"When no one locally even responded to my inquiries for a quote, Michelle got back to me the same day with a quote and description of how the repair would be done. It's a slight downside to have to ship one glove coast to coast for a minor repair on one finger. But the cost of shipping and the repair is much less than purchasing another $100 pair of gloves! The repair took a little longer than anticipated, but shipping time had to be factored in as well. Michelle was very prompt with communications during the process. Cost of service below did not include shipping which was about $16 round trip. The glove returned good as new...well as good as it's pair. The glove is two years old. But the seam was totally resewn and reinforced. Michelle stated she did not want to the issue to happen again. I hope it won't. The problem started with my fingers rubbing. Very happy with the service from Premier. I wish they had a shop in Maryland!"
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.
DIY upholstery is feasible for simple pieces with the right tools and skills, though intricate jobs typically require professional expertise for the best results.
Paying to reupholster a piece of furniture means you want to hire the right upholstery service, especially for a piece that’s expensive or carries a lot of sentimental value. In your search for the right upholstery company, be sure to:
Ask around to see if friends or family know of any upholsterers
Find reviews of the company or individual
Look at the photo gallery of their work to see if they work on furniture like yours and if you like their work
Check qualifications and references
Ask the upholstery service if they work on furniture like yours, what their schedule looks like, how they handle payments, and how long the job will take
It is often worthwhile to refinish or restore furniture, especially for high-quality, older, antique, or sentimental pieces. Older furniture tends to have better durability than modern, mass-produced items, and refinishing can cost about one-third of the price of replacement. To determine if it's cost-effective, compare quotes from local refinishing services with the price of a new, similar piece. Refinishing can refresh a piece's look and extend its lifespan. However, it may not be worth it for newer furniture made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood, or for items with major structural damage. A professional can help you assess the piece and decide on the best course of action.
Reupholstering is often worthwhile for high-quality, antique, or sentimental couches, especially if the frame is sturdy. It can cost less than buying a comparable new piece and allows for customization, but may not be cost-effective for low-end furniture.
The Navajo, NM homeowners’ guide to upholstering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to reupholster a couch in 2026, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your next upholstery project.
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