The average time it takes to reupholster a piece of furniture is around eight hours, but it varies significantly based on the piece. A professional can usually reupholster smaller furniture units like dining chairs or small ottomans in two to three hours, while an entire sofa might take several days or up to a week. Antique furniture tends to take longer to reupholster because greater care needs to be taken to preserve the piece. Your timeline might be a bit longer if you need other repairs done, like sanding and refinishing wood components.
It is usually worth repairing leather furniture, as it tends to retain its value, provided you care for the material. A typical repair for leather furniture will cost about $250, which is significantly more affordable than replacing the furniture entirely. Even if you spend toward the upper end of the typical cost range for a full reupholstering—around $4,000—you’ll still save money over replacing it. Of course, the quality of the leather and the piece of furniture matters. Consult a leather repair professional about whether it’s worth repairing your leather furniture.
Interior and exterior door openings are typically 80 inches high, with openings 29¼ inches wide for interior doors and 35 inches wide for exterior doors. If your couch is smaller than these measurements, it should fit through the door frame.
If your usually super soft couch feels crusty and rough after cleaning, it could be that you haven’t removed the cleaning product properly, you used too much, or you applied the wrong type. Always check the couch tags to select the right cleaning product, read application instructions carefully, and test on an inconspicuous corner. For fabrics such as microfiber, you can soften and fluff crusty fibers using a soft-bristled brush.
Upholstering allows personalization, extends furniture life, conserves resources, refreshes decor, and often costs less than buying new pieces.
The Stewartville, MN 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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Discover the cost to reupholster a couch in 2025, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your next upholstery project.