Aaron Gray of Grayt Upholstery (Hays, KS)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
I’m a big fan of “before and after” and learning the trade has allowed me to participate in the before and after to transform some really neat pieces.
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How did you get started in upholstery?
My wife and I decided to remodel an old 5th Wheel Camper. When we got around to the couch cushions, it was a big challenge as I had never sewn before. I went straight to YouTube and watched videos on how to sew, dug out my wife’s plastic Walmart sewing machine, and went to work! After that, I was hooked and shortly after I bought my first real sewing machine (a Consew 206RB-5).
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What types of upholstery do you do?
I do pretty much any type of upholstery except furniture. I seem to attract a lot of boat owners. I do enjoy marine upholstery due to the bright colors and freedom it offers. I especially enjoy the opportunity to do fabrication work—building things that didn’t previously exist.
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How long have you been upholstering?
7 years now
What is your biggest consumer demand?
I haven’t noticed a particular demand, but I have been told people to come to me from all over due to my drive for perfection. In my eyes, my work isn’t perfect, but my customers are happy and that’s what matters!
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What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
The KC Chiefs pontoon was pretty cool.
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What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
I did a bench seat on an old El Camino and found the original build sheet in the seat.
Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
I’ve noticed marine upholstery is getting very square – straight lines, minimal to no bolstering. Colors are becoming clean and simple versus the loud and swoopy designs of the past. Cushions are becoming boxy. But it looks good, so who am I to complain?
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What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
The price of foam could come down a tick!
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another Publication?
Nope!
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Some answers have been edited for clarity.
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