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It can be cheaper to reupholster a chair or other piece of furniture than to buy a new one, depending on how much it costs to replace. If the chair or couch originally cost less than $300, then reupholstery may not be the cheapest option. However, if the chair is expensive, vintage, or discontinued, reupholstery can be the more affordable option. This is especially true if the piece of furniture is out-of-production or holds sentimental value.

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.

Reupholstering is often worthwhile for high-quality, antique, or sentimental couches, especially if the frame is sturdy. It can cost less than buying a comparable new piece and allows for customization, but may not be cost-effective for low-end furniture.

Not always—heavily worn or broken furniture often isn’t worth repairing or refinishing (if it’s even possible). While some damage can be repaired and some of the visual appeal restored, major flaws, such as structural issues, can’t be fixed as easily. If you still want a cost-saving furniture refinishing project rather than purchasing all new, consider shopping for similar secondhand pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.