Yes, you can reupholster antique furniture, and it’s a great way to extend the life of your pieces and keep them looking fresh and new for years to come. In fact, since reupholstering furniture is significantly more affordable than replacing it, reviving antique furniture can be a cost-effective way to keep that family heirloom usable for much longer. It’s usually a good idea to leave antique reupholstering to a professional, as they will have the tools and expertise to ensure the piece isn’t damaged and looks professionally finished.
On average, the cost to reupholster furniture is about $720 per piece. However the price range to upholster a piece of furniture varies widely from about $380 to $1,150 or more, depending on the material type and availability, repairs needed, and the complexity of the project. Fabric costs typically range from $50 to $70 per yard while the cost of labor runs from $40 to $100 per hour.
Doing your own upholstery work is possible, but it’s typically a better idea to leave the work to professionals. Without experience and the proper tools, it’s difficult to get a professionally finished appearance for your furniture, and many DIYers end up spending money on tools and materials only to hire a professional when they can’t get the fabric to look right. If you have reupholstery experience, feel free to give it a shot. However, if you’re not confident in your skill level or you’re working with antiques, it’s worth the money to hire a pro.
When deciding whether to reupholster, repair, or replace old furniture, consider its age, level of wear and tear, and overall value. It’s usually better to repair old furniture because older pieces tend to be made out of hardwood, like oak and maple, whereas newer furniture is more often made out of plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and other less durable materials. When determining whether it’s worth the price to repair a furniture item, calculate the price of buying a new, similar piece and compare that to quotes from local furniture repair services.
If your couch is damaged, you are not out of options. You might try fixing it on your own, bring in a furniture repair specialist, or opt to get rid of it responsibly. Depending on its condition, you could donate, sell, recycle, or drop it off at a local scrap facility.
The King Cove, AK homeowners’ guide to upholstering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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