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.
Upholstering allows personalization, extends furniture life, conserves resources, refreshes decor, and often costs less than buying new pieces.
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.
Many upholsterers allow you to provide your own fabric, which can help control costs and ensure you get the exact style you want. Some upholsterers offer a selection of fabrics to choose from, while others may require you to purchase it at a fabric store. Be sure to check with your upholsterer about fabric suitability, required yardage, and any additional fees for using customer-supplied materials.
The Wessington Springs, SD homeowners’ guide to upholstering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Learning how much it costs to refelt a pool table is the first step to getting your game back in top shape. Here's what to know about each type of table.
Discover the cost to reupholster a couch in 2025, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your next upholstery project.
•