It’s the first question almost everyone asks us: is it worth reupholstering, or should I just buy a new sofa? The honest answer depends on what’s underneath the fabric.
Start with the frame
A sofa is only as good as its frame. Kiln-dried hardwood frames with glued and dowelled joints last for decades. Many budget sofas use particleboard and staples, which don’t survive being stripped and rebuilt.
Three questions we ask before quoting
- Is the frame solid hardwood, and are the joints sound or repairable?
- Do you love the shape, the size or the memories enough to keep it?
- Would a new sofa of the same build quality cost more than the rebuild?
If the frame is good, reupholstering usually gives you a better sofa than you could buy for the same money.
When replacing makes more sense
If the frame is cracked particleboard, or the sofa was inexpensive to begin with, the labour of a full rebuild can outweigh its value. We’ll tell you that from your photos, before you spend anything.
Not sure about yours?
Send three photos and we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth it.
The bottom line
Good bones are worth keeping. A well-built sofa can be rebuilt more than once and outlast several cheaper replacements.
Got a sofa like this?
Send three photos and we'll tell you honestly what it needs and what it costs.
Free photo quote