NGN 2,000 / hour Subtotal Labour: 5 hours NGN 2,000/hour = NGN 10,000
C. Overhead Costs: Calculated as 15% of (Material + Labour) = 0.15 (NGN 13,850 + NGN 10,000) = 0.15 NGN 23,850 = NGN 3,577.50
D. Profit Margin: Calculated as 25% of (Material + Labour + Overhead) = 0.25 (NGN 13,850 + NGN 10,000 + NGN 3,577.50) = 0.25 NGN 27,427.50 = NGN 6,856.88
E. Contingency: 5% of (Material + Labour + Overhead + Profit) = 0.05 (NGN 27,427.50 + NGN 6,856.88) = 0.05 * NGN 34,284.38 = NGN 1,714.22
F. Total Estimated Cost (Rounded): NGN 13,850 + A workshop rod (or story rod) is a full-scale, accurate representation of a critical section or the entire profile of a piece of furniture, drawn onto a sturdy, flat material like plywood or hardboard.
Definition: A full-size drawing, usually on a thin board, that shows all the dimensions and features of a piece of furniture or a specific component.
Purpose: Ensures absolute accuracy and consistency of dimensions, especially for non-rectangular or curved components. Acts as a master reference for checking measurements during construction. Eliminates the need for constant reference to scaled drawings, reducing errors. Useful for repetitive production of identical parts. Clearly displays all joinery and fitting locations.
How to Prepare: Select Material: Choose a flat, stable piece of material (e.g., 6mm plywood, hardboard, or even thick cardboard) large enough to accommodate the full-scale drawing.
Transfer Dimensions: Carefully transfer all critical dimensions, curves, and angles from the working drawing onto the chosen material at a 1:1 scale (full size). Use accurate measuring tools (tape measure, ruler, set square, compass).
Mark Details: Include all relevant details such as joint locations, pivot points, and component interfaces.
Label Clearly: Label all parts and dimensions clearly on the rod.
Application in Upholstery: For complex armrests, curved back profiles of a sofa, or specific leg designs. For the simple stool, a workshop rod could show the side profile of the leg and frame assembly to ensure all four legs are identical and at the correct angle.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development: The skills of preparing working drawings, cutting lists, and estimates are foundational for any aspiring upholsterer or furniture maker in Nigeria. They enable individuals to start and manage their own upholstery businesses, accurately quote prices for clients (e.g., for reupholstering car seats in mechanic villages, making new chairs for homes, or furnishing offices), manage material inventory efficiently, and ensure profitability. This directly addresses the Nigerian government's focus on youth empowerment and job creation through vocational skills.
Quality Control and Client Satisfaction: In the competitive Nigerian furniture market, delivering high-quality products is paramount. Detailed working drawings serve as a contract of specifications, ensuring the final product meets client expectations. The precision from cutting lists and templates leads to consistently well-made furniture, building a strong reputation for the artisan or business and fostering client trust. This is crucial whether one is supplying furniture to hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, or individual homes in Kaduna. Efficient Resource Management and Waste Reduction: Nigeria, like many developing nations, places importance on sustainable practices and efficient use of resources. By preparing accurate cutting lists, upholsterers can optimize material usage (wood, foam, fabric), minimizing waste and associated costs. Templates facilitate bulk cutting with minimal offcuts, leading to cost savings that can be passed on to consumers or contribute to higher profit margins for local businesses, thereby promoting economic sustainability.