Is it Worth the Cost to Reupholster Old Furniture?

Furniture quality and sentimental value are key factors in deciding whether to invest in upholstery.

Consider reupholstery instead of buying New

Instead of buying new, consider transforming your dull furniture to a brand new-looking one through reupholstery. 

It's a choice many people come to face at some point in their lifetime. That cozy chair you've spent years curling up in has lost its luster. It's  dirty. The fabric ripped. But it's your favorite chair, so you don't  want to get rid of it. Is there anything you can do to save it?

Also consider the quality of furniture and its sentimental value before deciding whether to reupholster or replace.  A new couch or chair might cost less than reupholstery but not last as long as older, quality furniture.

Here are the main factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace worn couches and chairs:

Cost of reupholstery

Reupholstery can cost just as much as buying new furniture, depending on the work required and fabric used.

For example, if you need a single cushion re-stuffed and reupholstered because your puppy chewed it up, the job could cost about $185, but if your couch needs a full overhaul that involves re-stuffing, reupholstery and repairs to springs or backboards, the job could cost between $700 and $1,200, or more.

Fabric drives the cost, with a typical sofa using at least 16 yards of fabric and a typical chair using about 7 yards. Cost for upholstery fabric typically costs starts around $40 per yard. Designer fabric typically starts around $70; while high-quality velvet fabric can cost as much as $200.

The amount of fabric affects labor costs — more fabric means more labor.  Intensive or special reupholstery work, such as the following, can increase labor costs:

• Attaching, replacing or fixing welt cords, or fabric cords that outline the seams of cushions and pillows

• Making sure that shapes and patterns align

• Tufting, forming patterns by threading through fabric and tying the ends with buttons or knots

Whether the cost of reupholstery is worth it depends on the quality and sentimental value of the furniture.

Reupholstering for sentimental value

You might want to consider keeping and repairing worn pieces of furniture you’ve become attached to, such as antiques or furniture passed down from parent to child.

If you get get rid of a piece of furniture you inherited from a grandparent or parent, you might regret it.

There’s no price to sentimental value, so if your furniture means something to you, think hard before deciding to replace it.

Even if the furniture doesn’t have sentimental value, you might simply like your favorite sofa or stuffed chair, either because of comfort or style. Consider replacing worn fabric on couches you find comfortable, and that fit with the overall style and décor of your home.

Furniture quality

Consider keeping that couch or stuffed chair if the furniture remains sturdy with a quality frame.

Typically, frames last longer in chairs and sofas built 10 to 15 years ago or longer. “Old furniture is always better built.” 

Many manufacturers lowered their standards in recent years by using woods previously unsuitable for furniture frames. Manufacturers often assemble frames with staples and fast-drying epoxy, as opposed to older furniture, built with strong hardwood and screws, she says. Screws last  longer because they don’t loosen as easily as staples.

Replace a couch or cushioned chair if the frame seems damaged.

Special inspections shouldn’t be needed to notice if your couch or chair frame is falling apart.

You notice by sitting on it. If springs start to pop, if the backboard is breaking, you know it.

If the frame remains strong, reupholstery gives you a chance to restore your couch with more control over the look and shape of the cushions.

You can have round cushions, squared cushions, different fabrics. You get to update it to what you want it to look like. It becomes a bit more custom.

Of course, there’s no price to sentimental value, so if your furniture  means something to you, think hard before deciding to replace it.

Even if the furniture doesn’t have sentimental value, you might simply like your favorite sofa or stuffed chair, either because of comfort or style. Consider replacing worn fabric on couches you find comfortable, and that fit with the overall style and décor of your home.