Do you have some old furniture pieces that you'd like to replace, but you're not sure you want to invest in new stuff? Often, people who don't want to get rid of old furniture choose to have it reupholstered. Simply put, furniture reupholstery is a process in which old upholstery is removed and then replaced with new fabric. Here are some basic considerations and tips on how you can find a good furniture reupholstery service near you. By just entering your zip code above, you can be connected today to a local furniture upholstery business.
What You Can and Cannot Reupholster
For some of the simpler reupholster projects, you may be able to do your own reupholstering, such as:
- Making minor fabric alterations to an existing piece—When a frame has only small damages, you could probably repair the framing yourself
- Another example of a common DIY reupholster project is removing and then adding new fabric to dining room chairs. These jobs entail about $100 to $200, depending on the type of fabric and additional supplies needed, such as a stable gun, ripping chisel, upholstery tacks and pins, rubber mallet and other tools.
- On the other hand, for other complicated projects, it's usually better to let a professional handle the job.
- This is particularly the case when reupholstering leather furniture. One reason is that leather can easily be damaged from stains and scratches as well as lose its elasticity.
- However, certified professionals have the needed equipment to make repairs. Furthermore, when you hire a licensed upholstery service, you can be sure you'll be getting high quality.
When to Repair Versus Replace Furniture
If you're attached to the style, shape and comfort of your old furniture, and it doesn't have any structural issues, it's generally a good option to have it reupholstered in a more updated fabric. You can determine if your furniture is in good structural shape by noticing if it shakes when moving it. If it doesn't wobble and is able to resist impact, consider it to be in good structural condition and suitable to be repaired or reupholstered.
But if it isn't able to resist the impact of being moved, this can suggest inferior structural integrity, so you may have to replace it. Comfort is another important consideration. For instance, you may feel sentimental about a certain antique chair that's been passed down through your family, but if its springs stick out and it has holes, it's time to donate it to a thrift store.
Reupholster Cost Considerations
Cost is usually the biggest factor when deciding whether to it's better to reupholster or replace old furniture.
Reupholster costs can vary, depending on the type of piece and other factors, such as furniture size and fabric. The biggest aspect affecting cost is fabric. The cost for upholstery fabric usually starts at about $40 per yard, while designer fabric is considerably more, starting at around $70 per yard. Even more expensive is high quality velvet fabric, which can be as high as $200.
The amount of fabric can affect cost. A typical sofa requires 16 or more yards of fabric to reupholster it, while a chair only needs about 7 yards of fabric. Also, the more fabric that's needed, the more you'll have to pay in labor costs.
In some situations, it's more affordable to buy new furniture than having it upholstered. If it costs more to reupholster than it does to buy a new furniture piece, then don't have it upholstered.
Consider quality. Although it may cost less to get a new chair or sofa, your old furniture may be constructed of higher quality. This can mean that your old furniture could even outlive new furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reupholster my furniture?
On average, expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 to reupholster your furniture. Where on that range you fall depends on the size and type of furniture as well as the fabric you choose.
Fabric is the biggest cost factor, ranging between $40 and $70 per yard or $4 to $15 per square foot. Designer fabric and velvet can go up to $200 per yard. Furniture upholstery services charge $40 to $100 per hour.
What do you call someone who does upholstery?
Upholsterers are experts who specialize in upholstery services. They can replace the padding, springs, webbing and fabric in existing pieces of furniture. Upholstery is a specialized process that some, but not all furniture repair companies provide.
How do I choose fabric for upholstery?
What upholstery is right for your furniture depends on a number of factors:
- Style preference and how it fits with the room it's in
- Cost per yard, from synthetic ($10 - $50) to velvet ($50 - $200)
- Durability, from cotton to linen (very durable)
Talk to your upholstery service about your fabric options and their various pros and cons.
What qualities should I look for in a furniture upholstery service?
- A good reputation based on personal recommendations and online reviews
- Special expertise in upholstery rather than general repair abilities
- Experience in working with furniture styles and types like yours
- Pickup and delivery services from their workspace
- Ability to work with multiple fabric types to suit your preference
- Good turnaround times to minimize inconvenience during the work
- Reasonable pricing
- No hidden costs or fees