A good upholsterer can take the look of a chair from faded and worn to fresh and new. This skilled furniture project involves tearing down the piece, refitting it with new padding and springs, and covering the whole thing with your choice of new upholstery fabric. It’s a major job that can be very labor-intensive, and it may also cost more than just buying a new chair. However, for some people, especially those who own antiques or chairs that have sentimental value, reupholstery is worth the expense.
Typically, the word upholstery means to provide furniture with fabric or leather covers and webbing, padding, and springs. This is a skilled craft that has been around for centuries. The oldest known piece of upholstered furniture dates from the 16th century, and it was made using horsehair and fibers. More modern upholsterers use Dacron and upholstery cotton to create a comfortable, durable, and aesthetically appealing piece of furniture.
Reupholstery is usually more expensive than buying a new piece of furniture, but it can save you money in the long run. If your favorite chair has a well-made frame, and it’s not in need of any major repairs, then it may be worthwhile to reupholster. You can even save money on reupholstery by purchasing the materials yourself, as opposed to hiring an upholsterer to do it for you.
It’s best to have an expert upholsterer reupholster your furniture, as it’s a complex task that requires the right tools and skill. An upholsterer can make sure that your fabric matches up correctly, as well as add finishing touches like welting or tufting. An experienced upholsterer will know how to work with different fabrics and materials, as well as how to make the most of your budget and time.
The biggest drawback to reupholstery is that it’s a very time-consuming and labor-intensive project. In addition, it can be very expensive if you hire someone else to do it for you. If you’re planning to reupholster a very large piece of furniture, it’s important to have an idea of how much material and fabric you will need to purchase in advance.
Often, chairs and other types of furniture need between 6 and 10 yards of fabric to cover them. If you’re considering reupholstering a piece of furniture, it’s a good idea to ask an upholsterer for a estimate in advance.
If you’re unsure whether reupholstery is the right option for you, consider starting with a more manageable project, such as recovering your dining room chairs. Changing the cushion fabric and filling is a simpler process than reupholstering, and it’s less likely to result in a DIY disaster. It’s also a great way to get a fresh, new look without spending a lot of money on a new chair. If you’re ready to give your favorite chair a facelift, request free, no-commitment project estimates from upholsterers near you. The results will be worth it.