"My experience was amazing from start to finish. I kept finding tables that I loved but not in the length I needed or the quality was subpar. I messaged Tom to see what could be done using the length I needed and what I liked. He was attentive and professional throughout. The table was to me in less than two weeks and far exceeded my expectations."
"Tim did a very nice job of fixing parts of the deck where some floor boards were coming lose and adding screws to the flooring for improved stability. Then he completed the job with two coatings. He kept us informed of the progress, worked independently and also cleaned up and replaced deck furniture. Highly recommend!"
"Candy did an excellent job. She came as agreed, on time. Windows were very clean. She made sure her job was well done. I will definitely hire her again. Also she is very polite, respectful and responsible."
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
Upholstery reduces waste sent to landfills, limits resource consumption, and supports sustainable living practices, provided fabrics meet standards.
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
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.
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 Emmaus, PA 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.
If your furniture has seen better days and you’re ready to learn how to clean upholstered chairs, you’re in the right place. Get the step-by-step guide here.