Reupholstering can be a great way to breathe new life into a piece of furniture.
But before you dive in, it's important to consider if it's truly worth the investment. Here are some key factors to help you decide:
- If the couch was originally well-made, it may be worth reupholstering.
- Do you still love the look of the couch? If the style feels timeless and suits your home, reupholstering is a smart option.
- Reupholstery can fix things like springs and stuffing, but if the frame is wobbly or loose, it's an expensive repair. A weak frame may not hold up well after reupholstery.
If the couch frame was made from low-quality wood, it can shrink, crack, and cause nails to loosen. This may not be something that reupholstering can fix long-term.
How can I check my furniture condition?
Answer: Move it!
When you lift one side of the couch, the frame should feel solid. If it creaks, shifts, or bows, the structural integrity may be compromised, making reupholstery not worthwhile. Bad joints can be repaired, but if the wood itself is compromised, the problem can't be resolved.
If your couch has passed the test of time, reupholstering could be the perfect way to give it a fresh look and extend its lifespan.
Note:
A sagging seat can be caused by worn foam, or bad springs. So it is not always a reliable indicator.
Is It Cheaper to Reupholster Furniture or Buy New?
Deciding whether to reupholster your furniture or buy new depends on several factors, including the quality of the furniture and your long-term goals.
- If you’re looking for a piece of furniture you can keep for the rest of your life, reupholstering may be the better option.
They dont make wood like they used to:
- Older high-quality pieces with a solid frame can be restored and enjoyed for years to come.
- 30 years ago furniture was made from top grade old and dense hardword that you simply can not buy anymore.
- Even the best quality modern hardwood furniture is made with wood from younger trees and will shrink over time, causing furniture joints to loosen.
I once worked on a brand new classic tuxedo style sofa and loveseat set from a top manufacurer that cost nearly $20,000.
The clients purchased investment peices but then found they were too nervous to enjoy their costly set. So they hired me to make slipcovers.
I felt bad knowing I could have easily purchased very identical pieces from an estate for $50, and had them stripped and reupholstered for $3,000.
Remember too that a skilled upholsterer can update many features of a sofa including cushion shapes, arm shapes, legs and even the height.
So if you want to reuse to your mom’s old well-built furniture but aren't a fan of the dated arm shape, ask your specialist for suggestions..
What is the Average Cost of Reupholstering a Sofa?
The cost of sofa reupholstery can vary greatly depending on the shop and the scope of the work. Here are some factors that influence the price:
- Labor can range from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the shop you choose. It’s a good idea to call around and get quotes from different places to find the best deal.
- If the upholstery shop is located on a main street or in an upscale area, expect to pay more. These locations tend to have higher overhead costs, which can be passed on to customers.
- If you can find an experienced upholsterer working from home, the cost can be much lower. Many solo upholsterers are in high demand, especially from interior designers.
How Many Hours Does It Take For Couch Upholstery?
The time it takes to reupholster a sofa depends on its condition and the level of work required:
- For an experienced upholsterer, it typically takes one full day to reupholster a sofa—without extensive repairs.
- It is usually best to replace the cushion foam and this will take a second day, as new foam needs to be cut, and the cushion covers need to be stitched and fitted.
Having worked in upholstery, I can tell you that it’s easy to get overcharged.
- To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s a good idea to contact at least three different shops. A simple way to begin is by emailing a photo of your piece to a few upholstery shops for an initial estimate.
- Be sure to ask if you can supply your own reupholstering fabric, This is a good sign that you’re working with an upholstery specialist who will work with your budget.
Upholstery Fabric Prices
While we are on the subject finding a cheap upholsterer, let's discuss fabric. Upholstery shops may offer fabric for furniture, but their prices aren’t always the best deal and you may not find a great selection.
We carry thousands of Upholstery Textiles.
Our pricing structure is designed to benefit you, especially when buying in large quantities. Check out our huge selection. Or you may wish to shop categories:
Boucle Fabrics for furniture
Linen Upholstery Fabric
Velvet fabrics
Unique upholstery fabric & prints and jacquards.
Our Deals on Upholstery Fabrics
- Our tiered discount program ensures that as your order size increases, so does your discount.
- We also have for sale mill ends, remnants and reduced prices in smaller quanities which are perfect for armchair upholstery fabrics and other small projects.
Wholesale and Roll Pricing On Upholstery Fabrics.
Additionally, we offer wholesale and roll prices, with savings up to 50%, which are perfect for larger pieces like sectionals and three-piece furniture sets. We send large fabric rolls across USA and Canada weekly. Shipping is free and currently our fabric is duty free up to $800 USD per day. With our low exchange rate, we have many happy customers from USA as well as Canada.
Reupholstering can be a cost-effective way to extend the life of well-made furniture. Always compare quotes from multiple shops and consider fabric options to ensure you're getting the best value for your investment.