Should you Reupholster Old Couch or Get a New One

When your distantly purchased sofa grows old and its fabric worn out, your mind will hop back and forth between purchasing a new set or getting your old couch reupholstered. Though both of these choices have pros and cons, you might be tempted to reupholster old couch as you grew up with it.

Contrary to popular belief, you might need to spend more on getting new seams and fabric applied to your old couch instead of opting for a new one, especially if you bought a specially crafted piece for your resting pleasure. The cost of labor could also add up. We’ll guide you through our in-depth cost analysis and what to consider before reupholstering your old pal in this article.

What is the Average Cost of Reupholstering a Couch?

The cost of reupholstering your old sofa depends on its size and the fabric material. If your old sofa is larger in size and is furnished with premium-quality fabric, you’ll have to spend way more than what you can save.

But your cost for upholstery will be greatly reduced if your sofa is smaller and you are utilizing inexpensive transportation. If we look at the raw numbers, the average cost of reupholstering an old sofa is $ 1,750.

Though on the bare minimum, you might be quoted $ 600, and the cost may go as high as $ 4,000. Remember that the cost of upholstery might differ for different sofa types.

Reupholstery Cost w.r.t Sofa Type:

Not every type of sofa is made the same way. The dimensions and design of a loveseat sofa will be different than the sectional one. The cost of upholstering will also depend on their type. We have looked into the recent trends for upholstery, and here is a handy dandy table where we compare prices for upholstering depending on different sofa types.

Sofa Type	Price for Upholstery
Recliner	$ 400 – $ 1,000
Ottoman	$ 300 – $ 1,000
Leather Sofa	$ 600 – $ 4,000
Chaise Lounge	$ 900 – $ 1,500
Armchair	$ 500 – $ 1,500
Loveseat	$ 600 – $ 2,000

Which Factors Affect Reupholstery Cost for Your Old Couch?

The type of sofa alone isn’t responsible for such a staggering difference in the upholstery costs. Different upholstery businesses will charge different, depending on their services. Let’s go over all the major factors that impact the upholstery price:

• Upholstery Fabric: The fabric on your sofa is the first thing you feel when you sit or lay on it. But the fabric used in your couch also dictates how much you will spend on its upholstery. Everything from the color, texture, and material impacts its price.
• Labor Cost: Whether you have hired a local seamstress of your acquaintance or someone professional, each will demand to be paid differently based on their experience and the amount of time spent getting the job done.
• Amount of Fabric: Apart from the quality of fabric, the other factor that impacts the cost of upholstery is its amount. You’ll be charged far less for the fabric to fill the cushions than the cost required for the whole sofa.
• Seat Cushions: The old cushions on your sofa also need some love. But that love will come at the cost of the stuffing you choose for refilling the cushions, which will depend on their material and the time and labor.
• Tufting: Tufting of the fabric should also add to the cost as it requires more time, expertise, and material.

What to Consider Before Reupholster Old Couch?

You should determine whether your old sofa is even suitable for getting upholstered, as changing the fabric alone won’t fix your sofa if Its frame is damaged or its foam is loose.

• Frame: Carefully take a peak at the frame your sofa is made of. If your sofa comprises a durable frame (usually made of hardwood) and there is no sign of damage, you should consider it a worthy contender for reupholstery. If the frame of your sofa is light and is joined with staples, get a new one instead.
• Foam: The foam inside your sofa should be firm but not loose. If the foam gets compressed without much force you apply, we don’t recommend getting that sofa reupholstered, as fixing the fabric alone won’t solve the problem of loose foam.
• Springs: A good quality couch will have sturdy springs that are coiled well. Please note that if the springs inside your sofa are uncoiled and made of runner panels, you should seriously consider getting a new one.

Why You Should Reupholster Your Old Sofa?

Although upholstering costs might be higher than the new suits, you might need to hold on to your old but trusty couch. Let’s outline why.

• Increase in Value: If the frame of your sofa is specifically handcrafted and its design is reminiscent of an old but iconic epoch, its value will increase over time.
• Environmentally Friendly: Nothing hurts our planet far more than throwing away our old but functional products. If your sofa is still comfy and its frame solid, getting it reupholstered instead of purchasing a new one is sure to decrease our carbon footprint.
• Emotional Attachment: If you have fond memories of your childhood, especially as you played with your siblings on that particular sofa that is being beaten up by the hands of time, you will have accumulated a strong sense of attachment to that sofa. Getting it upholstered should keep your legacy of the past alive for many more years to come.

Final Thoughts:

Reupholstering your old couch seems a good option if you want to be more sustainable. But before jumping into it, some important factors must be considered.

The costs can vary a ton depending on the size and type of sofa. A recliner will be cheaper to reupholster than a huge leather sectional. And nicer fabrics will also drive the price up. You’re usually looking at anywhere from $600 to $4,000.

It would help if you also thought about your couch’s condition. Reupholstering only does so much – if the frame is damaged or the foam is flattened, new fabric can’t fix that. Make sure to give your couch a good inspection before committing. The structure needs to be solid still.

If the money and time work for you and your couch passes the inspection, revamping your old buddy could be the way to go. Just go in with realistic expectations of the whole process.

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