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When deciding whether to repair, reupholster, or replace old furniture, consider its age, quality, level of wear, and overall value, including sentimental attachment. In many cases, it is more affordable to reupholster or repair furniture than to replace it, especially for antique, vintage, or discontinued pieces.

Older furniture is often made from durable hardwoods like oak and maple, giving it a longer lifespan than newer furniture, which frequently uses lower-quality materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Because of this, repairing or reupholstering a well-made older piece is often a worthwhile investment.

To determine the best course of action from a financial perspective, compare quotes from local furniture repair services with the price of a new, similar piece. Reupholstery may not be cost-effective for furniture that was originally inexpensive (e.g., under $300). For high-quality or sentimental items, however, it is an excellent way to preserve the piece and extend its life. If you're unsure, a furniture reupholstery specialist can help you evaluate the piece and make an informed decision.

Wood filler is used to fix imperfections or damaged interior sections of wood on items like cabinets, door frames, and even laminate floors or countertops. It contains wood byproducts like sawdust mixed with water or solvent, which helps bind to wood and dry pretty quickly.

Learning how to fix water-damaged or swollen wood is possible, but it won’t always work if there is significant warping or structural damage that was caused by the water. Cosmetic issues such as nicks, bubbling and peeling can often be fixed by using an iron, sanding, or using wood filler.

Wood putty is made with a plastic adhesive, while wood filler is made from sawdust or wood products. The primary difference is their application: wood filler is used to repair the interior portions of wood, whereas wood putty is best for exterior sections because it contains chemicals that could damage the inside of the wood. If a crack or hole goes into the middle of the lumber, wood filler is the correct product for the job.