In most cases, it is more affordable to reupholster furniture than it is to replace it, but it depends on the quality and age of the furniture you’re considering getting reupholstered. Antique pieces are always worth reupholstering, as it’s the only way to preserve the piece and extend its life. Newer pieces of furniture are more often made using lower-quality materials like medium-density fiberboard or plywood that don’t have the same lifespan as things like hardwood. For newer pieces, your furniture reupholstery specialist should be able to help you determine the best course of action.
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
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.
Pros cover many fixes, from upholstery renewals to joint reinforcement.
You should consider the time needed to clean and prepare your bedroom set for transit. A few days before moving, vacuum, dust, and clean your furniture with a mild cleaning solution. Depending on the movers and the services you pick, you might need to pre-pack the mattress and box spring in boxes designed for beds and disassemble some furniture by removing doors and hardware. Finally, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures documenting the pre-move condition in case you need to file a claim.
The Kailua Kona, HI 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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