When collaborating with QA Group on custom commercial furniture projects, you don’t need to worry about calculating fabric yardage or foam requirements – we handle all the technical details. However, if you’re curious about the process, especially when providing your own materials (COM), here’s an overview of how we manage these aspects.
Fabric Yardage Estimation
Our team calculates the exact amount of fabric needed based on the furniture’s dimensions, shape, seam placement, and any special details like tufting, channeling, or welting. This precision helps reduce waste and ensures a perfect fit every time.
Basic Formula for Fabric Yardage:
Yardage = (Total Surface Area in square inches ÷ Fabric Width) ÷ 36
Example: A standard 48″ long restaurant booth with a 36″ high back, upholstered seat, and upholstered outside back typically requires 4 to 6 yards of fabric – assuming a 54″ wide solid material with no major pattern.
If you’re providing your own fabric (C.O.M.), please keep in mind:
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Fabric should be at least 54″ wide
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Plan for additional yardage if your material has a large pattern, directional print, or requires matching across panels
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Patterned fabrics may increase usage by 15–30%, depending on repeat size and orientation
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Channel tufting, deep welts, or diagonal cuts for bias piping will also add to yardage
We’re happy to help confirm how much fabric your project will require, especially if you’re sourcing specialty material. Just send us the fabric details (including repeat size and direction) and we’ll take it from there. By trusting QA Group to handle your yardage calculations, you get peace of mind that your commercial seating will look and perform exactly as intended… no surprises.
Leather Square Footage Estimation
When opting for leather instead of fabric, estimating material needs is a bit different. Leather hides are irregularly shaped and vary in usable area, so we adjust our calculations accordingly to ensure you get full coverage with minimal waste.
Basic Conversion from Fabric to Leather:
Leather Sq. Ft. = Fabric Yardage × 18
Assumes a 54″ wide fabric. Adjusts for shape irregularities and natural hide imperfections.
Example: A booth that would normally require 5 yards of fabric would need approximately 90 square feet of leather (5 yards × 18 sq. ft.).
If you’re supplying your own leather (C.O.L.), please keep in mind:
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Hides typically range from 50–55 square feet, and usable yield is often 80–85% depending on shape and quality
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You may need to purchase multiple hides to ensure full coverage with proper panel orientation
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Extra square footage is recommended for large continuous areas or applications requiring symmetry and grain direction matching
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Leather cannot be railroaded like fabric – panel cuts must follow the natural shape and grain of the hide
We’re happy to assist in confirming how much leather your project will need. Share the type of leather you’re sourcing and your style requirements, and our team will provide tailored guidance. When QA Group handles your leather yardage estimates, you can trust that your custom seating will reflect the craftsmanship and precision your space deserves.
Foam Calculation in Board Feet
Upholstery foam is measured in board feet, which is a volume-based unit used to estimate how much material is needed. All dimensions should be in inches. To calculate board feet, use this formula:
Board Feet = (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 144
For example, a cushion that’s 24″ long, 24″ wide, and 4″ thick would require: (24 × 24 × 4) ÷ 144 = 16 board feet.
At QA Group, we don’t just calculate volume – we match the foam density and compression rating to the specific needs of your seating. A booth in a fast-paced restaurant may need firmer, high-resilience foam for frequent use, while lounge seating in a hospitality setting may benefit from softer, more luxurious materials.
By managing these technical details in-house, we ensure every product we build meets your comfort, performance, and durability expectations, without requiring guesswork on your part.
Providing Your Own Materials (C.O.M.)
If you choose to supply your own fabric:
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Clearly label each fabric roll with your name, project reference, and any specific instructions.
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Ensure the fabric meets commercial standards and is suitable for upholstery.
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Be aware that QA Group isn’t responsible for flaws, dye lot variations, or flame retardancy compliance in COM fabrics.
Our Commitment
At QA Group, we specialize in crafting custom commercial furniture tailored to your specifications. Our team manages all aspects of the project – from design and material estimation to fabrication and installation – ensuring a seamless experience. Whether you’re supplying your own materials or selecting from our extensive range, we’re here to assist every step of the way. For project inquiries or to request an estimate, please visit our Estimate Request Page.
Note: This information is provided for general understanding. Specific project requirements may vary.