Get matched with top upholsterers in Seaford, DE

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.

As with any project, weighing the pros and cons of upholstery can help determine if that is the right choice for you. The ultimate question is whether it’s worth reupholstering instead of buying new furniture. Here are a few of the benefits and disadvantages of reupholstering a piece of furniture.

Pros:

• Preserving a family heirloom

• Maintaining high-quality furniture in good condition

• Reinventing an old piece of furniture

• Keeping a piece of furniture from going to a landfill

Cons:

• Spending (possibly) more than to buy a new piece of furniture

• Finding out the frame is beyond repair

• Waiting for the reupholstery work to be done

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.

Furniture made from materials resistant to sun fading includes metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron, as well as certain synthetic materials like polyethylene (commonly used in outdoor wicker furniture) and resin-based products. Glass tables and accents are also sun resistant. These materials inherently withstand UV rays and are less prone to fading or discoloration. Furniture with UV-resistant coatings or finishes, such as powder-coated metal or UV-protected plastics, offers enhanced protection against sun-induced fading.