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.
Although it’s not standard, many upholstery professionals offer warranties on their workmanship, typically ranging from six months to several years. However, most warranties don't cover normal wear and tear, damage from spills and other accidents, or problems with the original furniture frame. Before starting your project, be sure to ask about warranty terms, what is covered, and any exclusions.
The best way to test the quality of a leather couch is to put your hands on it. If the upholstery is soft and warm, that’s a good indication that the quality is higher. It should also smell like traditional leather. If it smells like chemicals, you’re probably dealing with low-grade leather.
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 couch often ranges from one to three weeks, depending on the upholsterer's workload, fabric availability, and the complexity of your couch. This breaks down between 10 and 20 hours if you hire a professional, or 20 to 40 hours if you DIY. Custom features or repairs may extend the timeline.
The Chapman, KS 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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