From the shop

Stories from sanctuaries we have worked in.

Project write-ups and straight answers — the same work you will see if you hire us.

What you will find here

We started writing these posts because committees kept asking us the same questions. What does it cost to reupholster a pew? Should we buy chairs instead? Roll carpet or carpet tile? Do we need a designer? The answers do not change much from church to church, so we wrote them down.

The rest of the posts are project write-ups. Each one covers a real sanctuary: what the church had, what the committee wanted, and what we did. They come from churches across the country, large and small, old buildings and new ones. If you want to see what a finished job looks like before you call, start there.

We have sorted the most useful posts by topic below. If you are just getting started, read the cost posts first, then the project write-ups that look most like your own room. If your committee is weighing a larger renovation, the planning posts will help you decide what to do first and what can wait.

How to read these posts as a committee

Most committees split the reading. One person takes cost posts, another reads project write-ups that look like your room, and a third covers flooring or paint if those are on the list.
When you read a project write-up, look past the fabric color. Notice the pew style, the size of the room, and what else changed at the same time.
Cost posts give typical ranges, not quotes. Use them to see whether a project fits the budget conversation, then ask us for a quote built on your own room.
Before you call, take a few photos and one measurement. One full pew from the aisle, a close shot of the seat front, the room from the back, and one pew end to end.

Planning tips we repeat on every call

Start early. Materials for pews take 12 to 16 weeks, and committees usually need a meeting or two to settle colors.
Plan the room together. Fabric, carpet, wall color and wood all have to work with each other.
Keep the pews if they are sound. Most solid pews are worth reupholstering at about one-third the cost of new pews of equal quality.
Ask who does the work. Our upholstery, carpet and paint crews are our own employees. Read more about why churches hire Sharpe’s or browse our services.