Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a small selection of questions we have been asked by customers in the past.

At A and B Antiques we always do our very best to cater to the individual requirements of each job. So, if you have any questions that have not been covered here, then please get in touch with us by phone on 01422 206286, or through the Contact Us page of the site.

General FAQs

Why should I choose your company’s services?

Whether looking to get a picture framed or an antique furniture piece upholstered, you would want the job to be carried out swiftly, cost-effectively and to a high standard, by skilled craftsmen. Both Alan and Brian are experienced in running a successful small business so you can be assured of a quality service. A and B Antiques has built up a strong reputation in the local community of Halifax and West Yorkshire, and can be relied on to complete any job efficiently.

Do you do all your picture framing and upholstery work on the premises?

The work we undertake depends to a great extent on where the individual customer or commercial client is located in the country. We provide a personal service to those who are based close to our company office in Halifax. We can arrange for the collection and delivery of the product to and from our workshop, while we also complete some of our jobs off-site.

Furniture upholstery / re-upholstery – Commonly Asked Questions

Is it cost effective to recover old furniture rather than buying it new?

The quality and craftsmanship that went into making the furniture of the past is often vastly superior to the pieces you can get today. Antique furniture is usually very durable and you can get it upholstered at the fraction of the cost it would be to go out and get new furniture. The styles of the past can be recreated and enjoyed again through this upholstery work and this is why furniture restoration of home furnishings is proving to be so popular. Many of the items we work on also have a degree of sentimental value attached to them too. We can also upholster all types of modern furniture at great value. Speak to us about your requirements and to get an extremely competitive quote.

What upholstery materials will you be using?

The upholstery work can be carried out to your specifications using materials from our extensive fabric range. It is really up to your own personal tastes. Some people prefer leather as it is durable and grows even stronger with age, although due to the tanning process used it is also the most expensive. We only use top quality materials and fabrics with regards to cover and stuff work on the frame, springs and seating.

How do I care for my furniture?

An important aspect of upholstery work is the continued maintenance of the piece. Once you have had it upholstered it is still necessary to maintain it regularly. You can care for the fabric by preventing it from becoming soiled. A practical way of looking after most upholstered furniture is through vacuuming or brushing, although spills may need to be blotted and treated right away with water or neutral spotters. Any leather or suede items should be cleaned with special solutions to prevent damage.

Picture Framing – Commonly Asked Questions

What sort of products can be framed?

We offer a range of different types of framing solutions to our customers and this can ultimately depend on their individual requirements. We are experienced in custom framing and so provide a variety of frame choices for each item to be framed and can discuss the design options with you.

How quick can you frame a piece of artwork and get it back to me?

At A and B Antiques we pride ourselves on offering a fast turnaround time on all our work, although the exact time it takes can depend on the size and nature of the job. One factor that affects the framing process is the type of method to be used, e.g. expensive artwork may need to be framed using conservation techniques. However, most standard framing can be done in a very short time, and if you have any timing issues, please make us aware of this at the time of enquiry.

Why does my artwork need to be mounted before it is framed?

The majority of items sent to A and B Antiques to be framed are, in essence, just thin sheets of paper. Therefore, this artwork cannot be fixed or supported in the frame without being held or backed by a sturdy support / backing board. As picture framers, we have to mount nearly all artwork before making a suitable frame. Of course, the chosen method of mounting can depend on the customer requirements, the construction of the frame and the value / nature of the piece itself.