Get matched with top upholsterers in Red Creek, NY

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

Not always—heavily worn or broken furniture often isn’t worth repairing or refinishing (if it’s even possible). While some damage can be repaired and some of the visual appeal restored, major flaws, such as structural issues, can’t be fixed as easily. If you still want a cost-saving furniture refinishing project rather than purchasing all new, consider shopping for similar secondhand pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.

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.

DIY upholstery is feasible for simple pieces with the right tools and skills, though intricate jobs typically require professional expertise for the best results.