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The time required to reupholster furniture depends on the item's size, complexity, and condition. The hands-on work can range from 2-3 hours for a simple dining chair to 10 to 20 hours for a large sofa. The total project timeline with a professional, including fabric sourcing and scheduling, typically ranges from one to three weeks.

Several factors can affect the timeline. Antique furniture often takes longer due to the delicate care required. If additional repairs are needed, such as sanding or refinishing wood components, the process will also take more time. A DIY reupholstery project will usually take significantly longer than a professional job.

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.

It is possible to reupholster directly over old material in some cases, and it can save you a bit of money. If you are going to go this route, make sure you use a darker color than you had previously. Otherwise, you might see the old fabric beneath the new material. You should also keep in mind that reupholstering over old material is only possible with certain materials. For example, reupholstering over leather usually isn’t possible. You can ask your professional to see if this is an option for your piece.

It is generally worth repairing leather furniture rather than replacing it, as it is typically more affordable and the material tends to retain its value. A typical repair averages around $250, which is significantly less than the thousands of dollars a replacement could cost. Even a full reupholstering, which can cost up to $4,000, may still be more economical than buying new. With proper care, repaired leather furniture can last for many years, making the investment worthwhile. However, if the underlying structure or frame of the furniture is damaged or malfunctioning, replacement might be a better option. The quality of the leather and the furniture piece are also important factors. For a definitive answer, it is best to consult a leather repair professional to assess your specific situation.