"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!"
As with any project, weighing the pros and cons of upholstery can help determine if that is the right choice for you. The ultimate question is whether it’s worth reupholstering instead of buying new furniture. Here are a few of the benefits and disadvantages of reupholstering a piece of furniture.
Pros:
Preserving a family heirloom
Maintaining high-quality furniture in good condition
Reinventing an old piece of furniture
Keeping a piece of furniture from going to a landfill
Cons:
Spending (possibly) more than to buy a new piece of furniture
Finding out the frame is beyond repair
Waiting for the reupholstery work to be done
The process usually takes 1-2 weeks, and it is highly influenced by the materials, complexity of the project, and any customization desired.
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.
DIY upholstery is feasible for simple pieces with the right tools and skills, though intricate jobs typically require professional expertise for the best results.
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.
The Tatum, 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.
You might wonder if you can steam clean a leather couch. We share everything you need to know before you grab your steamer—it could ruin your furniture.