What does re-upholster furniture mean?

Re-holstering your furniture is to change the fabric and replace foam, padding and binding if required.

Unfortunately, there is a misconception that this is a cheaper exercise than buying new furniture. This might not be the case. Depending on where the furniture was originally purchased, the quality of materials used or the quality of frame or quality of fabric, and if it was purchased in bulk. Bulk fabric brings the value down of mass-produced furniture.

The advantage of reupholstering your furniture is that you can choose the fabric you want, the density of the foam and the finishing’s like piping, deep buttons, diamond stitching, oxford edge or studs.

Things to consider – Which Fabric/leather should be chosen based on the use of the piece of furniture:

1. Must it be children and pet friendly
2. Formal area
3. Living area
4. Area with direct sun (causes fading to fabric and leather)
5. Area with fire place (causes dryness to leather)
6. Outdoor area

Costs included for re-upholstery:

1. Labour
2. Stripping off old fabric and other materials off the frame
3. Machine time and consumables (stapling, sewing, cotton etc.)
4. Frame repairs (dependent if damaged frame can be repaired, if not there will be extra cost. This can only be determined once stripped)
5. Foam (High density, medium density, low density)
6. Piping

Costs excluded from re-upholstery:

1. Fabric (Recommended martingale strength for upholstery – > 10 000 rubs)
2. If frame is badly damaged and can’t be repaired, it will be communicated and quoted separately.
3. Studs for finishing’s
4. Collection and delivery

~ by Brigette du Plessis