How to Determine if a Sofa Is Worth Upholstering

Reupholstering a sofa instead of replacing it can save you money, however the expense isn’t generally the most important component of the decision. Employing a good upholsterer can be practically as expensive as purchasing a new piece, so the important things that make the task worth it are more personal– like the sofa’s sentimental worth, viability for your area, and antique quality.

Furniture reupholstery also keeps the frame out of the garbage dump, making it the eco-conscious thing to do. If the sofa was cheap and low-grade to begin with, reupholstering it is probably a poor use of money.

1. Inspect the Age of the Piece

Identify whether the sofa is more than 10 years old. Ask the seller about the piece’s history if you’re thinking about buying it at a yard sale or from a used furniture dealer. Furniture integrated in the last ten years is normally not tough enough to bother reupholstering, however older pieces are often better quality. If it’s been utilized for 10 to 15 years and isn’t falling apart structurally, that’s likewise a great indication.

2. Figure out How Sturdy the Sofa Is

Shake the sofa by each arm and the back. Check whether it wobbles, rocks, or feels unsteady. If so, it’s most likely not a sufficient sofa to reupholster. If it feels durable and well-crafted, it might be a good prospect.

3. Take a look at the Frame

For sofa upholstery, the frame needs to be made from wood with relatively couple of knots, and the joints must be secured with dowels and glue rather than staples. If you’re unsure whether the frame is wood, eliminate all the cushions and try to raise the sofa. If it feels heavy for its size, it’s more likely to be high quality; if it feels light, the wood is most likely not strong sufficient to keep.

4. Check the Frame’s Springs

Look at the springs in the frame. High-quality sofas have coiled springs connected with twine in an asterisk pattern throughout the platform. If the sofa has rubber panels instead of springs or springs in an “s” shape instead of spiral, the piece most likely isn’t worth reupholstering. If you’re unsure whether the springs are coiled or you can’t see them, pat the underside of the sofa and feel whether the dust cover is stretched taut. A tight dust cover shows good building and construction.

5. Squeeze the Sofa’s Padding

Press on the cushions and squeeze the padded arms and back of the sofa. If they feel squishy or compress quickly, they’re probably made from low-quality foam, that makes reupholstering the sofa a poor financial investment. If they feel firm or bumpy, your upholsterer can work with the material to keep the sofa comfortable and useable.

6. Review the Style

The very first concern you ask yourself is, “Do I like the style and quality of my sofa?” If it’s good quality, but you’re on the fence about investing the money on reupholstering, ask yourself whether you’re most likely to discover another piece you like as much. Finding the ideal shape and size for your home can be tough, so if you have it in front of you and it just requires some repair work and new fabric, sofa reupholstery is most likely a good option.

Search for furniture reupholstery experts before you choose one. Pick a workman with good evaluations, a large portfolio, and budget-friendly rates.