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.
Furniture reupholstery costs vary based on many factors, but most projects cost between $350 and $1,100, with an average price of $700 per piece.
Some factors that affect the price of furniture reupholstery include:
Size of the piece
Current condition of the material
Materials used
Age of your furniture
Additional furniture repairs
Number of pieces of furniture
Your location and whether or not the work is done on-site
The time to reupholster a chair varies by the type and the project’s complexity. Simple dining chairs may take a few hours, while larger or more intricate chairs like wingbacks can take several days. Most professional upholsterers complete the job within one to two weeks, including material sourcing and scheduling.
Reupholstering an old or antique chair can be worthwhile if the frame is still sturdy and the piece has sentimental or monetary value. Reupholstery often costs less than buying a high-quality new chair, and you can customize the look. However, extensive repairs or rare fabrics may increase the total cost.
The average time it takes to reupholster a piece of furniture is around eight hours, but it varies significantly based on the piece. A professional can usually reupholster smaller furniture units like dining chairs or small ottomans in two to three hours, while an entire sofa might take several days or up to a week. Antique furniture tends to take longer to reupholster because greater care needs to be taken to preserve the piece. Your timeline might be a bit longer if you need other repairs done, like sanding and refinishing wood components.
The Brundidge, AL 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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