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When deciding whether to reupholster, repair, or replace old furniture, consider its age, level of wear and tear, and overall value. It’s usually better to repair old furniture because older pieces tend to be made out of hardwood, like oak and maple, whereas newer furniture is more often made out of plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and other less durable materials. When determining whether it’s worth the price to repair a furniture item, calculate the price of buying a new, similar piece and compare that to quotes from local furniture repair services.

Ongoing maintenance of your leather furniture is the only way to prevent it from peeling and cracking. Real leather will peel and crack as it dries out. Leather conditioners are a great way to protect your leather furniture from drying out, and you’ll need to apply it about twice each year. It’s also a good idea to keep abrasive materials away from your leather to prevent cracking and peeling, including belt buckles, shoes, and multi-surface cleaners, especially those that contain alcohol.

It can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes for wood filler to dry, but some products take up to four hours. Always read labels to ensure you're following the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-based wood fillers typically take longer to dry than oil-based or epoxy-wood fillers, especially when applied to large areas or deep cracks. Wood putty won’t dry completely, remaining slightly pliable.

Yes, vinegar can remove polyurethane from wood, but it is a slow, inefficient, and inconsistent restoration method. Whatever your intention, it’s best to avoid using vinegar on wood with a polyurethane finish—though it can be an effective cleaner for other wood finishes.