We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Furniture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Upholstery Tacks?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 14,182
Share

Upholstery tacks are specially designed nails that are used to secure upholstery fabric to a frame. These upholstery nails are somewhat similar to the shank nails used to secure building materials to concrete blocks. Upholstery tacks are available in both utility and decorative designs, making them ideal for a wide range of upholstery projects.

The basic upholstery tack is usually made of iron or steel and is configured with a flat head. The point of the knife is sharp pointed, helping the device to drive into wooden frames with ease. Available in several sizes, these plain upholstery tacks are ideal for projects like attaching the protective mesh on the underside of a chair or sofa, as well as securing the upholstery material over the padding and to the back, seat, and arms of the furniture frame.

In most designs, the basic tack is intended to not be visible when the upholstery job is complete. However, there are decorative tacks that not only help to hold the material in place, but also add visual interest to the finished look of the upholstered piece. These upholstery tacks often come with round heads and are made with brass. Other shapes such as squares or diamonds are also relatively common. One of the classic looks for upholstering a chair or sofa involves the use of leather upholstery combined with a series of exposed brass tacks with round heads.

Upholstery tacks are sold in a wide range of sizes, making it possible to use them in all sorts of projects. The tacks work well with many different kinds of upholstery supplies and materials. Smaller upholstery tacks would be ideal for use in a reupholster job on chairs with simple lines or even a hope chest with a padded top. The larger and more decorative nails would be ideal for use with padded doors or large sofas.

Rather than being sold by the unit, upholstery tacks are normally sold by weight. For instance, in the United States, the consumer would purchase the tacks by the pound. The actual number of tacks included in the purchase would depend on the size and design of the tacks. Basic tacks used for attaching protective mesh on the underside of a sofa are small and light, whereas brass tacks with rounded heads would weigh more and of course include fewer units per pound. Hardware stores, home stores, and building supply stores will carry the tacks in a variety of different sizes and usually include scales nearby to help weigh the purchases.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-upholstery-tacks.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.