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When deciding whether to repair, reupholster, or replace old furniture, consider its age, quality, level of wear, and overall value, including sentimental attachment. In many cases, it is more affordable to reupholster or repair furniture than to replace it, especially for antique, vintage, or discontinued pieces.

Older furniture is often made from durable hardwoods like oak and maple, giving it a longer lifespan than newer furniture, which frequently uses lower-quality materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Because of this, repairing or reupholstering a well-made older piece is often a worthwhile investment.

To determine the best course of action from a financial perspective, compare quotes from local furniture repair services with the price of a new, similar piece. Reupholstery may not be cost-effective for furniture that was originally inexpensive (e.g., under $300). For high-quality or sentimental items, however, it is an excellent way to preserve the piece and extend its life. If you're unsure, a furniture reupholstery specialist can help you evaluate the piece and make an informed decision.

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.

Doing your own upholstery work is possible, but it’s typically a better idea to leave the work to professionals. Without experience and the proper tools, it’s difficult to get a professionally finished appearance for your furniture, and many DIYers end up spending money on tools and materials only to hire a professional when they can’t get the fabric to look right. If you have reupholstery experience, feel free to give it a shot. However, if you’re not confident in your skill level or you’re working with antiques, it’s worth the money to hire a pro.

The average cost to reupholster a piece of furniture is around $720, with most projects falling in the $380 to $1,150 range. The final price can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the size and complexity of the furniture, the cost of the new fabric (which typically ranges from $50 to $70 per yard), and hourly labor rates (often $40 to $100 per hour). Additional factors that influence the price are the piece's current condition, its age, whether it needs other repairs, the number of pieces being reupholstered, and your geographic location.